With the YJ (both engine options fuel injected starting '91), TJ (spring suspension, D44 option, handle 31s no mods, 6 speed on later models), TJ Rubicon (lockers, 4:1 transfer, 4W disc brakes, front and rear D44 ) and now JK and JK Rubicon (all the aforementioned + wider stance, handle 32s no mods, 6 cyl engine probably MAF controlled, auto sway disconnects on Rubi, 4 door option), it seems like Jeep has really done about all they can do evolving the CJ/Wrangler platform.
I have seen the AEV "Hemi" conversion which looks like another avenue for Jeep to take in terms of evolving the Wrangler platform. Have also seen the two-Hemi, 4 wheel steered show Jeep that can revolve in a circle.
But, wanted to hear what you guys think future Wranglers will look like and/or design modifications Jeep should make to them in the future, let's say to the Rubicon editions:-
4Wheel Steering- gotta admit, that is pretty nice
-
Lighter weight - composite body and suspension materials
-
More power or efficiency -Hemi, Diesel, Ethanol, Hybrid, mild-Hybrid [engine shuts down at idle], electric, turbo/supercharger/electric supercharger!?
-
License the Hummer H1 suspension patent - a design offering 4 wheel indy suspension, but superhigh ground clearance even if suspension fully-compressed. (Wranglers are getting wider and may be able to accomodate such a 4 wheel indy suspension now)
-
3 driver-selectable low range ratios in a single transfer case: 2.7, 4.0, 5.0. Or some kind of Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) applied to the transfer case, so that ratios are almost infinitely variable with no driver adjustment
-
All wheel drive with three driver-adjustable locking differentials-
Factory snorkel design integrated with the body and engine fully proofed for deep water-crossings at the factory.
-
Inboard brakes to keep rotors dry (may be another Hummer patent that would have to be licensed),
composite rotors.
-
Factory hood vented to release low speed engine heat build-up (AEV sells a hood that supposedly accomplishes this)
-
Ride Height driver-adjustable: Jeep can be lowered for better highway transit aerodynamics, can be raised to maximum height for off-road clearance.
-
Two piece Wrangler body: when suspension articulation has maxed out, then the body can, itself, pivot its two seperate front/rear sections on a horizontal axis to allow even more articulation
-
Off-Road Route Selection. Wrangler takes a photo of approaching off-road terrain, computer reviews the image and pre-determines the best "line" to take; warns you if off-road path you are on exceeds vehicile capability. Wrangler will also "self-drive" the off-road line you select (see Lexus 460 auto-parking sedan
)
-
Iridium or GlobalStar Satellite dealer-installed phone option-
Electronic off-road Anti-Roll technology - Wrangler adjusts engine, brakes, and somehow shifts weight distribution to compensate for impending off-road roll.
-
Rip off the Land Rover terrain selection electronics for use on the Wrangler - this adjusts the transmission, differentials, throttle tip-in, elctronically, depending on driver selection as he is viewing terrain.
-
In-cab tire electric inflation, deflation (a la Hummer)
-
That new style of Bead locks - actually this doesn't use bead lockers, but an internal tubing to press the beads to the wheels.
-
In-cab tire air pressure monitoring-
Auto Winch- evolving synthetic materials which stiffen when an electronic current is applied to them allow for a computer controlled winch cable which can automatically self-extend and attach itself to solid ground or safely self-wrap around a tree and attach to Jeep D-rings.
Blahh, out of ideas
