Our trusted shutterbug has captured new photos of the upcoming Jeep Wrangler once again, offering a look at a new set of taillights along with clues to the composition of the Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited’s soft top.
Shots of the rear reveal a set of taillights slightly different than the ones we’ve already seen, leading us to speculate that different trim levels may have distinctive rear lenses. The units shown here have three illumination points – a red upper section for braking, with two smaller sections below. The innermost lower section appears to contain an amber bulb for turn signaling, marking a departure from the current red/white combo.
Rumors abound of a power retractable soft top, so it is pleasing to see a four-ribbed fabric roof in these spy photos. An automatic top on a Wrangler Unlimited, should it appear, will be a sight to behold in action, as it will likely contain an amount of material and moving parts to rival the retractable roof at Chase Field.
READ MORE: The Wrangler JL will Debut in Late November
Another interesting detail is a flap in the camouflage positioned dead centre on the rear. While a Michigan license plate does peek out from the bumper’s lower-left corner, this flap could indicate a relocation of the Wrangler’s rear license plate, at least on models sporting an exterior-mounted rear tire. Currently, all Wranglers hang their spare on the tailgate.
One of the mules, perhaps a Rubicon model, sports beefy BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A tires. An exterior radio antenna is present, scuppering rumours of a windshield-integrated unit. The tailgate’s handle remains vertical but is missing the release button found atop the current grip. Perhaps the next Wrangler’s exterior door handles will have their releases on their anterior side.
It appears as though the Wrangler has a slightly longer snout, yet retains the exterior hood-release catches that have been around since the dawn of time. Bumps in the camouflage at the leading edge of this model’s hood seems to confirm that speculation. FCA’s disguise at the base of the windshield spoils any attempt to confirm the presence of nubs that protect the hood when the windshield is folded down. This author firmly hopes the new Jeep will remain a bugs-in-yer-teeth affair.
READ MORE: 2018 Jeep Wrangler’s Taillights Go Modern with LED Design
Mechanical details are expected to include significant amounts of aluminum in the name of weight reduction. A new ‘Hurricane’ 2.0-liter turbo four may join the Pentastar V6 as a powertrain option. The big news is the possibility of a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel, and a hybrid powertrain will also arrive, though not likely until around 2020. Thanks to previous spy shots, we know Jeep drivers will still be able to row-their-own with an available manual transmission. Logically, an automatic will be available as well.
The new Wrangler will debut at the 2017 LA Auto Show.
