The newest Jeep also made its debut in dramatic fashion at NYIAS as four firemen hosed down a dirt mountain to uncovered a four-door Wrangler. By adding 20.5 inches to the existing 96-inch-wheelbase two-door Wrangler, Jeep has brought another new model to the hardcore faithful. Just under two years ago, Jeep had three vehicles (Wrangler, Liberty, Grand Cherokee). Now it has seven (Compass, Patriot, Wrangler, Wrangler four-door, Liberty, Grand Cherokee, Commander). And some may argue the Grand Cherokee SRT8 should be considered its own vehicle as well, theoretically making it eight. No matter how you look at it, DCX is investing heavily in Jeep. In fact, the long-legged 4.0-liter I-6 has now been replaced with an all-new 3.8-liter OHV V-6 producing 205 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque.
Four-door Wranglers will come in three trim levels, paralleling the regular Wrangler: X, Sahara, and Rubicon. All will offer six-speed manual or four-speed automatic options, with the Rubicon model offering a stout 4:1 low-range transfer case and bigger and more mud-aggressive tires. Interior appointments again mimic the new two-door Wrangler with the flat dash and three-pod sections (driver gauges/center stack/glove box) being interchangeable for export of either right- or left-hand drive vehicles. Lastly, all Unlimited Wranglers will come with a modular hardtop option that can be removed completely, or section apart to create numerous open-air options for front- and rear-seat passengers. Expect the 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited to go on sale this fall.
Click here for the 2006 New York Auto Show Photos & Coverage that includes dozens of debuts and image slideshows!