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2007 Jeep JK Wrangler & Unlimited |
All-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited:
Built for the World’s Most Demanding Trails – and the Daily Commute
- 20-percent quieter cabin provides new levels of refinement
- All-new frame and suspension configuration
- The most off-road hardware ever offered directly from the factory
- Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
- More powerful and fuel-efficient 3.8-liter V-6 engine
Auburn Hills, Mich., Sep 1, 2006 – Throughout Jeep® Wrangler’s 65-year history, Jeep engineers have ensured that each new generation Wrangler delivers – and improves upon – its world-class off-road capability, open-air fun and freedom, and interior comfort and convenience.
For the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited – the sixth generation of Wrangler models – Jeep engineers focused on more than 50 functional objectives – from ground clearance to articulation to ride and handling. The result is the ultimate “out-of-the-box” off-road vehicle combined with everyday practicality and all the necessary features to “go anywhere and do anything.”
“The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler continues to live up to its name,” said Mike Donoughe, Vice President – Body-on-frame Product Team, Chrysler Group. “With the ability to conquer the world’s most extreme off-road obstacles, the 2007 Jeep Wrangler provides enthusiasts the ultimate trail rig that only Jeep can engineer.
“While improving upon its legendary 4×4 attributes, Jeep Wrangler reaches new levels of on-road ride, handling and refinement, adding even more comfort when driving around town or during the daily commute,” added Donoughe.
New Levels of On-road Refinement
Central to improving occupant comfort in the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler are several new features that led to a 20-percent quieter cabin:
- Shear-type body mounts provide effective tuning for passenger compartment isolation, as well as exceptional durability. The standard 2007 Jeep Wrangler utilizes 10 body mounts, while the 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited utilizes 12 body mounts. Each mount is individually tuned for optimum sound isolation
- Extensive use of Polymer Constraint Layer (PCL) reduces road noise and resonance between Jeep Wrangler’s engine and cabin
- New door cut-line seals, and seals along the A-pillar and roof significantly reduce wind noise from entering the cabin
- The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler features a curved windshield, which reduces wind resistance. In addition, the interface between the windshield and the top is repositioned to improve airflow, reduce wind noise and create a better weather seal
New, Robust Frame
Essential to meeting dynamic targets for the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler is an all-new fully-boxed frame that is 100-percent stiffer in bending and 50-percent stiffer in torsion. The robust stiffness and strength of Jeep Wrangler’s frame provides a stable platform to base suspension tuning, as well as improve suspension and drivetrain refinement, and provide optimum performance during frontal, offset and newly mandated high-speed rear impact events.
Hydroforming is utilized for sections of Jeep Wrangler’s front frame rails that bear the front suspension load, as well as for crushable front rail tips. Jeep Wrangler’s entire frame is also fully boxed for increased stiffness, durability and strong body and suspension attachment points. Roll-formed tubular center rails are incorporated into the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited model’s frame, extending its wheelbase by 20.6 inches.
Wide-spaced frame rails – wider than frame rails on Dodge Ram pickup trucks – cradle the fuel tank between the wheels, providing significant impact integrity for the fuel system. Cross members are also boxed and contribute to Wrangler’s superior rigid frame, improving off-road performance. The standard 2007 Jeep Wrangler features seven cross members and the 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited features eight.
Providing armor for the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler and 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. In addition, Rubicon models provide heavy-gauge tubular steel rock rails that reduce the risk of vehicle body damage from severe off-road trails.
Durable and Refined Suspension
The proven, five-link coil suspension configuration of the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler is significantly enhanced over its predecessor with new steering and suspension geometry, 3.5-inch wider track, and all-new shocks and springs.
“The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler’s suspension provides more off-road flexibility, yet significantly withstands body lean during on-road cornering and effectively absorbs on-road imperfections,” said Donoughe.
Jeep Wrangler’s five-link front suspension features longitudinal location of the axles by leading control arms in front and trailing control arms in the rear. Full-width, forged steel front and rear track bars provide lateral location of the axle with minimal angle change during suspension travel. Lower spring rates have been incorporated into the front suspension for a more comfortable ride.
