Jeep Wrangler: Born to be tough

Born in 1941, the Jeep brand celebrates 75 years of 4x4 leadership, military history, and open-air freedom and adventure in 2016. As a tribute to this diamond anniversary celebration, Jeep is creating distinctive, 75th Anniversary special-edition models of each vehicle in its lineup. “Jeep vehicles have defined the authentic SUV and set the benchmark for off-road capability and freedom since they were first produced in 1941,” said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global. “Today, Jeep SUVs continue to deliver 4x4 leadership, as well as fuel efficiency, world-class craftsmanship and premium on-road dynamics. “In honor of the brand’s 75th anniversary, we have created eye-catching, special-edition models of each vehicle in our lineup that celebrate the unparalleled history of the legendary Jeep brand,” Manley added. All 75th Anniversary special-edition models will be available in Jeep-exclusive Green exterior paint (Sarge Green, Recon Green or Jungle Green, depending on model), Low Gloss Bronze wheels, Bronze and Orange exterior accents, unique interiors, including exclusive seats with embossed 75th Anniversary logo or one-of-a-kind Ombre Mesh fabric, open-air freedom and a 75th Anniversary exterior badge. Each model will be available in Jeep dealer showrooms in the first quarter of 2016. Mike Manley, the head of Jeep, said, “Jeep vehicles have defined the authentic SUV and set the benchmark for off-road capability and freedom since they were first produced in 1941. Today, Jeep SUVs continue to deliver 4x4 leadership, as well as fuel efficiency, world-class craftsmanship and premium on-road dynamics.” All 75th Anniversary special-edition models offer special features not found in previous models like exclusive paint colors, exterior accenting, unique interior options and, of course, a 75th Anniversary exterior badge. With that said, let’s take a deep look at the Jeep Wrangler 75th Anniversary edition and what makes this special edition so special. On the outside, the 75th Anniversary Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited can be had in a number of exterior colors including Black, Rhino, Mojave Sand, Bright White, Billet Silver, Granite Crystal, and as pictured here – tying in Jeeps historical military presence – Sarge Green. The 17-inch wheels, tow hooks (front and rear) 75th-anniversary jeep badge, steel front and rear bumpers, headlamp rings and front grille throats are all painted in Low Gloss Bronze. The front grille itself is painted the same color as the body. Those 17-inch wheels are wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor tires, and the Wrangler is equipped with off-road rock rails. On the inside, the Jeep is equipped with leather-trimmed seats that are heated. They also feature 75th-anniversary embroidery, mesh inserts, and accent stitching – quite the departure from the standard Wrangler model. Even the grab handle on the passenger side has a 75th-anniversary logo on it. The included infotainment system has a 6.5-inch touchscreen display with Uconnect handsfree phone connectivity and Sirius XM Radio (subscription required, of course.) Jeep didn’t elaborate on engine or transmission choices, but the current Wrangler models come standard with a 3.6-liter engine and a six-speed manual transmission. An automatic transmission is optional at a premium of $1,350 (on standard models.) Jeeps press release did mention that the Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited with come with a Jeep Command-Trac 4x4 transfer case that has a 2.72:1 ratio, with a Dana 30 front axle and Dana 44 heavy-duty rear axle. 3.21:1 is the standard axle ratio, but 3.73:1 rear gears are available as an option. All in all, not a bad little setup for a 75th-anniversary edition. The Wrangler came to be as a successor to the Jeep vehicles used in World War II and went on sale in 1987. In the beginning, the Wrangler was seen as a primarily off-road vehicle, with an emphasis on four-wheel drive and its great off-road capability. It has since seen several generational changes and has seen a plethora of available engines, including a 2.4-liter, 2.5-liter, and 4.0-liter. In its current generation, the utility vehicle once seen as an off-road monster has become more of an all-purpose family vehicle that is capable of going over rock, through sand, and down the road with ease. The starting US Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the Jeep Wrangler 75th Anniversary edition is $34,575 ($38,375 for four-door Unlimited models), plus $995 destination. It is available in Sarge Green, Black, Rhino, Mojave Sand, Bright White, Billet Silver and Granite Crystal. — SG