The Jeep diehards at the JLWrangler Forum were kind enough to forward these photos of a 2019 Jeep Wrangler Diesel Prototype caught in the wild. The wild and fat tailpipe was a tip off that something different was going on with this test vehicle. Then the guy crawled underneath the Jeep to confirm his suspicions and took a photo of the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank to prove it.
The JLWrangler Forum also confirmed via a source who attended the FCA dealer’s meeting that the 3.0-liter diesel is slotted for a late 2019 model year introduction. Specs are still unconfirmed, but Jeep already uses a 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel in it Jeep Grand Cherokee. That engine pumps out 240 hp and whopping 420 lb-ft. of torque.
As for the 2018 Wrangler JL, the JLWF source shared these updates to its launch:
- We’ll see it first at the 2017 L.A. Auto Show at the end of November
- Dealers will start receiving vehicles before the end of the year
- Jeep is specifying an updated 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 Manual Transmission (standard) or 3.6-liter Automatic (optional), and a 2.0-liter turbo Automatic (no manual offered)
- Power sliding hard top (PSHT) – late 2018MY availability
- JL Unlimited will have a longer wheelbase
- 33-inch tire for Rubicon
While we wait for Jeep to unveil the JL, here’s a video explaining why we at TLFcar think the JK has been a proven off-road king for years, and why it’s a good truck.
