PRESS
RELEASE - April 12, 2006
Jeep® Unveils
First-ever Four-door Wrangler, the All-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler
Unlimited
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World's most capable SUV
offers even more Jeep
- Even More Passenger Room and Comfort
– Five-passenger seating includes 56.7 inches of rear-seat hip room,
37.2 inches of rear-seat legroom
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Even
More Interior Cargo Space – 46.4 cu. ft. behind second-row seat and
83 cu. ft. with second-row seats folded flat; more cargo space than 2007
Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2006 Hummer H3 and 2006 Nissan Xterra
- Even More Open-air Fun – Only
four-door convertible on the market features Jeep's all-new, three-piece
Freedom Top™ and the innovative Sunrider™ soft top; open-air driving in
less than 30 seconds
- Even More Legendary Off-road
Capability – Best-in-class ground clearance, approach and departure
angles; enhanced Dana front and rear solid axles, available
next-generation Command-Trac® and Rock-Trac™ transfer cases, new
electric axle lockers, and electronic-disconnecting front sway bar
- Even More On-road Refinement –
116-inch wheelbase, 100-percent stiffer frame, advanced shock tuning and
new cross-car steering linkage
- Even More Power and Fuel Efficiency
– 3.8-liter V-6 engine features 205 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft. of torque
with improved fuel economy
- Even More Convenience – Standard
60/40-split fold-flat rear seat, available power windows and door locks
with remote keyless entry, full-screen navigation system, MP3 capability
and SIRIUS Satellite Ra
- Even More Safety – Standard
Electronic Stability Program (ESP), electronic roll mitigation and
Occupant Classification System (OCS); optional seat-mounted side air
bags
Featuring
a one-of-a-kind, four-door open-air design, the all-new 2007 Jeep®
Wrangler Unlimited expands the Jeep experience to new dimensions. With
room for five adult passengers – a Wrangler first – and the most cargo
space ever offered in a Wrangler, the Unlimited combines class-leading
off-road capability with everyday practicality.
The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
grows to mid-size SUV proportions, offering even more comfort and space,
even more versatility, even more open-air options, even more off-road
capability, even more on-road refinement, even more convenience and safety
features, and even more power and fuel efficiency.
"Combining four-door convenience with
Wrangler's unique open-air design and unmatched off-road capability, the
all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is the only four-door convertible on
the market," said George Murphy, Senior Vice President – Global Brand
Marketing, Chrysler Group. "Wrangler Unlimited expands the Jeep experience
and core values – freedom, adventure, mastery and authenticity – to a
broader range of customers who always wanted a Wrangler, but also more
space and versatility."
The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
features a 116-inch wheelbase, achieved by adding 20.6 inches to the
standard all-new 2007 Wrangler's 95.4-inch wheelbase. The additional
length allows for a larger rear seat that features three seating
positions, as well as more hip, leg and shoulder room. In addition,
Wrangler Unlimited offers nearly triple the rear cargo space.
Offered in two-wheel drive and four-wheel
drive, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited utilizes the same five-link solid-axle
suspension configuration as the standard 2007 Jeep Wrangler. The all-new
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited also retains Wrangler's coveted removable
full-framed or half doors, exposed hinges, fold-down windshield and
innovative removable and convertible tops.
The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
will be offered in three models: Wrangler Unlimited X, Sahara and Rubicon,
and will feature hundreds of different top, door and windshield
combinations. In addition, nine exterior colors and available 16-, 17-, or
18-inch wheels will be offered.
Even More Space, Comfort and Versatility
While maintaining its legendary off-road
capability, the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited features a spacious
interior that takes comfort and convenience to new lengths. Its 102.9 cu.
ft. of total interior space provides room for five adult passengers and
delivers more cargo storage and seating configurations than ever before.
"No other vehicle in the world can replicate
the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited's unique combination of
best-in-class off-road capability, open-air fun and everyday convenience
and versatility," said Mike Donoughe, Vice President – Body-on-frame
Product Team. "Whether it's used as a daily driver or for extreme rock
crawling, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has the ability to turn mountains into
mole hills, while comfortably carrying passengers and gear."
Providing easy entry and exit, all four
doors on the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited are front-hinged, with
inside and outside handles, and windows that travel all the way down. Rear
doors feature exposed forged hinges, open a full 90 degrees, and provide a
26.5-inch wide opening.
