In the no-brainer of the day, Left Lane News is reporting that Fiat has confirmed that the Wrangler will continue to be built on a unique platform.
Chrysler’s partnership with Fiat will see the two automakers sharing a large number of vehicle platforms, but the Jeep Wrangler will remain a unique vehicle in the Chrysler-Fiat lineup. The Wrangler will continue on its own off-road platform with no Fiat variations planned.
While future Jeep models may adopt some Fiat DNA in the name of fuel economy, the Wrangler will remain on its more durable body-on-frame architecture. Fiat says there are no plans to produce other models on the Wrangler platform, even within the Jeep family.
Although no new models are planned for the Wrangler’s platform, the Wrangler lineup could expand to include a few more models. Jeep boss Mike Manley admits that a Wrangler-based pickup truck is under consideration, as is a diesel powerplant for the U.S. market. However, Manley says neither variation is "imminent."
Some changes are in the cards for the Wrangler, though, including a major upgrade this summer, followed by another revamp next year. The changes are expected to include an improved interior and the addition of Chrysler’s new Pentastar 3.6L high-feature V6.
The Wrangler is Jeep’s best-selling model, tallying 82,000 units last year.