AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/-- Go-anywhere,
do-anything and now bring everything. The icon of the legendary Jeep(R) brand
just got more versatile with 15 inches added to its overall length. The new
2004 1/2 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited delivers 13 inches more cargo area and two
inches more second row leg room, while maintaining the unmatched open-air fun
and 4x4 capability of the original Jeep Wrangler. The legend grows.
"We hear time and time again that owners don't want us to change a thing
on their Jeep vehicles. But there is also a smaller group of Jeep owners who
told us they would love a Jeep Wrangler, but needed more space for their
lifestyle," said Jeff Bell, Vice President - Chrysler/Jeep Marketing, Chrysler
Group. "We set out to create a longer wheelbase Wrangler that could give
those customers what they really wanted, while maintaining the true fun and
freedom of the original Jeep Wrangler."
It Adds Up To More Versatility, Capability and Comfort
While maintaining its legendary 4x4 Jeep capability, the new Jeep Wrangler
Unlimited offers more refined, on-road comfort and quietness because of its
longer 103-inch wheelbase, which includes an additional 10 inches compared to
the original Wrangler.
The versatility and functionality is increased with the additional 13
inches in space behind the second row, giving the Wrangler Unlimited double
the amount of cargo capacity. The additional two inches in the second row
provides more leg and knee room for passengers. Access to the second row is
also improved with tip and slide front seats added to the driver's side.
In addition to the more refined ride, the longer wheelbase contributes to
the Wrangler Unlimited's best-in-segment towing capability of 3500 lbs., which
is 1500 lbs. more than the standard Wrangler.
"We set out to create more space for cargo and passengers, but the
increase in wheelbase also improves the on-road ride and towing capability of
the Wrangler Unlimited," said Jaci Woody, Executive Engineer, Jeep Special
Programs Engineering. "The added space broadens the appeal of the Wrangler
Unlimited to customers who appreciate space and additional towing capability
without compromising the character of the Wrangler."
Legendary Jeep 4x4 Capability
The Jeep Special Program Engineering team that created the Jeep Wrangler
Unlimited was careful to protect the legendary 4x4 capability that Jeep
Wrangler owners want and expect. How much was the right amount to lengthen
the Jeep Wrangler?
Even with the additional wheelbase length and increase in rear overhang,
the Wrangler Unlimited was designed to maintain the 20 degree breakover angle
minimum guideline for off-road driving. In addition, the Jeep Wrangler
Unlimited is also Trail Rated.
"The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited stays true to the legendary capability that
has made the Wrangler the icon of the brand," said Woody. "The additional 15
inches provided the right balance to add more second row seating comfort and
cargo without compromising the Jeep 4x4 capability."
The 2004.5 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited features as standard equipment the
4.0-liter PowerTech(TM) I-6 mated to the 42RLE four-speed automatic
transmission. The 4.0-liter engine is rated at 190 horsepower (142 kW) at
4,600 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. (319 Nm) of torque at 3,200 rpm.
Also standard on the Wrangler Unlimited are a Dana 30 front axle, a rear
heavy-duty Dana 44 axle, 30-inch tall R15 Goodyear Wrangler GSA tires, 15-inch
Ravine aluminum wheels, high-pressure gas-charged shock absorbers with a 3.73
axle ratio, fog lamps and tow hooks.
A New Twist to Open-air Fun
Jeep Wrangler continues as the only open-air sport-utility vehicle with
legendary Jeep 4x4 capability.
Staying true to its heritage, the new Wrangler Unlimited adds another
option to open-air fun with an innovative new Sunrider(TM) soft-top, which
includes a "sun roof" feature in addition to the full top-down option. This
new soft-top gives a second open-air option by folding the soft-top back
completely over driver and front passenger to create a 45x23 inch sun roof
opening -- larger than any typical glass sun roof. The sun roof can also be
operated from the inside of the Wrangler Unlimited, once the vehicle is
stopped.
The Sunrider(TM) soft-top includes larger, deep-tinted side windows,
giving second row passengers a better view outside. The Wrangler Unlimited is
also available with a new hard top with added strength and larger, deep-tinted
rear windows, as well as rear defroster and back glass wiper and washer.
Standard features on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited are full-steel doors with
deep tinted windows, Sunrider(TM) soft-top, padded Sport Bar, air
conditioning, AM/FM stereo radio with CD, easy access tip and slide front
seats, fold and tumble rear seat, front and rear floor mats, next generation
air bags and power steering.
Optional equipment includes body-side side steps, electrochromic mirror
with compass and temperature, engine block heater, hard top, locking fuel cap,
Sentry Key, seven speaker package, leather-wrapped steering wheel and speed
control.
SOURCE Chrysler Group
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