Jeep is reportedly considering adopting an aluminum body and smaller engines for the next-generation Jeep Wrangler, according to comments from Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne.
Jeep is reportedly considering adopting an aluminum body and smaller engines for the next-generation Jeep Wrangler, according to comments from Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne. At the Paris Motor Show, Marchionne revealed that some big changes may be in store for the Wrangler to reduce its weight and improve its fuel efficiency.
“We firmly believe that we have to downsize the engines that are going into the Wrangler, just in terms of displacements, and then increase the capabilities by putting turbos in and doing other things to that engine,” he told Automotive News. “This requires a complete rethink of the architecture.”
Related: Next-Gen Jeep Wrangler Could Get Aluminum Body Panels to Cut Weight
The next-gen Wrangler is due in 2017 and could move to a unibody platform with smaller turbocharged engines and an aluminum body. If Chrysler does decide to go with aluminum the Wrangler’s production will be relocated from the current Toledo, Ohio plant.
Source: Automotive News