The Jeep Wrangler (JK) is the third generation of the Jeep Wrangler off-road vehicle. The Wrangler was unveiled at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the JK series 2007 Wrangler Unlimited at the 2006 New York Auto Show.
The car's body and chassis were completely redesigned during the era when Jeep was part of DaimlerChrysler. Just like the Willys MB, the CJ Jeeps and the Wranglers before it, the JK continues to have a separate body and frame, rigid live axles both front and rear, a fold-flat windshield, and can be driven without doors. Also, with the exception of optional 4x2 models, the Wrangler JK continues to have part-time four-wheel drive systems, with the choice of high and low gearing.
In addition to the traditional 2-door Jeep, the JK introduced for the first time a factory standard four-door model, called the Wrangler Unlimited. Contrary to the first, TJ-based Unlimited, and the CJ-8 "Scrambler", its wheelbase is stretched by 20 instead of 10 inches. The Wrangler Unlimited became a big sales success — by mid-2017 three quarters of all new Wranglers listed for sale were four-door models.
Development
In 2001, DaimlerChrysler commissioned development of a TJ successor under the "JK" program code for the third generation Jeep Wrangler. Design work began almost immediately in 2001, with Mark Moushegian winning an internal design competition against Dan Zimmerman (later responsible for 2005 Jeep Hurricane Concept) by the second quarter of 2003. In January 2004, the JK design was frozen at 31 months ahead of production and work began on a conceptual preview.
On November 16, 2004, Jeep released 2 CAD renderings of a Jeep pickup. On December 5, 2004, the 2005 Jeep Gladiator Concept was unveiled ahead of its January 2005 Detroit Auto Show debut, previewing many of the design elements on the incoming JK. The Wrangler JK was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show with past Chrysler group CEO Tom LaSorda driving one up some steps and through a plate glass window, just as Robert Lutz had done at the show in January 1992 with the Grand Cherokee.
Initial release
The JK was first available for purchase with the 2007 model year, beginning in August 2006. The 2007 model year brought a complete redesign of the Jeep Wrangler, and also a four-door model. The TJ chassis was replaced by an all new JK platform.
The JK Wrangler has been offered from the start in two models: A short-wheelbase 2-door, in X, Sahara and Rubicon trim levels. A long-wheelbase Unlimited 4-door, also in X, Sahara and Rubicon trim levels.
This next-generation Wrangler was noticeably wider than the previous model, with a wider track; and though the two-door model has a longer wheelbase, it is actually shorter in overall length than the TJ, allowing for a 44.3° approach angle and a 40.4° departure angle. With a larger factory available tire size of 32 inches, the breakover angle on the Rubicon is increased from 22.6° to 25.4°. The four-door Unlimited model has an over longer wheelbase at 116 in (2,950 mm) to offer much improved rear seating room, but is nevertheless only longer than the 2006 TJ Unlimited.
The JK runs almost all vehicle functions, other than steering, under computer software control. Engine, transmission, and to some extent braking are computer controlled, as are lights and auxiliary systems. This is a first for the Wrangler. As of mid-2007, there have been three safety recalls for software fixes.
Stability control was a new safety feature for the JK Wrangler. All versions offer off-road tuned Anti-lock braking system and traction control system with electronic limited slip differential. Standard on the Rubicon trim is a new electronic sway bar disconnect system.
A Sunrider convertible soft top is standard equipment. Also available on the JK model is an optional 3-piece modular hardtop. Although the doors can still be removed in traditional Wrangler fashion, power windows and remote power door locks were offered for the first time in a Wrangler. Another first is an available navigation system. This is the first generation of the Jeep Wrangler to have a change in the tail lamps.
New features included power windows, remote power door locks, navigation, as well as electronically detachable sway-bars on some models.