The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
offers rear-seat passengers a 33-inch front-to-rear couple distance and
37.2 inches of legroom. Rear seats split 60/40, and easily fold flat,
creating 83 cu. ft. of total storage volume.
With rear seats in the upright position,
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited features 46.4 cu. ft. of cargo space behind the
rear seat, providing more cargo space than the 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser,
2006 Hummer H3 and 2006 Nissan Xterra. A new lockable underfloor storage
area secures personal items out of sight.
Identical to the standard all-new 2007 Jeep
Wrangler, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited features an all-new instrument panel,
center stack and high-back front bucket seats. The front-seat area
provides 54.6 cu. ft. of space, providing 5.1 inches more shoulder room
and 4.6 inches more hip room compared to 2006 Jeep Wrangler models.
Even More Open-air Fun for Even More
Passengers
An all-new, three-piece modular hardtop –
Jeep's Freedom Top™ – features three removable panels for a variety of
open-air driving configurations. The left- and right-front passenger
panels may be stored inside the vehicle, while the rear section can remain
in place or be removed separately.
"Whether removing one of the Freedom Top
panels or flipping back the Sunrider soft top, the all-new 2007 Jeep
Wrangler Unlimited provides owners the flexibility to conveniently
experience open-air driving in less than 30 seconds," said Donoughe.
The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
also features a standard Sunrider™ soft top, which includes a "sun roof"
feature as well as the full top-down option. This soft top provides a
second open-air option by folding the soft top back completely over the
first- and second-row occupants, creating a 55x60-inch sun roof opening –
an opening 30 inches longer than the standard 2007 Jeep Wrangler Sunrider
top.
Even More Legendary Off-road Capability
Even with the additional 20.6-inch wheelbase
length, the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited achieves off-road
leadership among all SUVs in its class. Superior ground clearance combined
with short front and rear overhangs enable Jeep Wrangler Unlimited to
navigate the most rigorous off-road trails.
The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
features a best-in-class approach angle of 44.4 degrees, breakover angle
of 20.8 degrees, and best-in-class 40.5 degree departure angle – all more
than worthy of negotiating extreme obstacles. Additionally, Jeep Wrangler
Unlimited offers an available electronic-disconnecting front stabilizer
bar – Active Sway Bar System (ASBS) – delivering a 28-percent increase in
wheel travel.
"A long list of proven 4x4 hardware –
essential components among off-road enthusiasts – underscores the all-new
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited's off-road capabilities," said Donoughe.
"From beefy axles and heavy-duty transfer cases with low gear ratios to
locking differentials, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has more mettle than any
other vehicle, and more than enough to conquer a variety of off-road
challenges, right out of the box."
The highly capable underpinnings of Jeep
Wrangler Unlimited X and Sahara models include an enhanced Dana 30 front
axle and Dana 44 rear axle – each featuring larger pinion shafts, pinion
bearings and axle joints for increased durability compared to its
predecessor. Engineered to take on the most demanding trails, the all-new
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon model features enhanced heavy-duty
Dana 44 front and rear axles, which also feature larger pinion shafts,
pinion bearings and axle joints.
Providing armor for the all-new 2007 Jeep
Wrangler Unlimited's underbody components are three skid plates –
protecting the fuel tank, transfer case and automatic transmission oil
pan. Two-wheel-drive Jeep Wrangler Unlimited models feature one skid plate
to protect the fuel tank.
Four-wheel-drive Jeep Wrangler Unlimited X
and Sahara models feature the second-generation Command-Trac® NV241,
part-time, two-speed transfer case, featuring a 2.72:1 low-range gear
ratio. An optional Trac-Lok® limited-slip rear differential provides extra
torque and grip during low-traction situations.
The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Rubicon model features an Off-Road Rock-Trac™ NV241 two-speed transfer
case with a 4.0:1 low-range gear ratio, as well as electric front- and
rear-axle lockers, Active Sway Bar System and 32-inch B.F. Goodrich
Off-road tires.
Even More On-road Refinement
The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
features an even more refined on-road experience courtesy of its 116-inch
wheelbase, all-new 100-percent stiffer frame, 50-percent stiffer body and
refined five-link coil suspension. In addition, new steering and
suspension geometry provides precise ride and handling characteristics,
while new sound-deadening techniques reduce cabin noise by more than 20
percent.
