OVERVIEW

Turns out, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler will be a mix of aluminum and steel.

While previous reports suggested the next-generation Wrangler would’ve switched to an all-aluminum body, but Sergio Marchionne recently dismissed the rumours.

“There will be a large portion of that vehicle that will be aluminum. It will not be all aluminum. We’ve run the numbers and we’ve simulated mileage and the impact,” Marchionne told Automotive News. “Because of the difference in cost – not just of the material, but the actual assembly process – I think we can do almost as well without doing it all-aluminum. I think we can get very close.”

If Fiat-Chrysler were to move to an all-aluminum Wrangler, it would have to completely retool Jeep’s Toledo, Ohio assembly plant. Instead, the upcoming Wrangler could use aluminum in the hood, tailgate and doors – a move which wouldn’t require a factory revamp.

The next-generation Wrangler is expected to be lighter and more fuel efficient than the outgoing model. It will retain the existing body-on-frame chassis and solid axles, while the Grand Cherokee’s 3.0-litre EcoDiesel V6 and eight-speed automatic will be available.