The relentless march of spy shots leaking out of FCA depicting the upcoming JL Wrangler continues at a torrid pace.
This new set of photos gives us a clean look at what is clearly an Unlimited model, given that it has, y’know, four doors. Sans the heavy vinyl cladding covering up JLs in other spy shots in favor of skintight swirlies, we are treated to the most revealing look to-date of the new Wrangler.
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Up front, this JL is sporting a pair of headlights that cut ever so slightly into the Jeep’s signature seven-slat grille. Its front bumper gains a set of round fog lights, flanked by textured black inserts. A duo of classic Jeep latches remain on the leading edges of the Wrangler’s hood while the fender flares appear to incorporate a set of turn signals, although it is difficult to tell if the JK will ditch the JL’s headlight/turn signal combo in the grille for a TJ-style headlight-only appearance.
Huge news – at least for this author – is the appearance of what definitely absolutely positively look like windshield hinges! Past spy shots muddied the matter but this set of photos seem to confirm that the new JL will be a bugs-in-yer-teeth experience. Good.
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Its door handles have dropped the JK’s push button actuators, presumably in favor of an anterior latch. The red Jeep in these photos has a small nub on the driver’s door handle, leading to speculation of a Keyless Enter ‘n Go option, such as that found on the Grand Cherokee and other Jeeps.
The fuel-filler has gained a swing-out cover, dropping the agricultural open-hole look on the current JK. This is undoubtedly a nod to the Wrangler’s slight demographic shift, serving as it does to many families whose idea of off-roading is a gravel road to the cottage. However, a covered fuel-filler will indeed keep out mud and gunk sprayed forth by gnarly trail rides.
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Rear LED taillamps are completely undisguised, confirming what has been long speculated. The Wrangler, or at least this trim, doesn’t share the ‘X’ motif of the Renegade’s rear lamps but it is logical to say that these LEDs will be reserved for high-dollar trims only. Joining the license plate on the bumper are a pair of red reflectors.
The license plate has been shuttled down to the rear bumper, taking up residence on the driver’s side in a more southerly location compared to the current JK. Four-pin and seven-pin electrical trailer connections, similar to the integrated units found on the Ram, appear to the left of a tow hitch on the silver-colored mule. A swing-out spare tire and flip-up rear glass remain.
The off-road community has been treated to an increasing number of wrapped JL Wranglers, with each one slowly dropping more and more camo like the world’s longest striptease. At this rate, the only surprises that’ll be left for the reveal will be the texture of the carpet underneath its front seats.
Expect to see a production version of the new JL Wrangler at the L.A. Auto Show this Fall.
