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New spy photos of the next Jeep Wrangler reveal a backup camera

The new Jeep Wrangler JL is on the way, and we have new spy photos that give us our best look yet. The few vehicles seen in these photos all appear to be the four-door Wrangler Unlimited model, but we know the two-door and pick-up versions are coming as well. No word on when the new model, code-named JL, will debut, but don't expect to wait too much longer before Jeep finally finishes pulling off the wraps. While the Wrangler still is covered in test car camouflage, the "diaper" coverings have been removed from the side. But we still can't tell how the new removable roof and side panels will fit. One new nugget that we can spot is the spare-mounted backup camera. At least the Wrangler is keeping its rear-mounted spare. The overall shape hasn't changed much, but there would be pitchforks and fire in Toledo if Jeep strayed too far from the current design. Like the Porsche 911, the Wrangler's general design is permanently etched in stone. The grille is exposed on a few shots showing the new back-canted seven-slot setup that recalls the YJ generation of Wranglers. The windshield on the new model now appears to be fixed and tilted at more of an angle. Like we said, small changes. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Spy Shots Image Credit: Spied Bilde Spy Photos Jeep SUV Off-Road Vehicles jeep wrangler unlimited jeep wrangler jl

The 2019 Jeep Grand Wagoneer looks like a Grand Cherokee on steroids

It's a special day for Jeep fans. Thanks to the same dealer meeting leak that gave us a look at the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL, here is our first glimpse of the new Grand Wagoneer. When it arrives for 2019, this three-row crossover SUV will be the top model in Jeep's range. We knew the Grand Wagoneer would be expensive – Jeep CEO Mike Manley said not to rule out prices upwards of $130,000 for this Range Rover fighter – but now we know it looks like it wants to pick an actual fight with its competitors. What's visible of the front and rear styling is very reminiscent of the current Grand Cherokee, but it's muscled up a bit and gets a set of sinister seven-element headlights. The seven-light theme is carried to the rear as well, and we have a feeling the number is a not-so-subtle reference to the seven-slot grille that all Jeeps wear. That said, here the grille is a short, wide-mouth affair that is a bit of a departure from those of other models. And there's a lot of brightwork in these renderings, not just on the grille but for similar pieces that connect the exhaust tips in the rear and tow-hook surrounds up front. Either by design or engineering, the Grand Wagoneer also looks wider than the two-row Grand Cherokee. The Grand Wagoneer will be about the size of the Dodge Durango three-row crossover and will be based on the platform used by the next-generation Grand Cherokee. The GC and Durango currently share a platform based on one used by Mercedes for its large SUVs, and it is not yet known whether the new Jeeps will use an evolution of that platform or something new. Hemi V8 and diesel and gas V6 engines are the likely powertrain options, and we wouldn't be surprised to see a Hellcat-powered version of this mean-looking luxury SUV at some point. Or at least we can hope. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2019 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Dealer Leak Spy Shots Image Credit: KGP Photography Design/Style Spy Photos Jeep Crossover SUV

2018 Jeep Wrangler to get full-time four-wheel-drive option

It appears the next-generation Wrangler will take another small step to modernization and civility. JL Wrangler Forums reports that the new Wrangler is showing up on dealer computers along with a variety of options. One of them is the inclusion of a full-time four-wheel-drive system called Selec-Trac. This means that it will be possible to simply leave the Wrangler in four-wheel drive all the time, without worrying about damaging it when pavement is dry, much like the all-wheel-drive systems on most modern crossovers. This might concern Wrangler purists, but there are a couple of reasons not to fret. For one, although Jeep doesn't have a Selec-Trac system on the market to compare to right now, the old Selec-Trac system offered on the Jeep Liberty had a low-range for off-roading, so this one probably will, too. For another, only one kind of Wrangler will offer this feature, according to JL Wrangler Forums. The Selec-Trac system will only be available on the four-door Wrangler Unlimited Sahara, the version that's arguably the most luxurious, and the body-style with the longest wheelbase. All the others will only have the classic selectable four-wheel drive. There is another interesting feature noted in the JL Wrangler Forums collection of information. Apparently the four-cylinder engine will have a combination starter and generator driven by a belt. This is interesting, because the only other car we've seen with such a component is the new Audi A8. In that application, the belt-driven starter and generator is used for smoother, faster starting and stopping to save fuel. We would guess the Jeep's system works in a similar way, though likely without the support of a 48-volt electrical system. We will likely know more when the new Wrangler makes its debut, which is expected at the L.A. auto show this year. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2018 Jeep Wrangler Spy Shots Related Gallery 2018 Jeep Wrangler Hood Spy Shots News Source: JL Wrangler ForumsImage Credit: KGP Photography Jeep SUV