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.