PRESS RELEASE – January 9, 2006 – Jeep® Elevates Icon: Introduces All-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler
65 Years Later, Jeep® Continues to Offer More Legendary Capability
- More Off-road Capability – Increased ground clearance, larger wheels and tires, 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
- More On-road Refinement – All-new 100 percent stiffer frame in bending, 2-inch longer wheelbase, 3.5-inch wider track, lower spring rates, advanced shock tuning, increased jounce and rebound travel
- More Interior Space and Comfort – 4.6 inches more hip and 5.1 inches more shoulder room combined with additional 2 inches in couple, 1 inch in rear-seat leg room and 2 inches behind rear seat
- More Open-air Options – Dozens of different door, top and windshield combinations; new three-piece modular hardtop and innovative Sunrider™ soft top
- More Power and Torque – New 3.8-liter V-6 engine with 205 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft. of torque
- More Safety – Electronic Stability Program (ESP), electronic roll mitigation, dual-stage air bags, seat-mounted side air bags and Occupant Classification System (OCS)
- More Convenience – Available power windows and door locks, full-screen navigation system, 368-watt Alpine® stereo with MP3 capability, SIRIUS Satellite Radio
Jeep® introduces the all-new 2007 Wrangler, the most capable off-road vehicle in the world – and more.
A direct descendent of the original Jeep – the 1941 Willys MB – the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler evolves from more than 65 years of legendary 4×4 leadership. Building on the successful, original Jeep formula with an all-new frame, exterior and interior design, engine, and safety and convenience features, Jeep Wrangler delivers more capability, interior space and comfort, refinement, power and open-air fun.
“The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler blazes a trail no other vehicle can follow,” said Jeff Bell, Vice President – Jeep, Chrysler Group. “Just as it did when it first debuted in 1941, Jeep Wrangler sets a new benchmark in off-road capability.
“With more off-road capability, more versatility, more power, more on-road refinement, and more comfort and space, the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler continues its legacy as the Jeep brand icon. Simply put, it is the best Jeep Wrangler ever,” added Bell.
Offered in three models – Wrangler X, Sahara and Rubicon – the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler is lean, rugged and simple, achieving best-in-class off-road capability while delivering a true open-air driving experience. With solid axles, removable doors, exposed hinges, a fold-down windshield and innovative removable and convertible tops, Jeep Wrangler retains the brand’s coveted core values of freedom, adventure, mastery and authenticity.
With dozens of different top, door and windshield combinations, nine unique exterior colors and available 16-, 17- or 18-inch wheels, the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler provides a customized appearance for a variety of customers.
More Legendary Off-road Capability
From ground clearance to articulation to traction, Jeep engineers focused on more than 50 functional objectives during development of the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler. The result is the ultimate “out-of-the-box” off-road vehicle with all the necessary features to “go anywhere and do anything.”
“Re-engineered and redesigned from the ground up, the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler is the most capable Wrangler in its 65-year history,” said Mike Donoughe, Vice President – Body-on-frame Product Team. “With more ground clearance, better wheel articulation and advanced off-road hardware, Jeep Wrangler is designed to tackle the toughest off-road obstacles.”
Improved ground clearance, combined with short front and rear overhangs, enables the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler to navigate the world’s most challenging off-road trails, especially severe inclines. A boulder-friendly approach angle of 44.3 degrees and breakover angle of 25.4 degrees, along with a 40.4 degree departure angle, once again make the 2007 Jeep Wrangler the most formidable off-roader.
Providing unmatched wheel articulation and durability, Jeep Wrangler X and Sahara models feature an enhanced Dana 30 front axle and Dana 35 rear axle. For the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon model, heavy-duty front and rear axles are both Dana 44s, which feature numerous improvements. With the optional trailer tow package, a Dana 44 rear axle is standard on all media. Providing significant underbody protection are three skid plates – protecting the fuel tank, transfer case and automatic transmission oil pan. For the first time, Jeep Wrangler offers an electronic-disconnecting front stabilizer bar – Active Sway Bar System (ASBS) – delivering additional wheel travel for traversing the toughest trails. As a result, the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler boasts a 652 Ramp Travel Index (RTI – a measurement of a vehicle’s suspension articulation) with the front stabilizer bar engaged and an 832 RTI with the front stabilizer bar disconnected – a 28 percent increase.
