Jeeps have always traded
on their perceived off-road abilities rather than for their
interior refinements, now Chrysler Group is giving the
Wrangler, one of the worst offenders of the bunch, a
small push in the right direction with a mild cabin makeover
for the 2011 Model Year. The improvements are part of a
huge push by Chrysler to replace or refresh much of its
unloved product portfolio by the end of the year, and
while the budget is being stretched to complete the
ambitious task, it is being less stretched by the
Wrangler which gets mostly cosmetic changes because the
famous off-roader
has more time on its side being one of the few Chrysler Group
models that hasn't fallen out of favour with consumers.
Chrysler Group has
released images of the new 2011 Model Year Jeep Wrangler
and the Wrangler Unlimited version. Key areas for change
inside include upgrading touch surfaces, occupant
comfort and versatility, as well as adding a new body-colour
hard top for the popular Sahara model. With the rush to
get revised Chrysler Group models coming unabated, the
Model Year Wrangler started rolling off the Toledo
Assembly Complex in Toledo, Ohio, this week.
"The iconic Jeep
Wrangler keeps getting better," reckons Mike Manley,
President and CEO of the Jeep Brand. "While retaining
unmatched, legendary capability, the 2011 Jeep Wrangler
boasts an all-new interior that delivers a host of
comfort, convenience and versatility features. In
addition, Sahara models now feature a stunning, all-new
body-color hard top, for customers looking for a Jeep
Wrangler with a more premium appearance." However
the Wrangler has missed out on getting the new Pentastar
V6 engine for the Model Year.
The revised 2011 Model
Year Wrangler's interior improvements include a
redesigned instrument panel and new storage areas with
improved ergonomics and upgraded materials. A new
lockable console and upgraded door armrest areas have
more comfortable touch points, while a redesigned center
stack is easier to reach and operate. Heated, power
mirrors are now available, and drivers and passengers
will have enhanced visibility courtesy of larger rear
windows.
New steering-wheel
controls allow the driver to operate the radio, cruise
control, hands-free phone and other vehicle functions
while keeping hands on the wheel. A new USB device
interface connects to storage devices (thumb drives and
most MP3 players) for use with the vehicle’s Media
Center, which now includes streaming Bluetooth audio.
Twelve-volt accessory outlets have been added and a new
110-volt outlet is available to provide power similar to
AC outlets in the home.
In line with
traditional Jeep design, hex-head bolts are utilized
throughout the interior, and are used to mount a “Jeep,
Since 1941” inlay onto the new passenger grab handle.
Jeep engineers have increased acoustical treatment,
resulting in significantly reduced interior noise.
To provide an enhanced
appearance, the Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Sahara
models have a new body-colour hard top while several new
Jeep colours are available for the 2011 Model Year
including Detonator Yellow, Deep Cherry Red, Sahara Tan,
Cosmos Blue and Bright White.
