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- Two Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited vehicles climbed 6,646 meters (21,804 feet) above sea level to the rim of Ojos del Salado – the highest altitude ever reached by a four-wheeled vehicle
- Accomplishment certified by Guinness World Records™
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Others tried, but only the “go anywhere, do anything” Jeep vehicles
could make it to the top of the volcano. It is the second highest mountain
in the Western Hemisphere (6,892 meters / 22,597 feet), and now dubbed the
“highest parking lot in the world”. Jeep parking only, of course.
Over five exhausting days in March, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited vehicles
carried a team from Extrem Events (Germany), led by Mattias Jeschke, from
the base of the inhospitable volcano in the Chilean Andes to the highest
point that a four-wheeled vehicle has traveled.“This was exactly the challenge to separate the new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited from all other 4x4 vehicles. A climb like this in not just off-road, but extreme conditions, is a testament to the performance of the vehicle’s powertrain, suspension and overall quality. We are very proud that Wrangler Unlimited was the first vehicle to be able to complete such a rigorous challenge, and believe that it really does set the vehicle apart from its competition,” said George Murphy, Chrysler Group Senior Vice President of Global Marketing.
During the trip, the team endured hurricane-strength winds, temperatures that reached minus 30 degrees Centigrade (minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit) and the thin air of such high altitudes, as it maneuvered over malicious glaciers, fissured rock cliffs and volcanic sand. The last stretch of the climb was the most grueling. Both Wrangler Unlimited vehicles had to cross a glacier, parts of which were so smooth that any travel by foot required spiked shoes. At the far end was the glacier field, a fissured ice area strewn with razor sharp snow penitents. It was here that the vehicle’s 3.8L V-6 engine and Goodyear’s MT/R tires proved their true capability, and made the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited the first vehicle to ever cross the Ojos del Salado glacier.
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After reaching the initial goal, to surpass 6,500 meters, just beyond
the glacier, the team continued to drive on and pushed forward until there
was nowhere left to drive. “Unbelievable, tremendous, phenomenal,”
was the description from team leader, Jeschke, after reaching the plateau
at the end of the summit. “The Wranglers are unbeatable.”
The two Wrangler Unlimited vehicles that completed this challenge were
standard equipment Rubicon models. In addition to the standard equipment,
both vehicles were fitted with Goodyear MT/R tires, electronic altitude
measuring technology and winches.
Featuring a one-of-a-kind, four-door open-air design, the all-new Jeep
Wrangler Unlimited offers even more comfort, space, versatility and open-air
options than the all-new Wrangler. With room for five adult passengers
– a Wrangler first – and the most cargo space ever offered
in a Wrangler, the Wrangler Unlimited combines class-leading off-road
capability with everyday practicality.
The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited expands the Jeep experience and core values
to a broader range of customers who have always wanted a Wrangler, but
also needed more space and versatility. Outside North America, two engine
options are available, an all-new 2.8-litre common-rail turbo diesel engine
as well as a new 3.8-litre V-6 petrol engine. The Wrangler is available
in both left- and right-hand drive. With solid axles, removable doors,
exposed hinges, a fold-down windscreen and innovative removable and convertible
tops, Wrangler retains the brand’s coveted core values of freedom,
adventure, mastery and authenticity.
For more info and photos from the expedition, check out the expedition
leader Matthias Jeschke's website.
