New Wrangler Model Comes Equipped with an Upgraded Front Axle, Heavy-Duty Differential Covers, and Different Rock Rails
Sometimes more is less. More responsibilities at work may not necessarily translate to higher pay, but definitely translate to less free time. In the case of the 2017 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon, more is more.
That extra word “Recon” adds hardware and cosmetic touches. Jeep designers trimmed the Recon edition with a Low Gloss Black grille and bumpers, Low Gloss Granite Crystal grille and headlamp accents, red tow hooks, and special badges and decals. A Premium Sunrider soft top is standard equipment; a body-color hard top and body-color fender flares are optional.
Engineers threw in a half-inch lift, 17-inch Low Gloss Granite Crystal aluminum wheels, and 32-inch BF Goodrich KM rubber. Most importantly, they beefed up the front axle with stronger tubes and more robust end forgings. They also slapped some heavy-duty cast covers on the front and rear differentials, and installed shorter rock rails that can accommodate 35-inch tires. Unfortunately, they didn’t touch the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 up front, so that continues to generate 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
Inside, the Rubicon Recon edition gets a variety of red accents, including stitching, seat belts, and front and rear door pocket nets. According to Jeep, “The passenger grab handle features Midnight Star Black accents that are also found on the vent rings, steering wheel spokes and door pulls.” The Rubicon Recon also gets the Connectivity Group, Power Convenience Group, satellite radio, a remote start system, and auto temperature control as standard equipment.
Look for the 2017 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon in dealerships later this month. It’ll be available in Black, Bright White, Billet Silver, Firecracker Red, Gobi, Rhino, and Granite Crystal. Prices start at $39,145 for the two-door version and $42,945 for the Wrangler Unlimited model.
Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.
After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.
While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.
Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.
