| The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited grows to mid-size SUV proportions, offering even more comfort and space, even more versatility, even more open-air options, even more off-road capability, even more on-road refinement, even more convenience and safety features, and even more power and fuel efficiency.
The new body retains removable doors, a folding windshield, separate fenders, exposed hood latches, and door-and-hatch cargo area access. But the styling is subtly revised, with actual curvature in the bodysides; the wheelbase grows by 1.5 inches and the track is 4 inches wider. The softtop has been redesigned again, the removable hardtop now comes off in three pieces, and power windows are available for the first time (yes, even in combination with the removable doors--a snap plug handles the electrical connection).
A moment of silence, please, for the 4.0-liter straight six, which dates from the CJ era and has finally been laid to rest. In its stead is an OHV 3.8-liter V-6 making 205 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Standard stability control and options like satellite navigation and eighteen-inch wheels modernize the Wrangler. The two-door Wrangler is available in only one length for '07, and it goes on sale in the fall of 2006. Jeep is keeping news of the biggest change to the Wrangler under wraps until later this year, when the it will unveil the long-body Wrangler--with four doors.
The interior is larger, with 4.6 inches more hip and 5.1 inches more shoulder room combined with additional 2 inches in couple, 1 inch in rear-seat leg room and 2 inches behind rear seat. There are also more open-air options, with dozens of different door, top and windshield combinations; new three-piece modular hardtop and innovative Sunrider™ soft top. The ancient and beloved 190 horsepower straight-six has been replaced with a new 3.8 liter V6 with 202 horsepower and 237 lb.-ft. of torque - and better gas mileage (17 city, 19 highway).
Changes to the 2007 Wrangler are much more apparent inside. The thin-spoke steering wheel has a circular hub, and a vertical center control panel features a high-mounted radio with circular air vents underneath. Newly available options include power windows and door locks — a Wrangler first — and an in-dash navigation system.
Total passenger volume measures 102.9 cubic feet in the regular-length Wrangler and 104 cubic feet in the Unlimited. Both figures represent about a 10 percent increase over their predecessors. The rear seats fold, leaving a maximum of 56.5 cubic feet of cargo volume in the regular-length Wrangler and more than 85 cubic feet in the Unlimited. Lockable storage spaces include the center console and a compartment integrated into the rear load floor.
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