Jeep Wrangler 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. In addition, a Trac-Lok® limited-slip rear differential provides extra torque and grip during low-traction situations, such as driving over sand, gravel, snow or ice. The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler 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 and 32-inch B.F. Goodrich Off-Road tires.
More On-road Refinement
While improving its legendary 4×4 Jeep capability, the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler offers enhanced on-road comfort due to an all-new 100 percent stiffer frame in bending, 50 percent stiffer body, refined five-link coil suspension, improved shock tuning, 2-inch longer wheelbase and 3.5-inch wider track. In addition, new steering and suspension geometry provides precise ride and handling characteristics, and new sound-deadening techniques reduce cabin noise by more than 20 percent.
“The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler reaches new levels of on-road ride, handling and refinement – an achievement realized while also boosting its off-road capability,” said Donoughe. “The new suspension enables the Wrangler to corner flatter with less lateral motion, provide better on-center steering feel, and even more effectively absorb on-road bumps and cracks.”
Ride balance in the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler is more refined, achieving less body lean when cornering and braking. In addition, lower suspension spring rates provide a softer, more comfortable on-road ride. Standard on the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler 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.” Standard on the 2007 Jeep Wrangler X model, low-pressure twin-tube shock absorbers are tuned to provide improved balance between jounce and rebound motions, achieving an extremely responsive suspension. Jeep Wrangler Sahara and Rubicon models feature standard high-pressure monotube shocks, utilizing Low Speed Tunable (LST) valve technology. The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler’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, for a precise “rack-and-pinion” feel.
More Interior Space and Comfort
The 2007 Jeep Wrangler’s all-new interior is designed to offer new features and functionality, increase passenger comfort and improve ergonomics. The spacious, durable interior features a new instrument panel and center stack, and new high-back front bucket seats.
Interior volume provides significantly more passenger space, versatility and cargo storage. Featuring a front-seat area with 54.6 cu. ft. of space – an increase of 4.8 cu. ft. – the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler provides 5.1 inches more shoulder room and 4.6 inches more hip room.
New front seats are sculpted and conform to the body, and a driver’s seat height adjuster is available for optimized seat position and comfort. Jeep Wrangler Sahara and Rubicon models feature cloth seats with YES Essentials® fabric – an easy-care, soil-repellant and anti-microbial textile that protects seats from stains, odors and discoloration.
Rear seats comfortably accommodate two adults with 3.9 inches more shoulder room, 1.6 inches more hip room, 1 inch more leg room and a 2-inch greater couple than the 2007 Jeep Wrangler’s predecessor. A fold-and-tumble feature allows rear seats to be conveniently stowed for additional storage capacity.
Two more inches of space behind the rear seat nearly doubles the cargo capacity of the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler. The extra space provides room for a new lockable underfloor storage area, which secures small items out of sight in the rear cargo area.
More Options for Open-air Fun
An all-new, three-piece modular hard top system features three panels – left- and right-front passenger panels and a rear panel – providing more options for open-air driving in the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler. Removing the left- and right-front passenger panels is simple and may be accomplished quickly by one person. Also available in the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler is the innovative Sunrider™ soft top, which includes a “sun roof” feature in addition to the full top-down option. This soft top provides a second open-air option by folding the soft top back completely over the driver and front passenger to create a 52×30-inch sun roof opening – larger than any typical glass sun roof.
New, More Powerful Engine
A new 3.8-liter overhead valve V-6 engine is featured on all 2007 Jeep Wrangler models, replacing the 4.0-liter Power-Tech in-line six engine. With 205 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft. of torque, Jeep Wrangler comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission or an available four-speed automatic transmission.
