Being unveiled at the Los Angeles Motor Show, the 2014 Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition pays homage to the original Jeep (Willys) that was produced to support American troops in WWII. That vehicle became an icon with the release of the first civilian Jeep (“CJ”) vehicles – the Willys-Overland CJ-2A – which reached the public in 1945
“The new Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition is a Jeep purist’s dream, delivering a Jeep vehicle that harkens back to the original, classic CJs of the 1940s,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “This new Jeep vehicle delivers pure functionality and rugged capability in a unique package that recognizes the origins of the brand.”
Based on the Wrangler Sport model, the Willys Wheeler Edition features upgraded 4WD hardware, including a Dana 44 rear axle with Trac-Lok® limited-slip rear differential and 3.73 gears, BF Goodrich KM Mud Terrain LT255/75R17 tires, rock sliders and a new Jeep Trail Rated Kit that includes a D-Ring, tow strap and gloves in a Jeep-branded bag. This works with the Jeep Command-Trac 4×4 part-time, two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio.
New exterior design elements include a gloss-black grille with black Jeep badge, gloss-black front and rear bumper appliques, historic satin-black “4 Wheel Drive” rear tailgate decal and “Willys” hood decals and unique high-gloss black 17-inch aluminum wheels. The Willys Wheeler Edition comes standard with a Sunrider soft top and deep-tint sunscreen rear windows. A premium Sunrider soft top and black-splatter Freedom Top are also available.
The 2014 Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition is available with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. It is available with a standard six-speed manual or an available five-speed automatic transmission.
There’s no word yet on whether Chrysler Australia will bring the Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition Down Under, but we’ll keep you posted.
