Spy Photos Confirm Stick Shift in 2018 Jeep Wrangler
New spy photos have revealed that the Jeep Wrangler will keep its six-speed manual transmission.
A new prototype has been spied sporting a six-speed stick shift, though the redesigneded shift knob suggests that it could be an all-new unit, especially considering reverse has been moved to the top left position. An eight-speed automatic will also be available.
Availability of the manual will likely mirror the current Wrangler, with only lower end models powered by the 3.6-liter V6 having the option to shift your own gears. A new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is also rumored to be joining the lineup, which could also be paired with the manual.
SEE ALSO: 2018 Jeep Wrangler Two Door Spotted for the First Time
Jeep has confirmed that the new Wrangler will be offered with a diesel powertrain, likely the 3.0-liter unit found in the current Jeep Grand Cherokee, along with a hybrid powertrains sometime in the future. The manual is unlikely to be paired with a manual.
Shedding pounds is being prioritized by the new Wrangler, which will begin to use more aluminum to keep its heft down.
Discuss this story at our Jeep Wrangler JL Forum
Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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I, for one, would be really interested in the 4cyl turbo model with a 6 speed manual. My current 2013 6cyl is geared way too high, but is great when cruising the hwy at 70mph. I guess this was done to achieve the 22.5 mpg. I just don't trust the Pentastar V6.
I do not understand why Jeep keeps making the Wrangler bigger and bigger. That is not what most true Jeep lovers want. I have driven ragtop Jeeps for 30+ years, and it seems they get bigger with every redesign.