The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler’s rear suspension also features a five-link configuration with trailing upper and lower control arms for longitudinal control and a track bar for lateral axle control. Unlike its predecessor, control arms are mounted outboard of the frame and springs are mounted inboard to allow for mid-ship mounting of the fuel tank. In addition, shock absorbers are splayed – angled inboard at the top – to maintain more consistent dampening between light and full loads.
Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited feature shock absorbers that are tuned to match softer coil rates, and achieve optimum balance between advanced on-road handling and rugged off-road capability. All Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited models feature standard high-pressure monotube shocks, utilizing Low Speed Tunable (LST) valve technology. LST provides firm control of low-speed suspension motions, yet with higher speed motions, the valve stiffness decreases, preventing an overly stiff ride.
Enhanced Dana Axles
The foundation of Jeep Wrangler’s suspension – providing the required strength, durability and off-road mettle – are beefy Dana axles that feature larger pinion shafts, pinion bearings, axle joints and ring gears. In addition, all 2007 Jeep Wrangler front axles feature driveshaft attachments on top, versus underneath, for greater gear strength and ground clearance.
Standard Jeep Wrangler X and Sahara models feature an enhanced Dana 30 front and Dana 35 rear axle. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited X and Sahara models feature a Dana 30 front axle and Dana 44 rear axle. Engineered to take on the most demanding trails, the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon – including Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon – features enhanced heavy-duty Dana 44 front and rear axles.
Precise Steering
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. An on-center pre-load device features a more precise on-center feel, and steering efforts are tuned specifically for both on- and off-road driving conditions.
Moving the steering knuckles outboard into the wheel envelopes, the 2007 Jeep Wrangler’s scrub radius is significantly reduced. The smaller scrub radius helps increase steering stability while braking, enhances handling and steering, and reduces steering wheel inputs, such as bump steer from uneven road surfaces.
Turning circle diameter for standard 2007 Jeep Wrangler models is 34.9 ft., while 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited models feature a turning diameter of 41.2 ft.
Next-generation Transfer Cases
Key upgrades to the 2007 Jeep Wrangler’s transfer cases continue Wrangler’s heritage as the most capable off-road vehicle in the world.
“A long list of proven, upgraded 4×4 hardware – essential components among off-road enthusiasts – underscores the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler’s off-road capabilities,” said Donoughe. “From heavy-duty transfer cases with low gear ratios to locking differentials, Jeep Wrangler has more mettle than any other vehicle, and more than enough to conquer a variety of off-road challenges right out of the box.”
Jeep Wrangler X and Sahara – as well as four-wheel-drive Wrangler Unlimited X and Sahara models – with the second-generation Command-Trac® NV241, part-time, two-speed transfer case, featuring a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio. For increased structural stiffness and sealing, the main case features 18 bolts, versus its predecessor’s nine. In addition, flanged front and rear output shafts mated to constant velocity joints on the driveshaft replace sliding yokes, providing better seals and smoother, more efficient operation.
The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon model – as well as Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon – features an upgraded Off-Road Rock-Trac® NV241 two-speed transfer case with a 4.0:1 low-range gear ratio. Also featuring flanged front and rear output shafts mated to constant velocity joints, the NV241 transfer case is engineered exclusively for Jeep Wrangler Rubicon models to meet the most demanding durability requirements of intense off-road operation.
Upgraded Locking Differentials
A Trac-Lok® limited-slip rear differential is optional with Jeep Wrangler X and Sahara – as well as Wrangler Unlimited X and Sahara models – featuring a 3.21 or 4.10 axle ratio, which provides extra torque and grip during low-traction situations, such as driving over sand, gravel, snow or ice.
Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon models are equipped with Tru-Lock® front- and rear-locking differentials and feature a 4.10 axle ratio. Tru-Lock differentials provide low-speed maneuvering when climbing boulders and ascending steep inclines by evenly splitting torque between both wheels, forcing them to turn in unison for extra traction. Axle lockers may be easily toggled on and off by the dash-mounted switch. An optional Tru-Lock rear locking differential is available with all Jeep Wrangler X and Sahara models.
Available for the first time with Jeep Wrangler models are Brake Lock Differentials (BLDs), which are incorporated into the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) algorithm. BLDs apply braking force to an axle’s spinning wheel in order to provide an equal amount of torque to each wheel and deliver greater traction for rock-crawling over severe off-road terrain. A separate set of BLD calibrations is designed for off-road operation and automatically activates when driving in 4 Low.