The 3.8-liter V-6 engine produces more horsepower and torque than its predecessor. Compared to the 4.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, the 3.8-liter is lighter and shorter, and maintains higher torque at speeds above 3400 rpm, allowing for an expanded operating range.
The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler’s horsepower and torque, combined with an enhanced suspension, results in a towing capacity of 2,000 lbs. For the first time in a Jeep Wrangler, an optional towing package includes a rear Dana 44 axle with a 4.10 axle ratio and trailer hitch.
New, Authentic, “Not Afraid to Get Dirty” Jeep Design
The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler continues Wrangler’s legacy as the icon of the Jeep brand. With its distinguished “form equals function” design, it is clearly recognizable as the original Jeep.
“The task of designing the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler meant creating a modern design for one of the world’s greatest automotive icons,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design. “The 2007 Jeep Wrangler design is rugged, yet simple, maintaining its heritage while also communicating a new level of capability and versatility. “Improved quality, passenger comfort and, most importantly, off-road capability, are a direct result of Jeep Wrangler’s functional design,” added Creed.
While staying true to the original formula, Jeep Wrangler’s appearance is modern and precise, with clean, crisp lines and improved fit and finish. Wrangler-signature “must-have” features are refined, including classic round headlamps, a signature seven-slot grille, trapezoid wheel flares, exposed forged hinges, a fold-down windshield, sport bar, removable tops and doors, available full-framed or half doors, and hard and soft tops.
The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler is 5.5 inches wider overall, taking on a brawnier appearance. The body features new sheet metal with a slight crown, providing a strong and robust presence.
More Stopping Power
New four-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes are standard on all 2007 Jeep Wrangler models. An off-road anti-lock-braking feature enables sustained wheel lockup for improved performance on plowable surfaces, including loose dirt, gravel, sand and mud.
All 2007 Jeep Wrangler models incorporate larger wheels and tires than previous Wrangler models. Standard 16-inch wheels on the Wrangler X model and 17-inch wheels on the Wrangler Sahara and Rubicon models are new for 2007. In addition, 18-inch wheels – a Wrangler first – are optional on Wrangler Sahara.
More Safety and Security Features
Like all Jeep vehicles, the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler is designed to improve not only handling and accident avoidance, but also to provide protection. Jeep Wrangler includes the highest level of safety features ever offered in the vehicle’s history – to provide customers the ability to safely “go anywhere, do anything.”
“The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler offers customers peace of mind with significantly more standard safety equipment than Wrangler has ever offered,” said Donoughe. “Whether on- or off-road, Jeep Wrangler provides both passive and active safety systems that enhance vehicle stability and provide the highest levels of occupant protection.”
Following are available safety and security features in the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler:
* 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 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
* 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
* 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 feature has three settings, allowing the driver more control over the vehicle during spirited driving
* Electronic Roll Mitigation: A system that observes and monitors the vehicle roll attitude and lateral force 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 help stabilize the vehicle attitude and reduce the vehicle’s lateral force
* 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
Jeep Trail Rated TM
The Jeep Trail Rated TM badge on the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler verifies that the vehicle has been designed to perform in a variety of challenging off-road conditions identified by five key consumer-oriented performance categories: traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation and water fording.
Jeep Trail Rated is an industry-leading methodology established by the Nevada Automotive Test Center (NATC) and Jeep Engineering to objectively measure and consistently predict 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
Sold in key international markets throughout the world, the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler is available with a diesel engine, as well as left- and right-hand-drive models. Built at Chrysler Group’s Stickney Avenue Toledo Assembly Plant in Toledo, Ohio, the 2007 Jeep Wrangler will arrive in Jeep dealerships in the fall of 2006.
Source: DaimlerChrysler Media Services.
full specs (pdf)
Source: jeep.com
