Until a few years ago, Jeep in Malaysia was run by the DRB-Automotive group. With high import prices and ageing products coming from Jeep, there was little enthusiasm for the growth of Jeep in Malaysia. Large capacity fuel guzzling engines gave little reason for most Malaysians to even take a test drive. So, Jeep was closed and remaining stock in the country left for New Zealand.
Now comes news that Jeep will be revived in Malaysia under a new brand guardian and their official opening is just a couple of months away.
There will be a new range of 2019 models with better new engines, starting with a 2.0L petrol.
Meanwhile, Jeep has announced that it is adding its 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engine to the Wrangler. Rated at 263ps and 600Nm of torque, the six-cylinder unit is mated to the TorqueFlite 8HP75 8-speed automatic transmission.
This third generation turbocharged 3-liter V6 delivers increased torque and horsepower, along with improved fuel economy and NVH levels.
Jeep implemented a number of changes to the unit to achieve this, including the introduction of a new-gen water-cooled turbocharger with variable geometry turbine (VGT) and redesigned cylinder head intake ports with higher flow capability that improve swirl and flow, to increase performance and fuel economy.
The EGR system design has been updated to a dual loop (low and high pressure) system. The added low-pressure circulation system draws gases after the diesel particulate filter, thus minimizing turbocharger energy losses.
The 3-liter EcoDiesel uses dual overhead camshafts with four valves per cylinder and a 60° angle between the cylinder banks. The block is cast with compacted graphite iron, which provides strength to dampen vibrations, but weighs less than grey cast iron. A compacted graphite iron bedplate adds rigidity to the block.
Calibrated for low RPM shifts and for both on- and off-road capability, the new 8-speed gearbox is equipped with more than 40 individual shift maps to optimize shift points for fuel economy, performance and 4×4 capability.
The all-new 2018 Jeep Wrangler delivers legendary off-road capability courtesy of two advanced 4×4 systems, and for the first time in Wrangler’s history, a two-speed transfer case with full-time four-wheel drive and a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio that is available on Sahara models. This new Selec-Trac full-time two-speed transfer case is intuitive and allows the driver to set it and forget it, while constantly sending power to the front and rear wheels.
The Command-Trac 4×4 system features a two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio, and next-generation solid Dana front and rear axles with a 3.45 rear axle ratio.
On Wrangler Rubicon, a Rock-Trac 4×4 system features heavy duty next-generation Dana 44 front and rear axles with a “4LO” ratio of 4:1. A 4.10 front and rear axle ratio is standard as are Tru-Lok locking differentials.
Wrangler Rubicon models offer improved articulation and total suspension travel versus the previous generation with help from an electronic sway-bar disconnect. With the standard six-speed manual transmission, Wrangler Rubicon has an impressive and improved crawl ratio of 84.2:1, and 77.2:1 on Rubicon models equipped with the new eight-speed automatic transmission – both of which makes scaling any obstacle on the trail easy.
Both Command-Trac and Rock-Trac systems offer full-time torque management, enabling optimal grip in low-traction conditions.
An available Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential provides extra torque and grip during slippery, low-traction situations, such as driving over sand, gravel, snow or ice.
Every Wrangler model receives a Trail Rated badge thanks to legendary 4×4 capability that includes features such as:
- Command-Trac 4×4 system with 2.72:1 crawl ratio standard on Sport and Sahara models
- Rock-Trac 4×4 system with a “4LO” ratio of 4:1 and Tru-Lok locking differentials standard on Rubicon models
- Skid plates and front and rear tow hooks
- All-new front fascia and available front and rear steel heavy-duty off-road winch-ready bumpers with removable end caps
- Industry-leading approach angle of 44 degrees, breakover angle of 27.8 degrees, departure angle of 37 degrees and ground clearance of 10.9 inches
- Aggressive available 17-inch off-road wheels; Rubicon models get 33-inch tires standard
- Up to 30 inches of water fording