Electronic Stability Program
For the first time in a Wrangler, the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited come standard with Chrysler Group’s Electronic Stability Program (ESP) – providing significant benefits in accident-avoidance driving situations. ESP helps the driver maintain vehicle directional stability by applying selective braking and engine control, within the limits of available traction, to maintain the vehicle’s intended course. Jeep Wrangler’s ESP system includes Hydraulic Brake Assist, Traction Control, Brake Lock Differentials and Electronic Roll Mitigation.
The 2007 Jeep Wrangler’s ESP system provides three modes: “full on,” “full off” and “partial on,” with the default mode as “full on” with each engine start. The benefits of ESP’s three modes are as follows:
ESP MODE BENEFIT
ON Applies selective braking and engine control to maintain the vehicle’s intended course. Full-time ERM and Traction Control are available.
PARTIAL Traction Control is deactivated and ESP operates at a highe rthreshold. Full-time ERM and Brake Lock Differentials are available.
FULL OFF ESP and ERM are turned off. Brake Lock Differentials are available. Ideal for off-road activities where wheel lock-up is desirable.
Best-in-class Ground Clearance and Articulation
The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited’s improved, best-in-class ground clearance, combined with short front and rear overhangs, are designed to navigate the world’s most challenging off-road trails.
A boulder-friendly, best-in-class approach angle of 44.3 degrees, breakover angle of 25.5 degrees, and best-in-class 40.4 degree departure angle, once again make the standard 2007 Jeep Wrangler the most formidable off-roader.
With an additional 20.6 inches in wheelbase length, the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited achieves off-road leadership in its class. 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.
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. The driver-actuated stabilizer bar disengagement is possible in both four-wheel drive “High” or four-wheel drive “Low” at speeds below 18 miles per hour. As a safety feature, the stabilizer bar re-engages at speeds above 18 miles per hour.
As a result of ASBS, 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 percent increase.
More Power and Fuel-efficiency
New on all 2007 Jeep Wrangler models is a 3.8-liter overhead valve V-6 engine, with 202 horsepower and 237 lb.-ft. of torque – producing more horsepower and torque than its predecessor with improved fuel efficiency. A standard six-speed manual transmission or an available four-speed automatic transmission is offered.
Fuel economy figures for the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler and four-wheel-drive Wrangler Unlimited are 17 mpg city and 19 mpg highway (manual transmission); 16 mpg city and 19 mpg highway (automatic transmission). Two-wheel-drive Wrangler Unlimited models deliver 17 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.
The 3.8-liter V-6 engine is the first north-south, rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive applications within Chrysler Group. Consisting of cast-iron construction for dynamic performance and durability, several engine modifications were made to meet the torque, fuel-efficiency and durability requirements for all Jeep Wrangler models, such as increased oil capacity, new exhaust manifold and new cylinder-block motor mounts.
Compared to its predecessor, the 2007 Jeep Wrangler’s 3.8-liter V-6 engine is lighter and shorter and maintains higher torque at speeds above 3,400 rpm, allowing for an expanded operating range. Towing capacity for standard Jeep Wrangler models is 2,000 lbs., and for Jeep Wrangler Unlimited models is 3,500 lbs. An optional towing package is available and includes a 4.10 axle ratio and Class III trailer hitch.
For key diesel markets outside North America, an all-new 2.8-liter Direct-Injection Common Rail Diesel engine will also be available – for the first time in a Jeep Wrangler – with a six-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic transmission.
Electronic Throttle Control
New for all 2007 Jeep Wrangler models is electronic throttle control (ETC), replacing the mechanical throttle linkage. ETC provides seamless and consistent engine response, improved fuel economy, and enhanced integration of vehicle systems – such as the transmission, variable camshaft timing, vehicle speed control and idle speed control.
ETC enabled Jeep engineers to tune the throttle response in relation to the 2007 Jeep Wrangler’s speed and set throttle-control curves to remain consistent over a wide range of operating conditions. In addition, engineers utilized the flexibility of ETC to provide a special throttle calibration when driving in 4 Low. The 4 Low calibration enables drivers to better modulate engine power when off-roading.
