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2017 Jeep Wrangler to retain solid axles and ladder chassis 75 years after first Willys

Jeep asserts that even with updates, the next-generation Wrangler will be recognisably a Wrangler.

This Saturday marks the 75th anniversary of the Willys MB, the iconic all-purpose World War 2 military vehicle whose snappy nickname, 'Jeep' would eventually go onto become the American brand of off-road vehicles it is today.

Though Jeep today boasts a stable of six model ranges, the Wrangler stands as the direct descendant of the 1941 military off-roader with its relatively simple, fit-for-purpose construction, and not to mention, iconic design. Although times have moved on, the Wrangler has resisted change, and it might stay that way for the foreseeable future.

According to a report by Automotive News, the next Wrangler, which is said to feature the model line's first major overhaul in a decade and set to enter into production next year, will retain its characteristic body-on-frame construction, solid front and rear axles, and looks.

That being said the Wrangler's recipe will be tweaked with the utilisation of a lighter frame, aluminium body parts, and more fuel efficient engines with an eight-speed automatic touted to be available. All these changes are part of brand's focus on improving the Wrangler's fuel-efficiency.

It is noted that in their efforts to improve its fuel-efficiency, Jeep has been very careful as to ensure that aerodynamic improvements on the next-generation Wrangler won't come at the price of its iconic looks. Instead they maintain that the next-generation Wrangler will be recognisably a Wrangler.

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