World's most capable SUV offers even more Jeep NEW YORK, April 12
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- * Even More Passenger Room and Comfort -
Five-passenger seating includes 56.7 inches of rear-seat hip room,
37.2 inches of rear-seat legroom * Even More Interior Cargo Space -
46.4 cu. ft. behind second-row seat and 83 cu. ft. with second-row
seats folded flat; more cargo space than 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser,
2006 Hummer H3 and 2006 Nissan Xterra * Even More Open-air Fun -
Only four-door convertible on the market features Jeep's all-new,
three-piece Freedom Top(TM) and the innovative Sunrider(TM) soft
top; open-air driving in less than 30 seconds * Even More Legendary
Off-road Capability - Best-in-class ground clearance, approach and
departure angles; enhanced Dana front and rear solid axles,
available next-generation Command-Trac(R) and Rock-Trac(TM)
transfer cases, new electric axle lockers, and
electronic-disconnecting front sway bar * Even More On-road
Refinement - 116-inch wheelbase, 100-percent stiffer frame,
advanced shock tuning and new cross-car steering linkage * Even
More Power and Fuel Efficiency - 3.8-liter V-6 engine features 205
horsepower and 240 lb-ft. of torque with improved fuel economy *
Even More Convenience - Standard 60/40-split fold-flat rear seat,
available power windows and door locks with remote keyless entry,
full-screen navigation system, MP3 capability and SIRIUS Satellite
Radio * Even More Safety - Standard Electronic Stability Program
(ESP), electronic roll mitigation and Occupant Classification
System (OCS); optional seat-mounted side air bags Featuring a
one-of-a-kind, four-door open-air design, the all-new 2007 Jeep(R)
Wrangler Unlimited expands the Jeep experience to new dimensions.
With room for five adult passengers -- a Wrangler first -- and the
most cargo space ever offered in a Wrangler, the Unlimited combines
class-leading off- road capability with everyday practicality.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060412/DEW005-a
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060412/DEW005-b ) The all-new
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited grows to mid-size SUV proportions,
offering even more comfort and space, even more versatility, even
more open-air options, even more off-road capability, even more
on-road refinement, even more convenience and safety features, and
even more power and fuel efficiency. "Combining four-door
convenience with Wrangler's unique open-air design and unmatched
off-road capability, the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is
the only four-door convertible on the market," said George Murphy,
Senior Vice President - Global Brand Marketing, Chrysler Group.
"Wrangler Unlimited expands the Jeep experience and core values --
freedom, adventure, mastery and authenticity -- to a broader range
of customers who always wanted a Wrangler, but also more space and
versatility." The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited features a
116-inch wheelbase, achieved by adding 20.6 inches to the standard
all-new 2007 Wrangler's 95.4- inch wheelbase. The additional length
allows for a larger rear seat that features three seating
positions, as well as more hip, leg and shoulder room. In addition,
Wrangler Unlimited offers nearly triple the rear cargo space.
Offered in two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, Jeep Wrangler
Unlimited utilizes the same five-link solid-axle suspension
configuration as the standard 2007 Jeep Wrangler. The all-new 2007
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited also retains Wrangler's coveted removable
full-framed or half doors, exposed hinges, fold-down windshield and
innovative removable and convertible tops. The all-new 2007 Jeep
Wrangler Unlimited will be offered in three models: Wrangler
Unlimited X, Sahara and Rubicon, and will feature hundreds of
different top, door and windshield combinations. In addition, nine
exterior colors and available 16-, 17-, or 18-inch wheels will be
offered. Even More Space, Comfort and Versatility While maintaining
its legendary off-road capability, the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler
Unlimited features a spacious interior that takes comfort and
convenience to new lengths. Its 102.9 cu. ft. of total interior
space provides room for five adult passengers and delivers more
cargo storage and seating configurations than ever before. "No
other vehicle in the world can replicate the all-new 2007 Jeep
Wrangler Unlimited's unique combination of best-in-class off-road
capability, open-air fun and everyday convenience and versatility,"
said Mike Donoughe, Vice President - Body-on-frame Product Team.
