Diesel Jeep Wrangler European Debut
Ever since the Diesel Jeep Wrangler made its European debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, the American Jeep-loving populace has been chomping at the bit to get a piece of the turbocharged action themselves.
Jeep Wrangler: A Symbol of Youth and Vitality
This world-renowned sport utility and off-road vehicle has undergone countless transformations since its introduction to the consumer market in 1987. The rugged, compact, trademark design with removable tops and doors have catapulted the vehicle past its status of simply being synonymous with four-wheel drive. Over the years, the Jeep Wrangler has evolved into a symbol of rugged youth, vitality, and free-wheeling adventure.
Individuals fortunate enough to have grown up in warmer climates can recall the common sight of topless Jeeps occupied by spirited, sun-kissed young men and women whose hair waved in the wind as they made their merry way to the nearest lake, beach, or campground. The Jeep Wrangler didn’t have to be pretty, new, or clean, to catch the admiring gaze of fellow drivers, because it was, and still is, that cool.
Today’s Jeep Wrangler Fans Want More
The adoring youngsters of yesterday, have since grown to purchase Jeep Wranglers of their own. However, with a new consumer generation comes a new set of demands. If the expressed sentiments of legions of die-hard Jeep Wrangler enthusiasts and aficionados are any indication, this generation demands a Jeep Wrangler with a diesel engine.
The 2.8-liter, four cylinder, Diesel Jeep Wrangler has proven itself to be a deserving addition to the ranks of drool-worthy pieces of machinery. It produces 200 horsepower and more than 300 pound-feet of torque, making it the (would-be) ideal vehicle for exhilarating weekend excursions to Sedona, Yellowstone, or Pikes Peak.
This diesel powered Jeep Wrangler also features start/stop technology, giving it a 13 percent increase in fuel economy over the previous model. It clocks in at an impressive 23.7 miles per gallon in the city and 35.8 mpg on the highway. This clever adjustment reduces emissions by 14 percent, putting it in favor with the growing population of environmentally conscientious consumers. The Jeep Wrangler currently available stateside, is powered by a 3.8 liter gasoline V6 engine which gets a measly 19 mpg highway.
American Fans Demand the Diesel Jeep Wrangler
Unfortunately, despite more than a year’s worth of rumors and speculation, this marvel of American machinery remains an unattainable dream for Americans.
Members of Jeep oriented websites and chat forums feverishly devour hopeful morsels of information. News that a Fiat diesel was being tested for U.S. certification in the 2012 Wrangler made significant headway in the rounds of chat rooms.
The Wait May Be a Few Years
It was not to be, however, as USA Today reported in April of this year that Chrysler Jeep CEO Michael Manley said American Jeep models in the future “could” be powered by diesel engines. Manley went on to say that he felt that the superior fuel economy of diesel powered Jeeps would help consumers in search of a way to combat the heavy toll of high gas prices. His fear was that there was not a large enough market to sustain the American diesel powered Jeep Wrangler.
It is unclear as to when Jeeps in the U.S. will be equipped with diesel engines. That’s not to say they haven’t come a long way. The newer models exhibit some impressive bells and whistles, such as remote keyless entry, navigation systems and satellite radio. This may be considered standard equipment according to some, but it certainly signals a wide departure from the Jeep’s origins as World War II U.S. Military vehicles.
Sources:
"Diesel-powered Jeep Wrangler with start/stop unveiled for Europe." Green.AutoBlog.com. 30 Sept. 2010. 27 July 2011.
Haymart, Sam. "Not For Us: 2010 Jeep Wrangler Diesel." DieselDig.com. 17 March 2010. 27 July 2010.
Robert Wilson - I am a professional writer that has written for a variety of websites around the internet. I have written for blogs and news websites.
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