2011 Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited: The Benchmark Off-road Vehicle

September 13, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -  The 2011 Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited remains the only four-door convertible on the market. With room for five adult passengers, the Jeep brand’s four-door icon features class-leading off-road capability and everyday practicality.
Jeep continues to refine the successful Wrangler formula by combining its legendary, benchmark capability with an all-new interior that delivers rich styling with significantly upgraded touch surfaces, occupant comfort and versatility, and a premium appearance courtesy of an all-new body color hardtop for the popular Sahara model.

"The iconic Jeep Wrangler keeps getting better," said Mike Manley, President and CEO — Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "While retaining unmatched, legendary capability, the 2011 Jeep Wrangler boasts an all-new interior that delivers a host of comfort, convenience and versatility features. In addition, Sahara models now feature a stunning, all-new body color hardtop, for customers looking for a Jeep Wrangler with a more premium appearance."

Offered in three models — Sport, Sahara and Rubicon®— the Jeep Wrangler achieves best-in-class off-road capability. 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.

Design

New 2011 Jeep Wrangler interior highlights include a redesigned instrument panel and new storage areas with improved ergonomics and upgraded materials. A new lockable console and upgraded door armrest areas boast comfortable touch points, while a redesigned center stack is easier to reach and operate. Heated seats and heated power mirrors are now available and drivers and passengers will enjoy automatic temperature controls and enhanced visibility courtesy of larger rear windows.

All-new steering-wheel controls allow the driver to operate the radio, cruise control, handsfree phone and other vehicle functions while keeping hands on the wheel. A new USB device interface connects to storage devices (thumb drives and most MP3 players) for use with the vehicle’s Media Center™, which now includes streaming Bluetooth® audio. Twelve-volt accessory outlets have been added and a new 115-volt outlet is available to provide power similar to AC outlets in the home.

In line with traditional Jeep design, hex-head bolts are utilized throughout the interior, and are used to mount a “Jeep, Since 1941” inlay onto the new passenger grab handle.

To provide a more premium appearance, the 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Sahara models boast a new, premium, body color hardtop.

While staying true to its design roots, the Wrangler’s appearance holds to tradition yet is contemporary, with clean, crisp lines and improved fit and finish.

Wrangler’s signature features remain hallmarks for 2011, including classic round headlamps, a seven-slot grille, trapezoid wheel flares, exposed hinges, a fold-down windshield, sport bar, removable tops and doors, available full-framed or half doors and hard and soft tops.

Several new Jeep Wrangler colors are available for 2011, including Detonator Yellow, Deep Cherry Red, Sahara Tan, Cosmos Blue and Bright White.

Engineering

Jeep engineers’ increased acoustical treatment in the 2011 Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited, resulting in significantly reduced interior noise.

The suspension for the Wrangler is a five-link coil setup with tuned shock absorbers. This setup works with Dana 30 front and next-generation heavy-duty Dana 44 rear axles. The Wrangler Rubicon model uses heavy-duty front and rear Dana 44 axles.

Jeep Wrangler also offers an electronic-disconnecting front stabilizer bar—called the active sway bar system—which delivers additional wheel travel for challenging terrain. This feature is standard on the Rubicon models.

With high ground clearance combined with short front and rear overhangs, the Jeep Wrangler have the ability to conquer incredibly challenging off-road obstacles, especially severe inclines. Off-road enthusiasts recognize the key numbers: for the Rubicon model, an approach angle of 44.3 degrees, breakover angle of 25.4 degrees and departure angle of 40.4 degrees. Underbody protection is provided by three skid plates – protecting the fuel tank, transfer case and automatic transmission oil pan.

The powerplant for all Jeep Wrangler models is a 3.8-liter V-6 engine producing 202 horsepower (151 kW) and 237 lb.-ft. (321 N•m) of torque, backed by a standard six-speed manual gearbox or an available four-speed automatic transmission.

2011 Jeep Wrangler Sport and Sahara models are equipped with the second-generation Command-Trac® NV241 part-time, two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio. An available Trac-Lok® limited-slip rear differential provides extra torque and grip during slippery, low-traction situations, such as driving over sand, gravel, snow or ice.