"Whether it's used as a daily driver or for extreme rock crawling,
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has the ability to turn mountains into mole
hills, while comfortably carrying passengers and gear." Providing
easy entry and exit, all four doors on the all-new 2007 Jeep
Wrangler Unlimited are front-hinged, with inside and outside
handles, and windows that travel all the way down. Rear doors
feature exposed forged hinges, open a full 90 degrees, and provide
a 26.5-inch wide opening. The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
offers rear-seat passengers a 33- inch front-to-rear couple
distance and 37.2 inches of legroom. Rear seats split 60/40, and
easily fold flat, creating 83 cu. ft. of total storage volume. With
rear seats in the upright position, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
features 46.4 cu. ft. of cargo space behind the rear seat,
providing more cargo space than the 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2006
Hummer H3 and 2006 Nissan Xterra. A new lockable underfloor storage
area secures personal items out of sight. Identical to the standard
all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited features an
all-new instrument panel, center stack and high-back front bucket
seats. The front-seat area provides 54.6 cu. ft. of space,
providing 5.1 inches more shoulder room and 4.6 inches more hip
room compared to 2006 Jeep Wrangler models. Even More Open-air Fun
for Even More Passengers An all-new, three-piece modular hardtop --
Jeep's Freedom Top(TM) -- features three removable panels for a
variety of open-air driving configurations. The left- and
right-front passenger panels may be stored inside the vehicle,
while the rear section can remain in place or be removed
separately. "Whether removing one of the Freedom Top panels or
flipping back the Sunrider soft top, the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler
Unlimited provides owners the flexibility to conveniently
experience open-air driving in less than 30 seconds," said
Donoughe. The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited also features a
standard Sunrider(TM) soft top, which includes a "sun roof" feature
as well as the full top-down option. This soft top provides a
second open-air option by folding the soft top back completely over
the first- and second-row occupants, creating a 55x60-inch sun roof
opening -- an opening 30 inches longer than the standard 2007 Jeep
Wrangler Sunrider top. Even More Legendary Off-road Capability Even
with the additional 20.6-inch wheelbase length, the all-new 2007
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited achieves off-road leadership among all SUVs
in its class. Superior ground clearance combined with short front
and rear overhangs enable Jeep Wrangler Unlimited to navigate the
most rigorous off-road trails. The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler
Unlimited features a best-in-class approach angle of 44.4 degrees,
breakover angle of 20.8 degrees, and best-in-class 40.5 degree
departure angle -- all more than worthy of negotiating extreme
obstacles. Additionally, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited offers an
available electronic-disconnecting front stabilizer bar -- Active
Sway Bar System (ASBS) -- delivering a 28-percent increase in wheel
travel. "A long list of proven 4x4 hardware -- essential components
among off-road enthusiasts -- underscores the all-new 2007 Jeep
Wrangler Unlimited's off-road capabilities," said Donoughe. "From
beefy axles and heavy-duty transfer cases with low gear ratios to
locking differentials, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has more mettle than
any other vehicle, and more than enough to conquer a variety of
off-road challenges, right out of the box." The highly capable
underpinnings of Jeep Wrangler Unlimited X and Sahara models
include an enhanced Dana 30 front axle and Dana 44 rear axle --
each featuring larger pinion shafts, pinion bearings and axle
joints for increased durability compared to its predecessor.
Engineered to take on the most demanding trails, the all-new 2007
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon model features enhanced heavy-duty
Dana 44 front and rear axles, which also feature larger pinion
shafts, pinion bearings and axle joints. Providing armor for the
all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited's underbody components are
three skid plates -- protecting the fuel tank, transfer case and
automatic transmission oil pan. Two-wheel-drive Jeep Wrangler
Unlimited models feature one skid plate to protect the fuel tank.
Four-wheel-drive Jeep Wrangler Unlimited X 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.
An optional Trac-Lok(R) limited-slip rear differential provides
extra torque and grip during low-traction situations. The all-new
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 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,
Active Sway Bar System and 32-inch B.F. Goodrich Off-road tires.
