Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Jeep Wrangler diesel likely after 2015 model refresh

We automotive journalists aren't always the right people to ask about whether a US-spec vehicle should or should not be offered with a diesel powertrain (hint: the answer is usually "YES"). But when it comes to the iconic, off-road-ready Jeep Wrangler, we aren't the only ones who have been clamoring for an oil-burning engine behind that famous seven-slat grille. To that end, it appears there's good news on the horizon, as Jeep CEO Mike Manley recently told Ward's Auto that the "Wrangler is on the radar to get (a) diesel."

"I'm confident that the Grand Cherokee will show just how large a demand there is for diesel, and I think what that will do is reinforce the need for us to target Wrangler as a vehicle that can take a diesel," Manley told Ward's. The most rugged of Jeeps is scheduled to get an overhaul around 2015-16, and the diesel powertrain will likely be introduced around that time.

This year alone, Chrysler will be adding a diesel engine to the Grand Cherokee SUV, as well as the Ram 1500 pickup and Promaster utility van.

It's unclear if the Wrangler will get a new diesel engine or if Chrysler will use one of its existing oil-burners. The Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 will be powered by the new 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6, while the Ram Promaster uses a less-powerful 3.0-liter four-cylinder. In Europe, the Wrangler currently uses a 2.8-liter diesel V6, which we've had the chance to test (and enjoy). Of course, we won't get too excited until the ink has dried on an official announcement, but for now anyway, things are certainly looking good.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/28/j...model-refresh/

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

With the JGC getting the 3.0 V6 Turbo Diesel rated at 240hp 420lbft, this would be a great addition to the Wrangler with that high lbft!

geko29

Massive low RPM torque + 4.40:1 gearing plus 4Low crawl range = Epic win for trail/rock crawling.

spwolf

they really need to get 4cly diesels to US trucks too... they might be less powerful, but they are still fine for cars like this plus you can get really nice mpg with them.

LC Prado, pretty heavy car, can go by with 30 MPG if light footed with its 3.0l 190hp 4cly diesel. V6 version easily double.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Agreed. Throw a small 4 cylinder diesel into something Tacoma sized and its a recipe for success or at least great mileage for a small truck

J.P.

Would love to see this.....

Would love it even more if toyota would throw a diesel in the FJ!

mmarshall

Yes, a positive step forward. Now when are they going to stop limiting the Wrangler's 4WD to just the part-time Command-Trac and give it a proper center-differential for those who want one (at least as an option) and the Select-Trac or Quadra-Trac system? I don't see how the Wrangler continues to sell in the numbers it does wthout it.