Lighter aluminium Wrangler coming

Fresh details have emerged about how the next-generation Jeep Wrangler is shaping up.

Leaked documents from one of Fiat Chrysler Automobile's (FCA) suppliers, Alcoa, have surfaced on JLWrangerforums.com stating that the body of the off-road model will feature a significant amount of aluminium.

According to the leaked document, the 2017 Wrangler will be the very first vehicle in the FCA group to use its new C6A1 alloy, plus two other existing alloys, in the mid-size Jeep's construction, the document explaining the bonnet, door frames and other body panels will be made from lightweight materials.

It's rumoured other panels and parts are expected to come made out of lightweight aluminium and some composites, but will be sourced from other suppliers in a desperate bid to boost efficiency over the current vehicle.

Originally, the Jeep's replacement was primed to drop steel altogether for an all-aluminium construction following Ford's decision to replace its F-150 with a pick-up truck that features an aluminium-rich construction.

That decision was later reversed by Jeep's and FCA's overlord, Sergio Marchionne, when he admitted last year the Wrangler would stick to steel "because of the difference in cost".

Marchionne was referring not just to the physical costs of making aluminium. The switch to the lighter material would have also meant Jeep would have been forced to close its Ohio manufacturing facility and move production of the iconic Wrangler to new plant with expertise in making producing aluminium vehicles.

Other big changes for the next Wrangler includes the adoption of FCA's 'Hurricane' 220+kW turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol in place of the current Wrangler's 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 that will be combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

As well as short and long-wheel base versions of the Wrangler the next-gen will also feature a pick-up or ute version.