Hey guys, based on what you've seen, how do you think the new Wrangler (JK) stacks up to its predecessors? I'm sure a lot of you (myself included) are a little disappointed that it's getting the minivan 3.8 V-6, but we all knew the 4.0 was going to get the axe eventually. What engines would you offer as options in it?

What about the new Unlimited? Cool or lame?

I used to always want a TJ. I still like the TJ's, but nothing will ever be as cool as my ZJ. ZJ's (and WJ's) are rare and just as capible as all others. The death of the 4.0 is sad, and sadder yet to have a mini van (gag) motor in a Wrangler. I wish the new JK luck as it will need it in my book to get my approval. If the JK were to come with a 5.9 Hemi supercharged, with 35's and lockers, winch, bumpers front and back, full cage and all else that is needed for a weekend of backcountry fun then i might take a look at it. Others wise, its just a wanna be to me... Just my 2 or 3 cents worth here...

-Chase

Yeah, I'm a little disappointed they're not offering a V-8 option on it. Especially considering they had the AMC 304 in the old CJs, so there's definitely a precedent for it. I'm sure it a year or two we'll see the 4.7 or Hemi, or maybe the 2.8 turbodiesel from the Liberty, or some other diesel.  

I'd say keep your eyes out for the Hemi to show up in the Unlimited version. The diesel will hapen as well, probably in both versions. It will already be offered overseas. Diesel TJs are being sold in Egypt right now.  

I would have prefered some of the newer V6s, but the old 3.8 is probably a torquier choice. I'm glad they didn't stick the JK with the KJ engine. it seams they should have shrunk the nose now that they have a much shorter engine, instead they make the whole thing bigger, they should have made it small instead.  

Maybe they are leaving room for the bigger donk to drop straight in with no body mod down the road, as Mr Editor says.

I recall reading in the mag a complaint about the higher revs for max hp of the new engine, but I didn't check - and the article didn't say - if at the same revs the hp was the same. Same for torque. There was also complaint about the two piece axles, and I can't talk to their strength. What would be really would be the sort of set-up that the old Haflingers had, giving oh maybe 12 inches or so of clearance - I forget exactly - on a 10 or 12 inch wheel. Amazing things. Climb any slope.

Is the whole softening - emasculating? - of the brand Daimler's long-waited revenge for the jeep winning the war......?

I dunno if im a fan at all of the new jeeps cuz i havent really seen then up close and in person but if this new jk is as good as u say it is i might have to buy one over a newer tj its just i dunno if i wanna jump on the band wagon now and then find out later that the new v6 just doesnt hold up to abuse

I dunno its just somthing new and different and change is a little scary cuz where so used to our jeeps and the way they work that were gana have to learn everything over again

JAred

Well, I know the old 4.0 straight six had a lot of fans, but this isn't the first time they've had a V-6 in a Jeep. Even thought it seems weak, 'cause it's just a "minivan engine" it might prove to be a pretty good powerplant. Personally, I think 205 horse is a little weak for all the weight the new models are lugging around. I hope JPEditor is right about the Hemi. It could use it!  

this isnt the first time theyve used the v6  

That's what I said, this isn't the first time they've used a V-6. I'm just saying from a perception standpoint, the 4.0 had a lot of fans, and going to this engine is probably going to disappoint some of the die-hards. But if they ever offer a diesel or V-8, hopefully that will appease them.  

maybe if they'd call it the "dauntless" v6 it would go over better  

but then when you see ads for jeeps, at least half call the 4.0 a V6 as it is, so many will never notice that anything is different  

that is so true... some folks are idiots about engines  

Well, all the cheerleaders and sorority girls probably won't notice what's under the hood. ;-) Has anyone figured out why Wranglers are so popular with them? My theory is they can take the doors off and show off their legs. That's also why they trade them in for Jettas when they get to be 25, because their butts and calves start to get bigger. :-)  

i dont really like the new unlimited cuz im used to a jeep with 2 doors i dunno i think there just trying to crame stuff into a small compact jeep i personally like the 04-06 unlimited