La
Thuile, Italy -The Rubicon name is not just
used for one of the toughest off-road trails in the world
- it is also what the Jeep® brand is calling its new
limited production, ultimate off-road vehicle.
The
new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, making its off-road debut at
Euro Camp Jeep 2003, is engineered to take on the most demanding
trails, including those previously reserved for only highly
modified, specialist 4x4 vehicles.
While
sturdy off-road tyres and diamond plate sill protectors
hint at the tremendous capability of Wrangler Rubicon, the
underpinnings make it truly worthy of the Rubicon name.
In response to the demands of hardcore off-road enthusiasts,
the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon model features locking front and
rear differentials, front and rear heavy-duty Dana “model
44” axles and a 4:1 ratio low-range transfer case.
Jeep
Engineered Ultimate Off-roader
The
Jeep brand is the only original equipment manufacturer offering
this extremely capable combination of traction, maneuverability
and versatility. Compact, nimble handling and a tight turning
circle help Jeep Wrangler Rubicon navigate through the toughest
of trails. Also, Wrangler Rubicon is a true 4x4 “convertible”
with removable doors, fold-down windscreen and hose-out
interior for the ultimate in versatility.
The
new Wrangler Rubicon features Tru-Lok™ locking differentials
that can be driver-actuated when the transfer case is in
low range with vehicle speed below 16 km/h (10 mph). A dash-mounted
rocker switch allows the driver to lock the rear axle and
toggle the front axle locker on and off for improved maneuvering.
When engaged, this feature mechanically locks the axle shafts
together to drive all four wheels at the same speed.
When
unlocked, the rear axle has a torque-sensing limited-slip
feature to provide better traction and handling on-road.
Heavy-duty Dana “model 44” axles, with 4.11:1
ratios front and rear, provide the durability and strength
needed for extreme off-road driving.
The
Rock-Trac™ transfer case with 4:1 ratio low range
slows the vehicle speed to give the driver more control
and increases the amount of torque available at the wheels.
This fixed-output NV241 Off-Road transfer case was engineered
specifically for the Wrangler Rubicon to meet the demanding
durability requirements of an intense off-road vehicle.
For the same reason, this model also includes heavy-duty
driveshafts with 1330 universal joints.
Goodyear
Wrangler “Maximum Traction/Reinforced” 31-inch
tall tires feature a rugged tread pattern that wraps around
the sidewall to help grab ledges along the trail. This state-of-the-art
off-road tyre includes a three-ply sidewall and advanced
silica compound for excellent durability and puncture resistance.
The new tread pattern provides increased tread stiffness
and uniform tread wear. The largest tyres offered from the
factory on Wrangler, these LT245/75R16 tyres add an extra
13 mm (0.5 inch) to the ground clearance.
The
vehicle is driven by a 4.0 PowerTech™ I-6 petrol engine
generating 128 kW (172 hp) of power and 305 Nm of torque.
It is available with a new 42RLE four-speed automatic transmission.
Unique
Exterior Appearance
The
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon features unique exterior design cues
and will be available in all the regular Wrangler exterior
colours. Reminiscent of legendary Jeep vehicles, a “Rubicon”
graphic is prominently placed on each side of the bonnet.
Heavy gauge diamond plate sill guards are bolted to the
bodyside to protect rocker panels from damage in off-road
situations. New 16-inch diameter, five-spoke aluminium wheels
are designed with a dished face to protect the wheel from
off-road obstacles.
The
Rubicon model is a limited production vehicle that is available
for selected left-hand-drive markets across Europe.
Jeep
Wrangler Offers Two New Powertrain Choices
The
new four-speed automatic transmission and new 2.4 engine
for the 2003 Jeep Wrangler are two significant powertrain
enhancements that improve upon the previous equipment and
give owners even more ability to go anywhere and do anything.
A new
42RLE four-speed automatic transmission debuts on Jeep Wrangler.
Offered on both international models - Sport and Sahara
- this smoother-shifting transmission provides better performance
and enhanced shift quality compared to the previous three-speed
automatic transmission. The transmission now features electronic-controlled
shifting instead of hydraulic controls, and four-speed shifting
makes it a more competitive offering. In addition to the
standard fuel tank and transfer case skid plates, a new
automatic transmission skid plate provides additional off-road
protection.
Offering
significantly more horsepower and torque, a 2.4 PowerTech™
I-4 engine replaces the previous 2.5 I-4 as the standard
engine on 2003 Jeep Wrangler Sport models, which are available
in left-hand drive. This 2.4 engine, also used in the Jeep
Cherokee, provides an estimated 105 kW (143 hp) of power
and 215 Nm of torque, representing a 21 per cent increase
in power and a 13 per cent increase in torque over the previous
2.5 engine. This increased power and torque is achieved
through the use of aluminum cross-flow cylinder heads, dual
overhead cams and a four-valve-per-cylinder design. The
new 2.4 engine is quieter, more fuel-efficient and engineered
for longer life and ease of maintenance.
Jeep
Wrangler Sport and Sahara models with the 4.0 PowerTech
I-6 petrol engine are available in either left- or right-hand
drive. This engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission
or the new 42RLE four-speed automatic transmission.
The
Jeep Wrangler also comes with Quadra-Coil suspension, which
has high articulation to keep all four wheels on the ground
in rocky terrain, and Command-Trac®, Wrangler’s
responsive shift-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive system capable
of seamlessly adapting to any terrain.