Even More On-road Refinement The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler
Unlimited features an even more refined on- road experience
courtesy of its 116-inch wheelbase, all-new 100-percent stiffer
frame, 50-percent stiffer body and refined five-link coil
suspension. In addition, new steering and suspension geometry
provides precise ride and handling characteristics, while new
sound-deadening techniques reduce cabin noise by more than 20
percent. Ride balance in the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
achieves minimal body lean when cornering and braking due to the
five-link coil suspension's new upper and lower control arms and
full-width forged-steel track bars. Also, lower suspension spring
rates provide a softer, more comfortable on-road ride. Standard on
the 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited X model, low-pressure twin- tube
shock absorbers are tuned to match softer coil rates, achieving
optimum balance between advanced on-road handling and rugged
off-road capability. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara and Rubicon
models feature standard high- pressure monotube shocks, utilizing
Low Speed Tunable (LST) valve technology. The all-new 2007 Jeep
Wrangler Unlimited'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. A
decreased scrub radius significantly reduces steering wheel inputs,
such as bump steer from uneven road surfaces. Standard on the
all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 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." Even More Powerful and Fuel-efficient Engine New on
all 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited models is a 3.8-liter overhead
valve V-6 engine, with 205 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft. of torque --
producing more horsepower and torque than its predecessor with
improved fuel economy. A standard six-speed manual transmission or
an available four-speed automatic transmission is offered. Jeep
Wrangler Unlimited features a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. and an
optional towing package that includes a 4.10 axle ratio, class III
trailer hitch and two front tow hooks. For key diesel markets
outside North America, a diesel engine will also be available --
for the first time in a Jeep Wrangler -- with a five-speed manual
transmission. Even More Authentic Jeep Design The all-new 2007 Jeep
Wrangler Unlimited takes on a radical four-door open-air design
with Jeep-signature design cues -- classic round headlamps,
seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel flares and exposed forged
hinges merged with Wrangler Unlimited's longer wheelbase,
front-hinged rear doors, exposed B-pillar and larger sport bar --
creating a stance that commands attention like no other Wrangler in
its 65-year history. "The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
extends Jeep design cues into a four-door, open-air form that is
unmistakably Jeep Wrangler and unmistakably new," said Trevor
Creed, Senior Vice President - Design. "The Wrangler Unlimited's
appearance is simple and pure, yet signals a new design approach to
this familiar icon. Every angle reflects its boldly expanded
posture and adventurous spirit, constructed in a head-turning
silhouette that is authentic Jeep." Several Jeep concept vehicles
-- the 1997 Jeep Dakar, 2004 Jeep Rescue and 2005 Jeep Gladiator --
that explored the combination of added space and utility with
Wrangler's rugged off-road character, inspired the all-new 2007
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited's design. The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler
Unlimited's 20.6-inch longer wheelbase with full-framed or half
rear doors is encompassed by taut lines, sharp angles and planar
surfaces, appearing not so much styled as constructed. The result
is a design that is simple, strong and purpose-built, giving
Wrangler Unlimited a military quality: upright and rugged, and
imposing without being intimidating. The interior design of the
all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited draws from the exterior, with
a straightforward, purposeful, yet contemporary theme that delivers
a new level of comfort, spaciousness and convenience. Featuring a
Slate Gray or Khaki interior, the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler
Unlimited utilizes new grain patterns delivering a technical
appearance with geometric themes, complementing its rugged
exterior. The instrument panel features an all-new analog
instrument cluster, four round airflow registers, six speakers and
a 32-percent-larger locking glove box. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited's
tweeter speakers are located on top of the instrument panel and
face each opposing occupant for optimal left- and right- channel
clarity. The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited's center stack
provides easy-to- reach controls for audio system, HVAC, power
window and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) switches. An
available 368-watt Alpine stereo with optional navigation system is
located at the top of the center stack for better visibility.
Radios feature an auxiliary jack for portable MP3 compatibility.
Offering easy-to-use, comprehensive driving directions, Jeep
Wrangler Unlimited's available navigation system provides real-time
guidance on local, city and highway roads throughout the United
States and Canada. In addition, a trail feature leaves behind a
virtual breadcrumb trail that shows where the vehicle has driven
off-road, enabling the driver to retrace the route and return to
the trailhead. Even More Safety and Security Features Like all Jeep
vehicles, the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is designed to
improve handling and accident avoidance, and provide protection.
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited includes the highest level of safety
features ever offered in the vehicle's history in order to provide
customers the ability to safely "go anywhere, do anything."
