The 2017 Jeep Wrangler will be significantly more modern than it is now, but it’ll still run solid axles which should keep off-roaders happy.

ACCORDING TO FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne the next-generation Jeep Wrangler will dump the current 3.6-litre V6 and run smaller, turbocharged engines, it’ll also make greater use of lightweight materials to improve fuel efficiency.

And, according to documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the US, it’ll also feature an eight-speed transmission. But a report on Automotive News (subscription required) says the new model will have a fixed windscreen to improve aerodynamics and that it’ll retain its fixed axles.

There was a concern the Wrangler would move away from its current body-on-frame setup and run independent suspension (to save weight) like other models in the Jeep line-up. Retaining solid axles means the vehicle can be raised and run bigger tyres.

Beyond that, it’s believed the 2017 Jeep Wrangler will be slightly smaller than the current model and will possibly have a body made out of aluminium, although that remains to be seen. As moving to an aluminium body would mean the Wrangler could no longer be built at its Toledo factory and the US town, which relies on the factory for jobs, has already petitioned Jeep management over moving the Wrangler to a different facility.