by Aaron Foley, WardsAuto, March 29 2013
AUBURN HILLS, MI ‚Äì The stalwart Jeep Wrangler’s next hurdle to clear is to boost fuel economy without alienating its fervid customer base, a task executives say is easier said than done.
A diesel powertrain is expected in the next-generation Wrangler, Jeep’s top executive confirmed toWardsAutoearlier this year. Still, even with that and the new option of the fuel-saving 3.6L Pentastar V-6, fuel efficiency is a challenge because the bulky Wrangler can weigh more than 1,000 lbs. (454 kg) than the Grand Cherokee, the next-largest vehicle in Jeep’s lineup.