After many years of the Wrangler being sold in Canada as the ‘TJ’, Jeep announced today that they will bring the Wrangler name to Canada. This probably means that they have resolved the legal dispute over the Wrangler name that has persisted for a while now.
The following is a Daimler Chrysler Press Release
VANCOUVER, March 31 /CNW/ – DaimlerChrysler Canada today announced at the 2006 Vancouver International Automobile Show that beginning with the 2007 Model Year, it will introduce one of the industry’s most iconic names, Wrangler, to its Canadian Jeep(R) lineup. The vehicle currently offered as the Jeep TJ in Canada, will become the 2007 MY Jeep Wrangler when the all-new, from the ground up, model comes to market in the fall of 2006. The new Jeep Wrangler, unveiled at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, will continue to meet its mandate of being the most capable off-road vehicle in the world – and more.
“From its rugged design to its unmatched abilities, the next generation Jeep Wrangler is a direct descendent of every great Jeep since World War II,” said Judy Wheeler, Vice President, Marketing, DaimlerChrysler Canada. “It is fitting that this Jeep bears its rightful name.”
A direct descendent of the original Jeep – the 1941 Willys MB – the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler evolves from more than 65 years of legendary 4×4 leadership. Building on the successful, original Jeep formula with an all-new frame, exterior and interior design, engine, and safety and convenience features, Jeep Wrangler delivers more capability, interior space and comfort, refinement, power and open-air fun.
“The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler contains the genetic off-road leadership that no other vehicle can match,” said Judy Wheeler, Vice President, Marketing, DaimlerChrysler Canada. “This leadership has been part of the vehicle’s trademark for over 65 years.”
“With more off-road capability, more versatility, more power, more on-road refinement, and more comfort and space, the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler continues its legacy as the Jeep brand icon. Simply put, it is the best Jeep Wrangler ever,” added Wheeler.
Offered in three models – Wrangler X, Wrangler Sahara and Wrangler Rubicon – the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler is lean, rugged and simple, achieving best-in-class off-road capability while delivering a true open-air driving experience. With solid axles, removable doors, exposed hinges, a fold-down windshield and innovative removable and convertible tops, Jeep Wrangler retains the brand’s coveted core values of freedom, adventure, mastery and authenticity.
With dozens of different top, door and windshield combinations, nine unique exterior colours and available 16-, 17-, or 18-inch wheels, the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler provides a customized appearance for a variety of customers.
More Legendary Off-road Capability
From ground clearance to articulation to traction, Jeep engineers focused on more than 50 functional objectives during development of the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler. The result is the ultimate “out-of-the-box” off-road vehicle with all the necessary features to “go anywhere and do anything.”
“Reengineered and redesigned from the ground up, the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler is the most capable Wrangler in its 65-year history,” said Mike Donoughe, Vice President, Body-on-frame Product Team, Chrysler Group. “With more ground clearance, better wheel articulation and advanced off-road hardware, Jeep Wrangler is designed to tackle the toughest off-road obstacles.”
Improved ground clearance, combined with short front and rear overhangs, enables the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler to navigate the world’s most challenging off-road trails, especially severe inclines. A boulder-friendly approach angle of 44.3 degrees and breakover angle of 25.4 degrees, along with a 40.4 degree departure angle, once again make the 2007 Jeep Wrangler the most formidable off-roader.
Providing unmatched wheel articulation and durability, Jeep Wrangler X and Sahara models feature an enhanced Dana 30 front axle and Dana 35 rear axle. For the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon model – and optional with the trailer tow package on all models – heavy-duty front and rear axles are both Dana 44s, which feature numerous improvements. Providing significant underbody protection are three skid plates – protecting the fuel tank, transfer case and automatic transmission oil pan.
For the first time, Jeep Wrangler offers an electronic-disconnecting front stabilizer bar – Active Sway Bar System (ASBS) – delivering additional wheel travel for traversing the toughest trails. As a result, the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler boasts a 652 Ramp Travel Index (RTI – a measurement of a vehicle’s suspension articulation) with the front stabilizer bar engaged and an 832 RTI with the front stabilizer bar disconnected – a 28 per cent increase.
Jeep Wrangler and Sahara models feature the second-generation Command-Trac(R) NV241, part-time, two-speed transfer case, featuring a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio. In addition, a Trac-Lok(R) limited-slip rear differential provides extra torque and grip during low-traction situations, such as driving over sand, gravel, snow or ice.
The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon model features an Off-Road Rock- Trac(TM) NV241 two-speed transfer case with a 4.0:1 low-range gear ratio, as well as electric front- and rear-axle lockers and 32-inch B.F. Goodrich Off- Road tires.
More On-road Refinement
While improving its legendary 4×4 Jeep capability, the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler offers enhanced on-road comfort due to an all-new 100 per cent stiffer frame in bending, 50 per cent stiffer body, refined five-link coil suspension, improved shock tuning, 5.08 cm longer wheelbase and 8.89 cm wider track. In addition, new steering and suspension geometry provides precise ride and handling characteristics, and new sound-deadening techniques reduce cabin noise by more than 20 per cent.
“The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler reaches new levels of on-road ride, handling and refinement – an achievement realized while also boosting its off- road capability,” said Donoughe. “The new suspension enables the Wrangler to corner flatter with less lateral motion, provide better on-centre steering feel, and even more effectively absorb on-road bumps and cracks.”
Ride balance in the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler is more refined, achieving less body lean when cornering and braking. In addition, lower suspension spring rates provide a softer, more comfortable on-road ride. Standard on the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler is an Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which aids the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability in severe driving maneuvers on any type of surface. ESP features three modes – “full on,” “full off” and “partial on.”
Standard on the 2007 Jeep Wrangler X model, low-pressure twin-tube shock absorbers are tuned to provide improved balance between jounce and rebound motions, achieving an extremely responsive suspension. Jeep Wrangler Sahara and Rubicon models feature standard high-pressure monotube shocks, utilizing Low Speed Tunable (LST) valve technology.
The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler’s new recirculating-ball steering configuration features a robust cross-car steering linkage system, providing the stiffest possible steering linkage in a solid-axle vehicle, for a precise “rack-and-pinion” feel.
New, More Powerful Engine
A new 3.8-litre overhead valve V-6 engine is featured on all 2007 Jeep Wrangler models, replacing the 4.0-litre Power-Tech in-line six engine. With 205 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft. of torque, Jeep Wrangler comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission or an available four-speed automatic transmission.
The 3.8-litre V-6 engine produces more horsepower and torque than its predecessor. Compared to the 4.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine, the 3.8- litre is lighter and shorter, and maintains higher torque at speeds above 3400 rpm, allowing for an expanded operating range.
The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler’s horsepower and torque, combined with an enhanced suspension, results in a towing capacity of 907.2 kilograms. For the first time in a Jeep Wrangler, an optional towing package includes Dana 44 axles with a 4.10 axle ratio and trailer hitch.
ON THE INTERNET
Visit DaimlerChrysler’s Media Web Site at http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.ca for additional DaimlerChrysler news.
For further information
DaimlerChrysler Canada Inc., Communications Department, Stuart Schorr, (519) 973-2253
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