Arguably one of the most iconic vehicles in Jeep’s lineup, there is a chance the next-generation Wrangler could use aluminum in its body or chassis.
The news comes after Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne presented the company’s new product plan earlier this week. Forecasting the changes for the next four years, Marchionne dismissed the possibility of the Ram adapting aluminum in its chassis and body, like the Ford F-150.
“We’re going to be watching the launch of the F-150 very intensely,” he told shareholders and media. “But if I go with my gut, it tells me we’re still building a steel truck in 2018 … We have the capability to do an aluminum body for the Ram, but I have better places to use aluminum in the portfolio.”
At the end of the day, Automotive News asked if there is a “better use for aluminum” in the lineup than the Wrangler. Marchionne simply said, “No.”
This isn’t exactly a firm confirmation that the next Wrangler will use aluminum in its chassis or body, but it wouldn’t be out of the question since the iconic SUV has gained a considerable amount of weight with each consecutive generation. Back in 2011, Jeep even proved it could be done in the form of the aluminum-bodied Wrangler Stitch Concept, which was about 498 kg lighter than the standard Wrangler.
As per Fiat-Chrysler’s product plan, the next Jeep Wrangler is expected to arrive in 2017.
