I recently saw a report about the new federal fuel economy standards that I think could change the future of the Wrangler. The new standards will require that the manufactures drastically increase the fuel mileage of their vehicles by 2011. These news standards will apply to all vehicles, including full-size trucks that were previously unaffected by fuel economy standards.
The new standards are based on the wheelbase of the vehicle. Shorter wheelbase vehicles will have higher standards and longer wheelbase vehicles will have lower standards. One report I saw claimed that the Wrangler (short wheelbase) will be one of the most affected vehicles. According to this report the 2011 Wrangler (short wheelbase) will be required to have a fuel economy rating of approximately 28 miles per gallon. The 2006 Wranglers (short wheelbase) receive between 19-21 miles per gallon. Although I could not find fuel economy data for the 2007 Wranglers, I am sure that the V6 will give the Wrangler modest gains.
Meeting the new standards will require that Jeep make major changes to the Wrangler's power plant. However, because the Unlimited Wrangler has longer wheelbase it will have lower fuel economy standards. Will Jeep invest millions into developing a new engine for the Wrangler? Could the 2011 Wrangler feature a V6 or V8 with selective cylinder deactivation? Will Jeep discontinue the short wheelbase Wrangler and focus on the Unlimited? In light of these new standards, what is the future of the short wheel base Wrangler.
The new standards are based on the wheelbase of the vehicle. Shorter wheelbase vehicles will have higher standards and longer wheelbase vehicles will have lower standards. One report I saw claimed that the Wrangler (short wheelbase) will be one of the most affected vehicles. According to this report the 2011 Wrangler (short wheelbase) will be required to have a fuel economy rating of approximately 28 miles per gallon. The 2006 Wranglers (short wheelbase) receive between 19-21 miles per gallon. Although I could not find fuel economy data for the 2007 Wranglers, I am sure that the V6 will give the Wrangler modest gains.
Meeting the new standards will require that Jeep make major changes to the Wrangler's power plant. However, because the Unlimited Wrangler has longer wheelbase it will have lower fuel economy standards. Will Jeep invest millions into developing a new engine for the Wrangler? Could the 2011 Wrangler feature a V6 or V8 with selective cylinder deactivation? Will Jeep discontinue the short wheelbase Wrangler and focus on the Unlimited? In light of these new standards, what is the future of the short wheel base Wrangler.
