A Look Back at the Teased Soft-Top Rubicon
Spy shots once again prove useful by spotting the new soft-top Wrangler testing in public several months prior to its public release.
Hidden In Public
It has become the norm for vehicle manufacturers to dress us their latest and greatest designs in camouflaged disguises in order to properly test them in real-world conditions. A casual observer may not notice anything out of the ordinary with one of these test vehicles, but it can be a real treat for enthusiasts with a keen eye to spot new vehicle features. Although we were quite certain new Wrangler models were due for 2018, a spotting of this soft-top Wrangler Rubicon way back in September 2017 tipped Jeep's hand for what was to come.
Decrypting The Design
For the most part, this particular Wrangler was not as heavily disguised as we typically see with test cars, thus some important details were easily distinguishable on the up and coming 2018 model. Amidst the camo pattern and use of black tape to cover certain components, it was clear that front grille and front & rear fascias had been redesigned. LED lighting had been implemented around the vehicle, but still retained an original Jeep look. Perhaps the most notable changes though were in the soft-top design, door attachment points, and a new folding windshield design.
Public Premiere
Fast-forward several months to the LA Auto Show and all of our suspicions and observations about the new Wrangler were confirmed. The new JL Wrangler still encompasses many of the original design elements found on older models such as the straight axles, the body bolting to the frame, and the doors and top still being removable. That said, the JL is a much more refined vehicle that will allow owners to quickly and easily convert it into its open-air configuration.
Off With The Top
The pop-off doors have been lightened and redesigned with offset pin lengths and a handy lift handle on the inside of the door (under the armrest) to aid in removal and installation. The soft-top is a major talking point as it has done away with the mess of zippers as found on previous models and instead features hard-formed corners and grooved/channeled panels that allow the 3 side pieces to easily slide together. The top can actually stay in place with the sides removed for a safari-style setup or can be quickly opened or folded down entirely with only a couple of release latches.
No More Windshield Woes
Opening up the windshield or removing it from the vehicle entirely is a much more straightforward task than on the outgoing JK models. The JL simply requires removal of the wiper arms and four bolts at the top of the windshield framing to open it. The sun-visors and rear-view mirror need not be removed thanks to a body that now has A-pillars and a header bar that remain in place. To remove the windshield completely, 2 more bolts from each bottom hinge will set it free, although a set of straps are included to secure the aluminum windshield structure to the now integrated footman hood loops.
Modernizing A Classic Design
The JL Wrangler has a larger grille with a steeper slope to it and bigger, modernized headlights. Designers have hidden away the extra length and width of the JL by using narrower bumpers and fender flares, however, the Rubicon model gets beefed up with flares that sit an additional two inches higher, a full slew of skid plates, and a set of meaty 33-inch tires. It is clear that the spy photos taken of the test vehicle were spot-on in giving consumers an idea of a number of cosmetic and structural changes that made their way onto the new JK Jeep Wrangler. Dealer ordering for the 2018 Wrangler has already begun, so be sure to visit your local dealership if you want to be one of the first to own the newest Jeep on the road.
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