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Engineering
The 2012 Jeep Wrangler delivers unmatched off-road
capability with legendary four-wheel drive and is produced with more than seven
decades of 4x4 engineering experience. Wrangler continues to offer a
body-on-frame design, front and rear five-link suspension system, live axles,
electronic lockers, and is one of the few mid-size SUVs that offers a six-speed
manual transmission - in addition to its new five-speed automatic transmission.
The new automatic transmission benefits the 2012 Wrangler as much as the new
engine with more refined shifting and gear selection. By increasing the number
of speeds from four to five, the transmission allows the engine to operate in a
more efficient RPM range, which helps increase fuel economy. More speeds also
enable the engine to remain in the torque curve, increasing acceleration. The
2012 Jeep Wrangler boasts a 25-percent improvement in 0-60 mph time, which is
now 8.4 seconds. Also, a lower first-gear ratio in the new automatic
transmission gives the Wrangler more off-road capability via a lower overall
crawl ratio.
Jeep Wrangler is now available with more axle gear ratios
allowing customers to optimize fuel economy and/or vehicle capability. Wrangler
is available with 3.21, 3.73 or 4.10 ratios depending on model. Also, Wrangler
offers towing capability up to 3,500 lbs.
A best-in-class approach angle
of 44.6 degrees, breakover angle of 25.5 degrees and best-in-class departure
angle of 40.6 degrees, helps the Jeep Wrangler scale the toughest terrain.
The capable driveline of the Sport and Sahara models include a Dana 30 front
axle and Dana 44 rear axle. The Command-Trac NV241, part-time, two-speed
transfer case, features a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio. In addition, an optional
Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential provides extra torque and grip in
low-traction environments such as sand, mud or snow.
The Wrangler Rubicon
model features heavy-duty Dana 44 front and rear axles and the Rock-Trac NV241
two-speed transfer case with a 4.0:1 low-range gear ratio. Rubicon also includes
electric front and rear locking differentials, disconnecting front sway bar and
32-inch tires, taking the Wrangler to the highest level of capability.
Connectivity
The 2012 Jeep Wrangler stays connected with Uconnect
systems, including voice recognition, Bluetooth streaming audio, navigation and
SiriusXM Satellite Radio. The Wrangler's connectivity systems have improved
ergonomics by giving the driver control at their fingertips. Intuitive buttons
on the front and rear of the steering wheel control a number of features
allowing the driver to keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
Jeep Wrangler's Legendary Reliability
The 2012 Jeep Wrangler
underwent millions of durability testing miles during development in the
company's scientific labs, at its proving grounds and on public roads in various
climates.
The Wrangler's 3.6-liter V-6 Pentastar engine recorded more
than 12 million customer-equivalent miles on engine dynamometers prior to
production. Testing was increased by 50 percent compared to previous Chrysler
Group V-6 engines, to guarantee a long life against severe conditions and
accommodate high-load applications such as trailer towing. Reducing noise,
vibration and harshness was a key objective for every engine component and was
achieved using advanced computer-aided engineering techniques.
As the
Wrangler approached production, the company also tested day and night, on- and
off-road to put the equivalent of three years of wear and tear on the vehicle in
approximately three months time. This accelerated testing occurred on public
roads, paved and unpaved, in an attempt to find and fix any issues before the
first SUVs were delivered to customers. The test drivers checked all the
functional aspects of the vehicle, such as heating and cooling, window
operation, convertible and removable hardtop operation and navigation system.
Manufacturing
The 2012 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler
Unlimited are built in the Toledo Supplier Park in Toledo, Ohio. The plant
features the flexibility to integrate the all-new powertrain with the addition
of new engine carriers and transmission lift equipment.
The 3.6-liter V-6
engine is manufactured at the Trenton engine plant in Michigan. The five-speed
automatic transmission is produced in Kokomo, Indiana (ITP2), and the manual
six-speed transmission is produced in Gaggenau, Germany.
Wrangler Sahara
and Rubicon models offer a body-color hardtop and fender flares. A new paint
process was developed to match the body color to the sheet molded compound (SMC)
hardtops that exceeds the corporate quality standards of paint adhesion and UV
resistance in the harshest environments. The body and top are painted separately
with blended and matched paint to assure color continuity.
Jeep Wrangler: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications