Wrangler gets Pentastar V6

Jeep has announced that its 2012 Wrangler will be the latest model to get the Pentastar V6 petrol engine.

A capacity of 3.6 litres means it’s smaller than the old 3.8 litre motor it replaces, but nevertheless power is up by a massive 40% to 285 bhp (209 kW / 285 PS). Torque has risen too, from 321 Nm (237 lb/ft) to 353 Nm (260 lb/ft).

To go with the updated engine, the previous four-speed automatic transmission has been abandoned in favour of a new five-speed item. As well as having a more refined shifting action, it comes with a lower first gear ratio to help with low-speed off-road driving. Alternatively, a six-speed manual gearbox continues to be offered, and there’s a choice of three axle ratios.

Jeep Wrangler (2012) Rear Side 1
Jeep Wrangler (2012) Front Side
Jeep Wrangler (2012) Rear Side 2

As would be expected given the figures, the revised powertrain results in extra performance. The 0-60 mph sprint now takes a very respectable 8.4 seconds, a 25% improvement on before. But another benefit is slightly better fuel efficiency, as the Wrangler will now achieve up to 21 miles per US gallon (25.2 mpg imperial / 11.2 l/100km).

Given the redesigned interior that appeared for the current model year, other changes for 2012 are understandably limited. The Rubicon versions can now be had with a body-coloured hardtop, but that’s about it.

Related posts:
Defender gets new engine
Moparized Jeep Wranglers

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts:

Saab 9-3 Aero Carlsson

Image
Saab has got experience of producing special editions in honour of rally driver Erik Carlsson, having previously named versions of the 900 and 9000 after him during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Now it has decided to do it again, this time to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Swedish driver’s first win in Britain’s RAC Rally, which was achieved at the wheel of a Saab 96. Thankfully, the company has resisted the urge to just bung some fancy alloys and a few other extra bits onto something like a mid-range diesel model. Instead, it appears to have resurrected the limited edition Turbo X from a couple of years ago, as the new edition similarly features a turbocharged 2.8 litre petrol V6, Saab’s XWD all-wheel drive system and a six-speed automatic gearbox. The result is the 9-3 Aero Carlsson saloon, which turns out to be a very rapid car. With 276 bhp (205 kW / 280 PS) and a healthy 400 Nm of torque, the 0-60 mph (96 km/h) dash takes just 6.9 seconds. But it’s in the mid-range t...
Read more

American spec Fiat 500

Image
Fiat has released the first details and images of the North American specification 500. The tiny city car will be available in Pop, Lounge and Sport trim levels, and is distinguished from the European version by its more aggressive front and rear bumpers, bigger grille and flared sills. Another unique feature is the engine. Fiat has decided to use the 1.4 MultiAir unit currently found in models such as the Fiat Punto Evo and Alfa Romeo MiTo. Perhaps it felt that using the forthcoming two-cylinder TwinAir in the American 500 would have been too much for markets there to take? There’s no word yet on what power output the MultiAir will have, although in its current applications it comes with either 103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS), 133 bhp (99 kW / 135 PS) or 167 bhp (125 kW / 170 PS). Similarly, prices have yet to be confirmed, but hopefully both details will have been sorted out by the time the order book for the 500 hatch opens later this year. For convertible fans, the 500C is due ...
Read more

i10 N Line versus the Up! GTI

Image
Hyundai has confirmed specifications and pricing for its sporty i10 N Line. This new variant – which arrives at dealers later this month – benefits from some cosmetic tweaks, unique suspension components and a more powerful 1.0 litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine.
Read more