All-new
Interior Offers New Level of Refinement
An all-new
interior gives Jeep Wrangler several interior refinements,
while still preserving the true essence of the Jeep brand
icon.
New
front seats on Jeep Wrangler offer an additional 20 mm (0.8
inches) of rearward travel, allowing taller drivers to sit
a more comfortable distance from the steering wheel. Taller
seat backs provide a more comfortable ride, with a lever
on the side of the front passenger seat for easier access
to the rear. A new fold-and-tumble rear seat can be more
easily removed.
In addition
to new front and rear seats, the Jeep Wrangler now features:
New
interior electrochromic rear view mirror with map lights,
temperature and compass display as standard on Sahara and
optional on Sport
New exterior mirror design that reduces vibration, while
increasing stability and durability
New four-spoke steering wheel
New CD/Radio
Additional power outlet on the dash
New standard corner pods located just behind the b-pillar
on both sides of the vehicle that house interior lamps,
providing theatre lighting and optional speakers
Dark Slate or Khaki interior
Safety features standard on all Jeep Wranglers include next-generation
air bags, a driver’s side constant-force seat belt
retractor, self-adjusting low-tension three-point belts
and height-adjustable shoulder belts.
Jeep
Wrangler is offered in four new exterior colours: Bright
Silver Metallic, Inca Gold Pearl Coat, Intense Blue Pearl
Coat and Light Khaki Metallic. Black is now available on
Sahara models. Dark Khaki replaces Tan on the new three-ply
soft-top, which retains the quiet features of the previous
four-ply top while being easier to operate. Sport and Sahara
models feature new badging.
The
Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Rubicon are built at DaimlerChrysler’s
Stickney Avenue Assembly Plant in Toledo, Ohio, USA.
Jeep®
Wrangler Rubicon, 2004 Model - Preliminary Technical Specifications
Engine
4.0 PowerTech™ Petrol
Description Six-cylinder, in-line, liquid-cooled
Displacement 3960 cc
Bore and stroke 98.4 mm x 86.7 mm
Valve system OHV, 12 valves, flat-face followers, hydraulic
lifters
Compression ratio 8.8:1
Maximum power 128 kW (172 hp) @ 4500 rpm
Maximum torque 305 Nm @ 3800 rpm
Transmission Four-speed automatic
Fuel
economy (litres/100 km)
Combined cycle 14.3
Ex-urban cycle 11.0
Urban cycle 19.8
Combined CO2 342.5 g/km
Rubicon
Transfer Case NV241 Rock-Trac™
Type Part-time, heavy-duty
Operating Modes 2WD; 4WD High, part-time; Neutral; 4WD Low,
part-time
Low Range Ratio 4.0:1
Center Differential Type None
Electrical
System
Alternator 117 amp
Battery Group 34, 500 amp
Dimensions
and Capacities
Wheelbase 2374 mm
Track, front/rear 1511 mm
Overall length to spare tyre 3990 mm
Overall width 1830 mm
Overall height 1811 mm
Running
ground clearance 259 mm maximum
Approach angle 42.0 degrees
Ramp breakover angle 28.1 degrees
Departure angle 31.9 degrees
Fuel tank capacity 72 litres
All
specifications above are preliminary figures.
Jeep® Wrangler, 2003 Model - Technical Specifications
Engine
4.0 PowerTech™ Petrol
Description Six-cylinder, in-line, liquid-cooled
Displacement 3960 cc
Bore and stroke 98.4 mm x 86.7 mm
Valve system OHV, 12 valves, flat-face followers, hydraulic
lifters
Compression ratio 8.8:1
Maximum power 130 kW (177 hp) @ 4600 rpm
Maximum torque 296 Nm @ 3500 rpm
Transmissions
Five-speed Manual Four-speed Automatic
0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) 9.9 seconds 10.6 seconds
Top speed 174 km/h (108 mph) 172 km/h (107 mph)
Fuel
economy (litres/100 km)
Combined cycle 13.2 15.0
Ex-urban cycle 9.0 10.7
Urban cycle 20.5 23.0
Combined CO2 315 g/km 362 g/km
Engine
2.4 PowerTech Petrol
Description Four-cylinder, in-line, liquid-cooled
Displacement 2429 cc
Bore and stroke 87.5 mm x 101 mm
Valve system DOHC, 16 valves, roller followers, hydraulic
lash adjusters
Compression ratio 9.5:1
Maximum power 105 kW (143 hp) @ 5200 rpm
Maximum torque 215 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Transmission
Five-speed manual
0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) 11.9 seconds
Top speed 164 km/h (102 mph)
Fuel
economy (litres/100 km)
Combined cycle 10.4
Ex-urban cycle 8.3
Urban cycle 14.0
Combined CO2 248 g/km
Dimensions
and Capacities
Sport & Sahara
Wheelbase 2373 mm
Track, front/rear 1473 mm
Overall length w/spare tyre 3883 mm
Overall width 1732 mm
Overall height 1748 mm hard top / 1782 mm soft top
Running
ground clearance 246 mm
Approach angle 42.5 degrees
Departure angle 30.5 degrees
Fuel tank capacity 72 litres
Above
specifications are accurate for Europe only. Figures for
other markets may vary.