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon model is equipped with an Off-Road Rock-Trac® NV241 two-speed transfer case with a 4.0:1 low-range gear ratio, as well as electric front- and rear-axle lockers, an electronic sway bar disconnect and 32-inch BF Goodrich off-road tires.

The Jeep Wrangler is balanced, with minimal body lean when cornering and braking. Suspension geometry provides precise ride and handling characteristics, while lower suspension spring rates provide a softer, more comfortable on-road ride. Electronic stability control (ESC), which aids the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability in severe driving maneuvers on any type of surface, is standard on the Jeep Wrangler. The ESC system features three modes – “full on,” “full off” and “partial on.”

Jeep Wrangler’s exterior is notable not only for its styling, but also for its open-air options. The innovative Sunrider® soft top, which includes a sunroof in addition to the full top-down option, is standard, while Jeep’s Freedom Top®, a three-piece modular hardtop—is available. This system features three panels – left and right front-passenger panels and a rear panel – providing more options for open-air driving.

Interior volume provides a front-seat area with 54.6 cubic feet of space. Rear seats comfortably accommodate two adults with 48.3 cubic feet of space, and a fold-and-tumble feature allows rear seats to be conveniently stowed for additional storage capacity. Space behind the rear seat provides room for a lockable, under floor storage area, which secures small items out of sight in the rear cargo area.

In tribute to the heritage of the Jeep® brand, the Jeep Wrangler retains the body-on-frame chassis, solid front and rear axles, removable doors, fold-down windshield and most-capable drivetrains that established it as the most capable SUV – period.

Safety and Security

Jeep Wrangler models feature standard ESC, Electronic roll mitigation (ERM), all-speed traction control, tire pressure monitoring (TPM), Brake Assist and Hill-start Assist (HSA) which prevents rollback on a graded surface. In addition, available Trailer-sway Control (TSC) monitors vehicle movement relative to the intended path, engaging ESC if the trailer begins to sway outside set parameters.

Connectivity and Infotainment Features

Customers have an array of infotainment technologies for driver safety and passenger enjoyment. The features enable drivers to safely communicate, navigate and select entertainment options using advance voice recognition controls. Passengers can stay entertained with a multitude of features, including SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Bluetooth® streaming audio, Uconnect® Navigation, Uconnect Phone and Uconnect Web.

PRODUCT CHRONOLOGY

2010 MODEL YEAR

• Improved Sunrider® soft top with easy-to-remove system
• Fuel-saver indicator standard on all models
• New Satin Silver 18-inch aluminum wheels standard on Sahara
• New Satin Carbon 17-inch aluminum wheels standard on Rubicon
• Fog lamps standard on all models
• Tow hooks standard on all models
• Standard full-length floor console replaces mini console on base two-door Wrangler Sport
• Uconnect™ Phone included with optional Uconnect Navigation
• Compass and outside temperature readout standard on all models
• Cloth seats replace standard vinyl seats on base two-door Wrangler Sport
• Larger, sliding sun visors with mirrors
• New front dome lamp with on/off switch
• New two-tone leather seating available on Sahara and Rubicon
• Surf Blue replaces Jeep Green Metallic Clear Coat exterior color
• Natural Green replaces Detonator Yellow exterior color
• Dark Charcoal replaces Sunburst Orange exterior color

2009 MODEL YEAR

• Sunburst Orange Pearl Coat exterior color replaces Rescue Green Metallic Clear Coat
• Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat exterior color replaces Steel Blue Metallic Clear Coat
• Drop-in bin with coin slots added to full center console
• Storage nets added to lower center stack and side of center console
• ULEV II emissions replace LEV II emissions on manual-transmission vehicles
• Standard Hill-Start Assist prevents rollback on graded surfaces
• Available Trailer-Sway Control monitors vehicle movement relative to its intended path and activates the Electronic Stability Control if the trailer begins to sway outside set parameters

2008 MODEL YEAR

• Sahara Appearance Group – 18-inch aluminum wheels, bright steering-wheel spokes and air-conditioning outlet rings, front and rear bumper overlays
• Detonator Yellow Clear Coat exterior color (Wrangler X and Rubicon® models)
• Remote Start available
• Tire-Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system standard

