We don’t think anyone’s surprised here. When Chrysler introduced its new 3.6-litre V6 and called it the Pentastar, they announced that it would replace no less than eight engines in their product line-up.
For 2012, it’s the Jeep Wrangler’s turn to dump its old 3.8-litre six in favour of the Pentastar. As in other Chrysler Group products, it will develop 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet; that’s 81 ponies and 23 lb-ft more than the outgoing engine.
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| 2012 Jeep Wrangler (Photo: Chrysler) |
A 6-speed manual should remain the standard transmission, making the Wrangler the most model to pair the Pentastar with a row-it-yourself gearbox. The old 4-speed automatic will be replaced with a 5-speed unit. With both transmissions, better fuel economy is expected.
Other changes to the 2012 Wrangler include an optional Max Tow Package with a Class II hitch, while the 18-inch polished alloy wheels that were part of this year’s 70th Anniversary model will be offered as an option.
Customers will now be able to order a body-colour hardtop with the Rubicon model, in addition to the Sahara which offers it in 2011, and body-colour fender flares can also be specified.
We expect the 2012 Wrangler to arrive this fall.