2014 Jeep(R) Wrangler Starts Model Year With New Special Editions and Even More Rubicon Capability

09/01/2013

Jeep

The iconic Jeep(R) Wrangler - the most capable and recognized vehicle in the world - kicks off the new model year with two special-edition models. The combination of open-air freedom, off-road capability and on-road refinement has brought Jeep Wrangler's popularity to an all-time high. Special-edition models also are a staple for Wrangler enthusiasts, and they boost visibility in the marketplace.

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X is new for 2014 and brings added off-road capability above the already legendary Rubicon model with a winch-capable bumper, wider rock rails and higher level of standard content.

The Jeep Wrangler Freedom edition has been named and re-introduced for the 2014 model year due to popular demand. Based on the Sport S model, the Wrangler Freedom Esition offers great value with unique exterior and interior appointments. Jeep will donate $250 from each Wrangler Freedom III it sells to the United Service Organizations Inc. or USO as part of the Jeep Operation Safe Return initiative.

Other new features for the 2014 Jeep Wrangler include a Trail Kit featuring two D-rings, a tow strap, gloves and a bag to store the items. Clear park lamps and turn signal indicators replace the amber units, and Sport models can now be equipped with the Uconnect 6.5-inch touchscreen radio with hard drive storage and SiriusXM Radio. Sport models also have an available 32-inch Tire and Wheel Group featuring semi-gloss black 17-inch Rubicon aluminum wheels and BF Goodrich KM LT255/75R17 offroad tires.

Jeep Wrangler has always had a unique variety of colors to choose from, and 2014 is no different. New exterior colors include: Amp'd, Anvil, Copperhead, Flame Red, Granite Crystal and Hydro Blue (Freedom Edition only). Billet Silver, Bright White, Black and Dune continue on for 2014.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X

Available as a two-door Wrangler or four-door Wrangler Unlimited, the Rubicon X is the most capable Wrangler in the line-up. Based on the Rubicon model, it is equipped with Wrangler's part-time fourwheel- drive system that has electronic-locking front and rear Dana 44 axles that receive power through a Rock-Trac transfer case with a "4-Low" ratio of 4:1. A 4.10 axle ratio, front and rear, is also standard as are Tru-Lok locking differentials. With a six-speed manual transmission, the Wrangler Rubicon X has an impressive crawl ratio of 73.1:1 that makes it a breeze to negotiate any obstacle.

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X has many features that make it distinctive, as well as the most off-road capable Wrangler. BF Goodrich KM 255/75R17 tires are mounted on 17-inch Rubicon aluminum wheels painted satin black with polished faces and a red Jeep Wrangler "icon" logo on the inside pocket.

Black front and rear steel off-road bumpers toughen up the exterior, with the front bumper featuring removable end caps and a winch-capable design. These removable end caps help the Wrangler climb obstacles without hindrance, and reduce the damage potential to the bumper system. A dual-intake Power Dome hood helps aid in engine cooling and gives Wrangler a more menacing appearance. Red tow hooks adorn the front and rear, and Mopar rock rails give added protection from trail damage. Mopar also supplies the black fuel filler door. A red-silhouette "Rubicon" decal, on both sides of the hood, adds the finishing exterior touches to distinguish the Wrangler Rubicon X model's added capability.

The Wrangler Rubicon X comes standard with a Premium Sunrider soft top and is available with a black three-piece Freedom hard top or body-color hard top.

The interior has special touches as well. Black leather seats are standard, as are seat heaters for the front passengers. A unique gauge cluster features Rubicon X exclusive styling and also features a premium Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with added read-outs such as oil pressure, transmission and coolant temperatures, digital speed and individual tire pressure. The passenger grab handle features Quick Silver accents that are also found on the vent rings, steering wheel spokes and door pulls.

Final design touches include Mopar slush mats and unique axle locker and sway-bar disconnect switches.

Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition

The limited-edition 2014 Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition is based on the best-selling Sport model, and is available as a two-door Wrangler or four-door Wrangler Unlimited model. It is offered in six colors: Flame Red, Bright White, Freedom-unique Hydro Blue, Billet Silver, Black and Dune.

Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition's exterior features include sparkle silver-painted 17-inch alloy wheels, Mineral Gray-painted grille and front and rear bumper inserts, body-color wheel arches, a prominent "Oscar Mike" star-in-circle fender badges and decals on the hood and rear quarter panels, rock rails with matching black tail lamp guards and a Mopar fuel fill door, and a Sunrider soft top with deep-tint rear windows.

Interior treatments on the Jeep Wrangler Freedom include black seats with rugged tectonic fabric, an "Oscar Mike" logo embroidered on the seat backs in silver stitching, French Silver accent stitching on the steering wheel, doors, seats and front arm rest, and "Quick Silver" accents on the front passenger grab handle, door pulls and dash vent rings. Finishing touches include grab handles, Satin Chrome spokes on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, and Mopar Slush Mats. New for the 2014 Wrangler Freedom Edition is the addition of interior Grab Handles for ingress and egress.

Other standard features include power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and UConnect Voice Command and connectivity group coupled with standard SiriusXM Radio.

Powertrain

Chrysler Group's 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine - two-time winner of the prestigious Ward's 10 Best Engines award - delivers 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. It is engineered to provide a broad torque band with a focus on low-end torque, an essential trait needed for extreme off-roading. Engineers also designed the oil sump to provide oil to the pump even at extreme vehicle angles, and the alternator was placed up high so Wrangler can maintain its water-fording capability.

Available with a six-speed manual or an available five-speed automatic, the Jeep Wrangler can achieve up to 21 miles per gallon (mpg).

Engineering

The 2014 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 five-speed automatic transmission.

The Jeep Wrangler is available with several 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 pounds.

A best-in-class approach angle of 44.3 degrees, breakover angle of 25.5 degrees and departure angle of 40.4 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.

Design

The Wrangler's interior combines rich styling, versatility, comfort and intuitive feature use. Highlights include automatic temperature controls, heated premium leather seats, power mirrors and steering wheel controls for vehicle systems. Large rear windows are engineered for greater visibility. A USB port connects to the media center, 12-volt accessory outlets are located throughout the Wrangler and a 115-volt AC outlet is available to power select three-pronged home electronics.

The Jeep Wrangler's signature features include: classic round headlamps, seven-slot grille, trapezoid wheel flares, removable doors, exposed hinges, a fold-down windshield and innovative removable tops and half doors that allow the Wrangler to retain the brand's iconic appearance and function. Wrangler Rubicon and Sahara models share a body-color hardtop option, offering a premium appearance.

With room for five adults, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited remains the only four-door 4x4 open air vehicle on the market.

Safety, Security, and Connectivity

The 2014 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited are available with an array of safety and security technology features. Standard electronic stability control (ESC), electronic roll mitigation, trailer-sway control, Hill-start Assist and brake traction control are among two dozen available safety and security features. Jeep safety systems are engineered to improve handling and accident avoidance while providing occupant protection, allowing Jeep Wrangler customers the ability to safely "go anywhere and do anything."

Jeep Wrangler stays connected with Uconnect systems, including voice recognition, Bluetooth streaming audio, navigation and SiriusXM Radio. New for 2014, Sport models can now be equipped with the Uconnect 6.5-inch touchscreen radio with hard drive storage. 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.

Manufacturing

The 2014 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited are built in the Toledo Supplier Park in Toledo, Ohio.

Jeep Brand

Built on more than 70 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.

The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Cherokee, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Patriot, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models are sold outside North America - and all are available in right-hand drive versions and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. Chrysler Group LLC sells and services vehicles in approximately 120 countries around the world.