Report: Jeep Wrangler Will Use Aluminum in Doors, Hood

Through many decades and iterations, the Jeep Wrangler has essentially remained a rough-and-tumble SUV with rugged construction with a relatively simple design. This formula is reportedly changing for the next generation, as rumors have circulated regarding diesel, pickup truck, and hybrid variants, along with extensive use of different materials and technology. Now, according to a report from the JL Wrangler Forums, the entire hood of the next Wrangler will be composed of aluminum, as will the interior of the doors.

The report claims an employee from metal supplier Alcoa confirmed the use of Alcoa 6022 sheet aluminum for both the inside and outside hood, along with the inside and outside of both the front and rear doors.

This doesn’t come as a surprise; in a bid to achieve better fuel economy and efficiency, the next Wrangler will pack a host of upgrades, likely including an eight-speed automatic transmission, “Hurricane” turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and a mild hybrid system. In addition, the next Wrangler is set to receive both a diesel powertrain and pickup truck variant, a long-awaited upgrade for many U.S. Wrangler fans.

The report goes on to mention this does not mean the door and the hood will be the only place the lightweight metal will be used. When the new Wrangler debuts for the 2018 model year, look for extensive use of aluminum in other body and roof components.

Source: JL Wrangler Forums

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