2007 MODEL YEAR

• All-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited comes in three four-door model offerings: Wrangler Unlimited X, Wrangler Unlimited Sahara and Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
• Jeep-signature design cues include hallmark seven-slot grille, round headlamps and an upright rectangular windshield
• Only four-door convertible on the market features Jeep’s all-new, three-piece Freedom Top™ and the innovative Sunrider™ soft top
• Up to three skid plates protecting fuel tank, transfer case and automatic transmission oil pan
• Five-passenger seating includes 56.7 inches of rear seat hip room, 37.2 inches of rear seat leg room
• All-new instrument panel, center stack and high-back front bucket seats
• 46.4 cu. ft. behind second-row seat
• 83 cu. ft. with second-row seats folded flat – more cargo space than 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2006 HUMMER H3, 2006 Nissan Xterra
• 102.9 cu. ft. of total interior space
• Standard 60/40-split fold-flat rear seat
• Available power windows and door locks with remote keyless entry
• Available full-screen navigation system, MP3 capability and SIRIUS Satellite Radio
• New 3.8-liter V-6 engine delivers 205 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft. of torque
• Available with six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions
• All-new 100 percent more rigid frame-in-bending stiffness
• Five-link coil suspension with new upper and lower control arms and full-width forged-steel track bars
• Lower suspension spring rates provide a softer, more comfortable on-road ride
• 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
• Standard on the 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited X model: low-pressure twin-tube shock absorbers tuned to match softer coil rates, achieving optimum balance between advanced on-road handling and rugged off-road capability
• Unlimited Sahara and Rubicon models feature standard high-pressure monotube shocks, utilizing Low-Speed Tunable (LST) valve technology
• Enhanced Dana front and rear solid axles
• Available next-generation Command-Trac® and Rock-Trac™ transfer cases
• New electric axle lockers, and electronic-disconnecting front sway bar
• Best-in-class ground clearance, approach and departure angles
• 116-inch wheelbase
• Advanced shock tuning
• New cross-car steering linkage
• Advanced Multi-stage Air Bag System inflates with a force appropriate to the severity of an impact and includes the Occupant-Classification System (OCS)
• Optional seat-mounted side air bags
• Brake Assist senses a panic brake condition and applies maximum braking power
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) aids driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability, providing oversteer and understeer control to maintain vehicle behavior on various road surfaces
• Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) observes and monitors the vehicle roll attitude and lateral force to estimate the potential for a rollover situation

2006 MODEL YEAR

• Solar Yellow replaces Electric Lime Green
• Midnight Blue replaces Patriot Blue

2005 MODEL YEAR

• Premium version of Unlimited introduced
• Rubicon Unlimited introduced
• New six-speed manual transmission replaces five-speed manual
• Seven-speaker system made standard on Unlimited Premium and Rubicon
• Six-disc in-dash CD changer optional on all Unlimited models (late availability)
• Four-wheel disc brakes made standard on Unlimited
• Trac-Lok differential made standard on Unlimited
• Tru-Lok differentials standard on Rubicon Unlimited
• New Premium Audio Group (six-disc in-dash CD changer and seven-speaker system)
• New Security Group (electrochromic rearview mirror and Sentry Key® engine immobilizer) optional (included with Unlimited Premium)

2004 MODEL YEAR 

• Long-wheelbase version of Wrangler introduced as Wrangler Unlimited
• 4.0-liter Power Tech I-6 engine
• Four-speed automatic transmission
• Power steering
• Four-wheel disc brakes
• Trac-Lok limited-slip differential
• Dana 30 front axle
• Dana 44 heavy-duty rear axle
• High-pressure gas-charged shock absorbers
• Full-steel doors with deep-tinted windows
• Padded sport bar
• 15-inch x 8-inch Ravine aluminum wheels
• 30-inch x 9.5-inch R15 Goodyear Wrangler OWL tires
• SunRider™ soft top with sun roof feature
• Fog lamps
• Air conditioning
• AM/FM stereo radio with CD player
• Cloth high-back bucket seats
• Fold-and-tumble rear seat
• Front and rear floor mats
• NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) Package
• Rear seat, wheelhouse and cargo area carpeting
• Next-generation air bags