I honestly think the Rubicon package with the Diesel is going to be a waste. The 8spd auto doesn't need the 4:1 transfer case in my experience. The diesel package is going to include a Dana 44 front and rear axle also ( minus the rubicon lockers and extra axle width ). I think the diesel package is going to be the sleeper deal of the decade for the JLU.Can’t wait. Hoping a diesel in sarge green is available in the Rubicon by December as some articles have speculated. Hope the tow rating is better, too
And you get Dana 44 front and rear axles!$4,000 option + $2,000 8 speed auto option.
The 8 speed in the V6 is going up in price to $2,750, so diesel is essentially a $3,250 option over the equivalent V6.
Not bad.
The rumor is that the Diesel JLU may get the updated nose and cooling package from JT program.I wouldn't get excited for a higher tow rating. It's more than just the engine. They would need to up the brakes and cooling too but there's nothing they can do about the wheel base. There's a reason why the Gladiator has a higher tow rating. They addressed all of these but didn't do anything with the engine.
Personally, I think the age of the diesel is gone. The benefits (tough, fuel economy, torque) have all been reduced in order to make them better on emissions. Now they are over complicated and just barely get better mileage than many gas engines.
I hear the payload is only going to be about 1200lbs just like the other JLU Wranglers. The JT is only officially 1400lbs if I remember right though.A diesel unlimited sport, adding lockers and an Ursa Minor pop-top, would be very attractive--utilitarian but capable with good range. Wonder what it's payload will be.
Yeah, 1200 is underwhelming -- nearly disqualifying for remote touring. If that's the case, bummer.I hear the payload is only going to be about 1200lbs just like the other JLU Wranglers. The JT is only officially 1400lbs if I remember right though.
I'd love to see another option similar to the J8 program on the JK ( but honestly without the rear leaf springs.
There vehicles are getting larger and larger, but the 'official' numbers have always been underwhelming.
Most of the USA mid-size vehicles are just about the same. We just don't get any 'commercial' level upgrades for payload in the USA on vehicles like this sadly. Unofficially, the JK and JL have put in tons of miles on hard trails being VERY overloaded when just looking at the factory 'approved' numbers. I would personally try and keep them as light as practical, because that just works better all around, but I would love to see some tech on how to increase payload similar to the J8 military durability program on the JKU.Yeah, 1200 is underwhelming -- nearly disqualifying for remote touring. If that's the case, bummer.
Indeed - keenly aware. Which is why the new Defender is such a unique offering--class-leading payload and good capability atop a not-too-big platform. But in that case, at least for me, worst-in-class brand reliability is disqualifying.Most of the USA mid-size vehicles are just about the same. We just don't get any 'commercial' level upgrades for payload in the USA on vehicles like this sadly. Unofficially, the JK and JL have put in tons of miles on hard trails being VERY overloaded when just looking at the factory 'approved' numbers. I would personally try and keep them as light as practical, because that just works better all around, but I would love to see some tech on how to increase payload similar to the J8 military durability program on the JKU.