The reviews are in and the 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is a hit with many in the off road community. In fact, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, save one thing—the underpowered 3.8 liter V-6 that came right out of your neighbor’s Chrysler Minivan. With all the options available to DC corp. it’s a mystery to me why they would put such a lackluster powerplant in the new JK.
However, there have been rampant rumors about various engine upgrades in the 2008 JK. I must say, after taking a look under the hood of an ‘07 Rubicon Unlimted a couple of weeks ago, there seems to be an unusually large amount of unused space surrounding the 3.8. Coincidence or planning ahead for a Hemi?
Another announcement sparking much talk in the Jeep forums comes from legendary diesel manufacturer Cummins. The’ve announced they’ll be supplying DaimlerChrysler with two new engines for their “light-duty” vehicles—a 4.2 liter and a 5.6 liter version. The possiblity of a Cummins diesel in a Jeep makes me almost giddy. I think this rumor has some legs too. DC will supposedly be unveiling a concept version of the JK, called the 50 JK. This rig will be powered with the 4.2 liter Cummins and have full leather interior as well as some other agressive off road features.
So if you’re anything like me, and you’re wondering why DC would put such a wussy little motor in the JK, maybe help isn’t too far down the road. If you can wait, you might have some more powerful options for the 2008 line of Jeep vehicles.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I think just about everyone is unhappy with the new engine selection DaimlerChrysler put in the new Jeep Wrangler. Most of us were expecting a higher horse power engine, V6 or other, rather than just a small bump in power and torque with the “Minivan 3.8L V6″.
The reason DC selected the Minivan engine was simple economics. Number one, the inline 6 engine line was dropped as a cost savings because DC could commonize the same engine for the Wrangler and the Minivan. Number two, the new engine closely matched the power of the old engine, which translates into “they didn’t have to extensively redesign and retest the drivetrain”, namely the transmission. Number three, DC was looking ahead about the possiblility of optional engines, such as a more powerful gas or diesel in the popular V6 orientation.
For those of you who are waiting for DC to drop a “Hemi” in the Wrangler. Wake up, because it’s not going to happen. That engine makes too much power for the Wrangler, from DC’s perspective. Plus they don’t offer a manual transmission for the V8 Hemi, so how would DC satisfy those people?
What you can expect to see is most likely the Dodge Nitro V6 (260 hp) or something close, because everyone is complaining about the new engine. If Jeep sales drop, I think DC will have no choice but to increase engine power or offer several engine options to bring sales back. The squeaky axle gets the grease here! So, the more noise everyone makes - the more likely DC is going to upgrade the engine.
As for me, as much as I don’t like the new engine, it makes a heck of a lot more power than my dying ‘89 Wrangler, so I sucked it up and ordered a 4dr Rubicon with a manual trans.
I test drove both the 4dr(auto) and a 2dr(manual) and both Jeeps seemed to have plenty of power for around town and on the freeway. I selected the manual transmission, because the automatic seemed sluggish, plus I prefer a stick shift. The Jeep is not a sports car after all and the aerodynamic shape might as well be a brick. I’m not buying a new for the speed or gas mileage, but because I like the new Jeep and it offers enough advantages over older models to make up for a “lesser than desired” engine.
I own a 94 YJ and 98 TJ and as much I would like to buy the 2008 JK Unlimited Rubicon I won’t because of the torque lacking minivan engine. This Jeep requires a diesel engine without compromise, so until then, I along with a great number of other Jeep enthusiasts, won’t even consider the purchase. Moreover, it just amazes me how these car manufacturers are suffering, but yet they don’t listen to the consumer. IMHO, if Chrysler featured a diesel engine in the Jeep lineup, they wouldn’t be able to keep up with the consumer demand for this legendary off-road icon.
Hey, Joe. M. after a 4″ lift and 35’s I just drive w/ OD turned off & do all the same things I did in my TJ. As for consumer demand this engine has 15HP more than the 4.0 liter in the TJ & if you order a Rubicon today you will not get until 2009. I would say that is good demand. Avenger superchargers can put close to V8 power w/ their kit for $4k LOL.
Jay - One heck of a post, extremely informative and I didn’t realize the correlation between the use of the engines and their counterparts. Pretty intelligent use of the motor if you ask me. I think you’ll love the Rubicon by the way, I love mine and it’s an amazing car. Good choice on the manual too, much more punchy and responsive over the auto counterpart.