Following are available safety and security features in the all-new
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited: * Advanced Multi-stage Air Bag
System: This system inflates with a force appropriate to the
severity of an impact. It includes the occupant classification
system (OCS) * Anti-lock-braking System: Electronic sensors help
detect impending wheel lockup. The standard ABS system offers
improved steering control under extreme braking and/or slippery
conditions * Brake Assist: The vehicle senses a panic brake
condition and applies maximum braking power, providing the shortest
possible stopping distance * Child Seat Anchor System: Lower
Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) make it easier to install
compatible aftermarket child seats in the rear seat * Electronic
Roll Mitigation: A system that observes and monitors the vehicle
speed and steering rate to estimate the potential for a rollover
situation. If necessary, the engine torque is reduced and a short
burst of full braking is applied to the appropriate wheel to
immediately limit lateral force, providing improved roll stability
* Electronic Stability Program (ESP): ESP aids the driver in
maintaining vehicle directional stability, providing oversteer and
understeer control to maintain vehicle behavior on various road
surfaces. This standard feature has three settings, allowing the
driver more control over the vehicle during spirited driving *
Energy-absorbing Steering Column: Manual-adjust collapsing steering
column includes two hydroformed coaxial tubes that move relative to
each other, which allows the column to move forward and provide
more energy absorption during an impact * Occupant Classification
System (OCS): Measures conditions for activation or deactivation of
the passenger-side front air bag based upon the weight of the
occupant * Pretensioners: During an impact, the impact sensors
initiate front seat belt pretensioners to immediately remove slack
from seat belts, which reduces the forward movement of the
occupant's head and torso * Seat-mounted Side Air Bags: Available
seat-mounted side air bags extend protection to driver and front
passenger * Side-impact Door Beams: Door beams are made of
high-strength steel mounted in the vehicle's doors to help prevent
passenger compartment intrusion Even More Vehicle Offerings in Jeep
Showroom The Jeep brand offers customers "even more" with its
expansion of rugged, versatile, innovative four-wheel-drive
vehicles, further solidifying its standing as the global leader in
the sport-utility market. Hot on the trails of the newly introduced
2007 Jeep Compass, 2007 Jeep Wrangler and 2007 Jeep Patriot, the
all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited again underscores the brand's
commitment to its core attributes of freedom, adventure, mastery,
authenticity and capability with its first-ever four-door
convertible. The Jeep Wrangler customer is truly unique in that
many have wanted a Wrangler for years. "I've always wanted one" is
a commonly expressed sentiment. The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler
Unlimited effectively grows Jeep Wrangler's appeal by offering
authentic off-road capability to those who desire more space and
versatility. Jeep's global lineup now includes Jeep Commander, Jeep
Grand Cherokee, Jeep Liberty (Cherokee outside North America), Jeep
Compass, Jeep Patriot and the legendary Jeep Wrangler and Jeep
Wrangler Unlimited. The Jeep brand continues to gain momentum, with
2005 sales up 12 percent over 2004. More than 400,000 Jeep SUVs
were sold in the U.S. last year. Jeep Trail Rated The Jeep Trail
Rated badge on the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited verifies
that the vehicle has been designed to perform in a variety of
challenging off-road conditions identified by five key off-road
performance categories: traction, ground clearance,
maneuverability, articulation and water fording. Jeep Trail Rated
is an industry-leading methodology that objectively measures and
consistently predicts off-road performance for all Jeep vehicles.
Through a combination of natural and controlled field tests, as
well as computer-simulated environments, Jeep Trail Rated provides
a repeatable and consistent measurement of off-road performance for
Jeep vehicles. Only Jeep vehicles are Trail Rated. Worldwide
Availability The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited will be sold
in more than 100 countries throughout the world, in both left- and
right-hand-drive models. Wrangler Unlimited will be available with
a new 3.8-liter V-6 engine and a diesel engine will also be
available for key diesel markets outside of North America. Built at
Chrysler Group's Toledo Assembly Plant in Toledo, Ohio, the 2007
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited will arrive in U.S. Jeep dealerships in the
fall of 2006, and will follow to international markets starting in
the first half of 2007.
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http://photoarchive.ap.org/ DATASOURCE: Chrysler Group CONTACT:
Colin McBean, +1-248-512-0155, , or Todd Goyer, +1-248-512-0041, ,
both of Chrysler Group Web site:
http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/
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