There’s a chance that the next Wrangler could lose its solid axles in exchange for a new lighter independent suspension.
The Jeep Wrangler continues to be one of the most off-road capable SUVs on the market. One of the reasons its continued to hold that title is because of its solid axles, but will it still work as well without them? There’s a chance that the next Wrangler could lose its solid axles in exchange for a new lighter independent suspension.
The next Wrangler is scheduled for 2016 and there is a chance that Chrysler could say goodbye to the current solid axle setup. Chrysler is reportedly looking for new engineers to help with the redesign. Chrysler wants the next Wrangler to be lighter, but a move from its current coil-link suspension to something more similar to the Grand Cherokee could dry up the Wrangler’s loyal customer base.
So far this year sales of the Wrangler are up 11 percent and last year Jeep set a sales record, which was largely thanks to the Wrangler. Mike Manley, Jeep brand boss knows that it’s a difficult decision. “We’re already in an environment where it’s a challenge to produce a vehicle in that way, and it’s going to get harder.”
Source: Chrysler via Automotive News
