Toledo-made Jeep Wrangler gets extensive redesign for '11 model year

BY LARRY P. VELLEQUETTE
BLADE BUSINESS WRITER

Facebook Twitter Reddit Digg E-mail Print Rss

The 2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara, at left, and the Wrangler Sahara. AJ MUELLER / PR NEWSWIRE Enlarge

The 2011 Jeep Wrangler interior, above, features upgraded control knobs and surfaces. AJ MUELLER / PR NEWSWIRE Enlarge

Chrysler Group LLC released Thursday its first official images of the "refreshed" 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited SUVs, both made in Toledo.

The vehicles have undergone extensive interior redesigns in the first model released since Italian automaker Fiat SpA assumed operational control of the formerly bankrupt automaker. The new models also will sport, for the first time, color-coordinated hard tops that match the paint schemes of the iconic vehicles themselves.

Photographs of the redesigned Wrangler, unapproved by Chrysler, were shown by The Blade last month from a vehicle-enthusiast Web site, Allpar.com. The photos were taken by people working with the new model.

Inside the cabin of the redesigned Wrangler, control knobs and surfaces have been upgraded, new steering wheels have been added featuring redundant radio controls, and the passenger grab bar sports a new phrase. "Jeep," is embossed on the left side of the bar, with "Since 1941," imprinted on the right.

The 2011 Wrangler marks the 70th anniversary of the go-anywhere vehicle that is widely credited for helping the Allies win World War II. A special commemorative 70th anniversary edition of the Wrangler is expected later this year or in early 2011.

Workers in the Wrangler plant of Chrysler's Toledo Assembly Complex began producing the new vehicles this week. Exterior and interior images of the new Wrangler leaked out of the plant several weeks ago.

Jeep brand President Michael Manley has said repeatedly over the last year that the Wrangler would remain the "anchor" of one of the world's most recognized automotive brands.

Chrysler plans to greatly expand sales of Jeep-branded vehicles as part of a global effort to increase overall sales among its three domestic brands, Jeep, Chrysler, and Dodge.

Contact Larry P. Vellequette at:

lvellequette@theblade.com

or 419-724-6091.

Guidelines: Please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. If a comment violates these standards or our privacy statement or visitor's agreement, click the "X" in the upper right corner of the comment box to report abuse. To post comments, you must be a Facebook member. To find out more, please visit the FAQ.