Jeep News: Next-Generation Jeep Wrangler Not Going Full Aluminum

[William Maley]

Previously, we heard that the next-generation Jeep Wrangler would have an all-aluminum body. But that doesn't appear to be the case anymore.

 

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne told reporters yesterday that the Wrangler would shed the aluminum body, but would have certain parts made from aluminum.

 

“There will be a large portion of that vehicle that will be aluminum. It will not be all aluminum. We've run the numbers and we've simulated mileage and the impact. Because of the difference in cost -- not just of the material but the actual assembly process -- I think we can do almost as well without doing it all-aluminum. I think we can get very close,” said Marchionne.

 

The move to aluminum would help out in fuel economy with a lighter curb weight. But it would also mean a possible move from the Toledo factory where the Wrangler is currently built.

 

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

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[Drew Dowdell]

The best results seem to come from a blend of aluminum and other materials anyway...

[G. David Felt]

High Strength Steel is the answer for off road durability. I really do not think Aluminum will hold up as well as the steel has.

[Drew Dowdell]

High Strength Steel is the answer for off road durability. I really do not think Aluminum will hold up as well as the steel has.

 

But not everything needs to be steel. 

[Robert Hall]

I could see the body incl. hood, fenders and doors being aluminum, as they aren't structural (the Wrangler is still BOF, right?)

[Drew Dowdell]

I could see the body incl. hood, fenders and doors being aluminum, as they aren't structural (the Wrangler is still BOF, right?)

 

Yes.  but I think this is in reference to the next generation..... which may or may not be BOF

[G. David Felt]

 

I could see the body incl. hood, fenders and doors being aluminum, as they aren't structural (the Wrangler is still BOF, right?)

 

Yes.  but I think this is in reference to the next generation..... which may or may not be BOF

 

I really hope they DO NOT go Unibody on the next generation of Wrangler. This needs to stay BOF. I agree you can use Aluminum in strategic areas, but not everywhere.