Ride balance in the all-new 2007 Jeep
Wrangler Unlimited achieves minimal body lean when cornering and braking
due to the five-link coil suspension's new upper and lower control arms
and full-width forged-steel track bars. Also, lower suspension spring
rates provide a softer, more comfortable on-road ride.
Standard on the 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
X model, low-pressure twin-tube shock absorbers are tuned to match softer
coil rates, achieving optimum balance between advanced on-road handling
and rugged off-road capability. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara and Rubicon
models feature standard high-pressure monotube shocks, utilizing Low Speed
Tunable (LST) valve technology.
The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited's
new recirculating-ball steering configuration features a robust cross-car
steering linkage system, providing the stiffest possible steering linkage
in a solid-axle vehicle. A decreased scrub radius significantly reduces
steering wheel inputs, such as bump steer from uneven road surfaces.
Standard on the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler
Unlimited is an Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which aids the driver
in maintaining vehicle directional stability in severe driving maneuvers
on any type of surface. ESP features three modes – "full on," "full off"
and "partial on."
Even More Powerful and Fuel-efficient
Engine
New on all 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
models is a 3.8-liter overhead valve V-6 engine, with 205 horsepower and
240 lb.-ft. of torque – producing more horsepower and torque than its
predecessor with improved fuel economy. A standard six-speed manual
transmission or an available four-speed automatic transmission is offered.
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited features a towing
capacity of 3,500 lbs. and an optional towing package that includes a 4.10
axle ratio, class III trailer hitch and two front tow hooks.
For key diesel markets outside North
America, a diesel engine will also be available – for the first time in a
Jeep Wrangler – with a five-speed manual transmission.
Even More Authentic Jeep Design
The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
takes on a radical four-door open-air design with Jeep-signature design
cues – classic round headlamps, seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel
flares and exposed forged hinges merged with Wrangler Unlimited's longer
wheelbase, front-hinged rear doors, exposed B-pillar and larger sport bar
– creating a stance that commands attention like no other Wrangler in its
65-year history.
"The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
extends Jeep design cues into a four-door, open-air form that is
unmistakably Jeep Wrangler and unmistakably new," said Trevor Creed,
Senior Vice President – Design. "The Wrangler Unlimited's appearance is
simple and pure, yet signals a new design approach to this familiar icon.
Every angle reflects its boldly expanded posture and adventurous spirit,
constructed in a head-turning silhouette that is authentic Jeep."
Several Jeep concept vehicles – the 1997
Jeep Dakar, 2004 Jeep Rescue and 2005 Jeep Gladiator – that explored the
combination of added space and utility with Wrangler's rugged off-road
character, inspired the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited's design.
The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited's
20.6-inch longer wheelbase with full-framed or half rear doors is
encompassed by taut lines, sharp angles and planar surfaces, appearing not
so much styled as constructed. The result is a design that is simple,
strong and purpose-built, giving Wrangler Unlimited a military quality:
upright and rugged, and imposing without being intimidating.
The interior design of the all-new 2007 Jeep
Wrangler Unlimited draws from the exterior, with a straightforward,
purposeful, yet contemporary theme that delivers a new level of comfort,
spaciousness and convenience. Featuring a Slate Gray or Khaki interior,
the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited utilizes new grain patterns
delivering a technical appearance with geometric themes, complementing its
rugged exterior.
The instrument panel features an all-new
analog instrument cluster, four round airflow registers, six speakers and
a 32-percent-larger locking glove box. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited's tweeter
speakers are located on top of the instrument panel and face each opposing
occupant for optimal left- and right-channel clarity.
The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited's
center stack provides easy-to-reach controls for audio system, HVAC, power
window and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) switches. An available
368-watt Alpine stereo with optional navigation system is located at the
top of the center stack for better visibility. Radios feature an auxiliary
jack for portable MP3 compatibility.
Offering easy-to-use, comprehensive driving
directions, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited's available navigation system provides
real-time guidance on local, city and highway roads throughout the United
States and Canada. In addition, a trail feature leaves behind a virtual
breadcrumb trail that shows where the vehicle has driven off-road,
enabling the driver to retrace the route and return to the trailhead.
