Most Popular Off-Roader Just Got Better
Jeep Wrangler? Yes, you read that right. DaimlerChrysler Canada  | | The all-new Wrangler, making its debut at this year's NAIAS in Detroit. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
has worked out a deal with General Motors of Canada, which previously owned the rights to the Wrangler nameplate north of the forty-ninth, and now all the high-profile advertising that regularly bleeds into our country via cable TV stations south of the border, touting the Wrangler as the ultimate 4x4 (not the TJ as it has been called here), won't go to waste. And that's a good thing for DaimlerChrysler Canada, considering its Jeep brand will be looking for all the help it can get in order to spread news that it's all-new 2007 Wrangler is better than ever.
Certainly | | The plate glass windows of Cobo Hall couldn't contain the Wrangler from its true destiny... (Photo: Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
it's more refined, expected of any redesigned vehicle when compared to its predecessor, but while smoothing out some of the TJ's rough edges the iconic off-roader is still every bit as capable when pavement turns to rocks, sand and/or mud; or, as with its North American International Auto Show debut in Detroit, escaping from an onstage cage, driving through auto show aisles, breaking through one of Cobo Hall's "plate glass" windows and then climbing down a flight of stairs before marching up Washington Avenue and then charging up the side of "Jeep Mountain" just outside of Detroit's Pontchartrain Hotel.
"Jeep is the 'go anywhere, do anything' brand, and the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler demonstrated that right out of the gate today," commented Jeff Bell, Vice President - Jeep, Chrysler Group. "Simply put, it is the best Jeep Wrangler ever. No vehicle in the world offers more off-road capability. Our all-new Jeep Wrangler offers more on-road refinement, space, comfort, open-air options, power, torque, safety and convenience."
I'm sure that the good folks I met during Jeep Jamboree last year,  | | ....which is a makeshift mountain right outside of the Pontchartrain Hotel. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
who teased me relentlessly as I took to the mountain in an independently-front-sprung Liberty, will have collectively exhaled sighs of relief when news came that the neo-classic 4x4 will not only offer such long-anticipated upgrades in its renewed state, but that it will also once again be sold with solid axles at both ends. For those wanting the Jeep image tailored for the street, yes the lightweights that regularly complain that the Wrangler's ride is too rough for daily use, go buy a Compass or Patriot and leave the "real" Jeeps to rough-and-ready, hairy-chested men - and women.
Actually,  | | New Wrangler should appeal to the Jamboree types quite nicely. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
I was surprised at the diversity of Jeep's fan base, or at least those attending the Jamboree. While more parts male than female, the women I met were at least as devoted, with CJs, YJs and TJs similarly optioned-out to the guys' machines. I also witnessed a refreshing socio-economic mix at the event, with obvious variances in income level, even more obvious style and taste differences, plus dynamic cultural backgrounds. In other words, Jeep owners cover almost every demographic and are brought together by one common element, their love for all things Jeep.
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