The debut of the new “extreme” version of the American brand SUV will take place at the Chicago Auto Show, which is due to take place next month, on July 14th.
Sales of Jeep Wrangler have been declining in the United States over the past two years: in 2019, the “minus” was 5%, and in the “covid” 2020, the decline was 11.7% (American dealers sold 201,311 SUVs over the specified period). However, this year there is a chance to correct the dynamics: for example, in the first quarter of 2021, customers bought 49,646 copies, which is more than 25% more than in January-March 2020.
The planned entry into the market of a competitor of the model – Ford Bronco – spurred the Jeep brand to create another “extreme” model. We are talking about the Wrangler Xtreme Recon, which, in fact, is a modified version of the Rubicon – we are mainly talking about the chassis and drivetrain. So, the gear ratio of the main gear was increased to 4.56: 1 (it was 4: 1). New American SUV: Jeep Officially Announces Wrangler Magneto Version
In addition, the new car has standard 17-inch wheels with beadlocks and BF Goodrich KO2 off-road tires: their outer diameter is 35 inches (Rubicon has 33 inches). The Jeep Wrangler Xtreme Recon also received additional spacers and shock absorbers, which allowed the body to be raised by another 38 mm. In the new “extreme” version, the ground clearance has increased from 274 mm (the base rate for the Rubicon) to 328 mm.
According to the company, the Xtreme Recon has an entry angle of 47.4 degrees, an exit angle of 40.4 degrees, and a ford depth of 853 mm. For comparison, the Ford Bronco Badlands Sasquatch also has 35-inch tires, however, its ground clearance is 292 mm, the approach angle is 43.9 degrees, and the exit angle is 37 degrees; less and the depth of the ford to be overcome – 850 mm.
It is also important that in the list of options for the Wrangler SUV at the end of the year there will be a demultiplier with a gear ratio of 4.88: 1 (Jeep has made a corresponding announcement). Together with a six-speed “mechanics” it will provide a record in the class total transmission ratio of 100: 1. Note that at the moment the Wrangler ratio is 84: 1, while the Bronco has 94.75: 1 (depending on the version). Awaiting debut: Jeep unveils Grand Wagoneer SUV in new photos
The official presentation of the Wrangler Xtreme Recon will take place in the middle of next month, July 14, as part of the still planned Chicago Auto Show (whether the event actually takes place will depend on the epidemiological situation in the United States). The Xtreme Recon “package” will be offered only for long-wheelbase four-door SUVs, while in the States the new “extreme” version will be available with any of the engines available for a SUV, including the flagship V8.
Recall that in the spring Jeep introduced the Wrangler Magneto concept: the model was declassified on the eve of the annual Easter safari. A serial version based on this show car of the American brand is expected in 2022.