Even More Safety and Security Features
Like all Jeep vehicles, the all-new 2007
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is designed to improve handling and accident
avoidance, and provide protection. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited includes the
highest level of safety features ever offered in the vehicle's history in
order to provide customers the ability to safely "go anywhere, do
anything." Following are available safety and security features in the
all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited:
- Advanced Multi-stage Air Bag System
– This system inflates with a force appropriate to the severity of an
impact. It includes the occupant classification system (OCS)
- Anti-lock-braking System –
Electronic sensors help detect impending wheel lockup. The standard ABS
system offers improved steering control under extreme braking and/or
slippery conditions
- Brake Assist – The vehicle senses
a panic brake condition and applies maximum braking power, providing the
shortest possible stopping distance
- Child Seat Anchor System – Lower
Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) make it easier to install
compatible aftermarket child seats in the rear seat
- Electronic Roll Mitigation – A
system that observes and monitors the vehicle speed and steering rate to
estimate the potential for a rollover situation. If necessary, the
engine torque is reduced and a short burst of full braking is applied to
the appropriate wheel to immediately limit lateral force, providing
improved roll stability
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
– ESP aids the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability,
providing oversteer and understeer control to maintain vehicle behavior
on various road surfaces. This standard feature has three settings,
allowing the driver more control over the vehicle during spirited
driving
- Energy-absorbing Steering Column –
Manual-adjust collapsing steering column includes two hydroformed
coaxial tubes that move relative to each other, which allows the column
to move forward and provide more energy absorption during an impact
- Occupant Classification System (OCS)
– Measures conditions for activation or deactivation of the
passenger-side front air bag based upon the weight of the occupant
- Pretensioners – During an impact,
the impact sensors initiate front seat belt pretensioners to immediately
remove slack from seat belts, which reduces the forward movement of the
occupant's head and torso
- Seat-mounted Side Air Bags –
Available seat-mounted side air bags extend protection to driver and
front passenger
- Side-impact Door Beams – Door
beams are made of high-strength steel mounted in the vehicle's doors to
help prevent passenger compartment intrusion
Even More Vehicle Offerings in Jeep
Showroom
The Jeep brand offers customers "even more"
with its expansion of rugged, versatile, innovative four-wheel-drive
vehicles, further solidifying its standing as the global leader in the
sport-utility market.
Hot on the trails of the newly introduced
2007 Jeep Compass, 2007 Jeep Wrangler and 2007 Jeep Patriot, the all-new
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited again underscores the brand's commitment to
its core attributes of freedom, adventure, mastery, authenticity and
capability with its first-ever four-door convertible.
The Jeep Wrangler customer is truly unique
in that many have wanted a Wrangler for years. "I've always wanted one" is
a commonly expressed sentiment. The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
effectively grows Jeep Wrangler's appeal by offering authentic off-road
capability to those who desire more space and versatility.
Jeep's global lineup now includes Jeep
Commander, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Liberty (Cherokee outside North
America), Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot and the legendary Jeep Wrangler and
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.
The Jeep brand continues to gain momentum,
with 2005 sales up 12 percent over 2004. More than 400,000 Jeep SUVs were
sold in the U.S. last year.
Jeep Trail Rated
The Jeep Trail Rated badge on the all-new
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited verifies that the vehicle has been designed
to perform in a variety of challenging off-road conditions identified by
five key off-road performance categories: traction, ground clearance,
maneuverability, articulation and water fording.
Jeep Trail Rated is an industry-leading
methodology that objectively measures and consistently predicts off-road
performance for all Jeep vehicles. Through a combination of natural and
controlled field tests, as well as computer-simulated environments, Jeep
Trail Rated provides a repeatable and consistent measurement of off-road
performance for Jeep vehicles. Only Jeep vehicles are Trail Rated.
Worldwide Availability
The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
will be sold in more than 100 countries throughout the world, in both
left- and right-hand-drive models. Wrangler Unlimited will be available
with a new 3.8-liter V-6 engine and a diesel engine will also be available
for key diesel markets outside of North America. Built at Chrysler Group's
Toledo Assembly Plant in Toledo, Ohio, the 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
will arrive in U.S. Jeep dealerships in the fall of 2006, and will follow
to international markets starting in the first half of 2007.
Source: DaimlerChrysler Media Services
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