Written by Matthew Scott, Photos Courtesy of Chrysler
The 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Edition
I remember when the first Wrangler Rubicon came out in 2003. With factory locking differentials on Dana 44 axles and a 4:1 low range, it was a giant step for Jeep. For years enthusiasts had been asking, and when they made it happen, it turned into a success. This reminds me of another criticism people had with the Wrangler which by design is small, with minimal storage, yet capable off road. People wanted more storage and space for passengers. This was kept in mind and in 2007 they released the Wrangler Unlimited. A four door with a plethora of storage in comparison to the earlier models and one of the best new overland platforms currently sold in North America.
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Now it seems they’re finally embracing the success and capability of the newer ‘JK’ platform by offering an edition straight from the factory with a plethora of additional goodies in addition to what the Rubicon already offers. The new edition features great looking Mopar branded AEV accesories such as; front and rear bumpers, with an optional dealer installed winch, and a aggressive heat reduction hood. As well as a large variety of interior optional extras that come standard on this edition. The ability to have these accessories standard on your Jeep comes as a big bonus to those who take advantage of the vehicles capability. I dig it, but I must ask: Why did you have to plaster Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 all over the thing?
Gauge detail with the Modern Warfare 3 (MW3) logo.
Maybe it’s for the ‘numbers’, I’m seeing a lot of this lately from Jeep. In the last year; there’s been the Mojave Edition, a Jeep with Lizards all over it. There’s been the Arctic Edition, well that one is blue, it even has snowflakes and a Yeti! There’s been an Islander Edition - part ode to the YJ model bearing the same name, part ode to the Tiki-man. It’s not that they were any worse vehicles then the standard Wrangler, in some ways they’re better - I just don’t understand it. I’m going to go ahead and compare these editions to Mike Tyson’s infamous facial art - he probably thought it was a fantastic idea at the time. It was hip, it was cool. Yet, a year later it just leaves you asking (respectfully, because he’s big) what Mr. Tyson was indeed thinking when he decided to “improve” his perfectly good face.
The 2010 Jeep Wrangler Islander Edition. Yes, the coordinates check out, I verified it.
The bigger question is if these vehicles should even be considered a special edition. The auto industry is so flooded with special edition badges, it’s becoming an epidemic. What exactly qualifies a vehicle to wear this one-time exclusive badge? In todays world, it seems it’s usually some stitching, a few decals, maybe - I mean maybe - some leather trim and the ubiquitous blacked out wheels. The Modern Warfare Jeep does stick out from that group, it actually has some functional quality upgrades that really do set it apart from the crowd. Keep in mind that it’s not just Jeep that is guilty of this insidious crime, everyone from Acura to Volvo is following suit. Special edition to me should still mean special. The Shelby GT500 was special edition, Land Rover sold the vehicles they used in the Camel Trophy; that’s a special edition. When Ferrari does a special edition, you have to be invited to purchase one; sometimes they don't even let you take it home. That is the definition of Special Edition - they didn’t even need a badge to say it. I wonder how the Jeep Wrangler ‘Arctic’ Special Edition stacks up against that?
The 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Arctic Edition is a great looking car - are the badges necessary?
Jeep has created a 70th Anniversary Special Edition for to commemorate the anniversary of the iconic brand. I’ll allow it on the account of the subtle, ‘classy’ additions they made to commemorate such a significant achievement. There weren’t any lizards, snowflakes, or video game logos on this ‘special edition’. The current Wrangler is lightyears ahead of my late 90’s model. I can’t even quantify how much more advanced it is compared to the original Willys. There’s even been a huge improvement recently, first with the more modern interior in 2011, followed by the Pentastar engine in 2012. Do these editions make the Wrangler any better? I don’t think so, but you might.
The 2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 70th Aniversary Edition.
I’m told confidently from some trustworthy sources that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is in-fact is that great of a game. Some have even told me they’d buy the Call of Duty Jeep because they’re that big of a fan of the game. I’d still rather they not stitch “MW3” on every piece of the interior, it’s a little bit too much for me. I’d rather they offer these accessories as standard on a Rubicon model sans-gamer. Now if it came standard with rocket launchers, and night vision; which seem to be everywhere in the combat oriented game. I maybe could look past my complaints.
I love the black leather with white stitching - infact, I love the car, why couldn’t the logos be removable?
By the way Jeep,
I’m still waiting for my Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back edition TJ.
The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of rest of the Expedition Portal staff.
Watch out! There’s a Yeti on your back!
The color of the leather on the Mojave Edition is great, and pairs well with the tan exterior; but why the lizard?
Luckily on the Mojave the decals on the exterior appear to be removable.
