SPY PICS: Jeep Wrangler fuel economy to improve

Jeep's next-generation Wrangler has been snapped again, just months out from its expected global debut at the LA motor show late in the year.

This vehicle pictured is the long-wheelbase Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited. According to the spy photographers, the tail lights of this particular vehicle give the game away, it's the base model powered by the turbo four-cylinder.

As we've reported previously, the JL model will be lighter and more fuel-efficient, embracing aluminium to reduce weight and the Hurricane 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder at entry level.

There's talk of the Pentastar V6, combined with eight-speed automatic, remaining the mainstream drivetrain offering, but a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 is also on the cards. Speculation is rife that the Wrangler will also be available in manual-transmission form and with a hybrid drivetrain option.

And the Wrangler will spawn a ute variant (pick-up) as well.