It never fails. At every news conference with Jeep that I have ever attended, invariably someone asks "Will this Jeep be offered as a diesel?" Finally, we get the answer that many Jeep owners have been anxiously awaiting. The 2020 Jeep Wrangler EcoDiesel is almost here. Jeep is promising that fans will be thrilled when they see the new Jeep EcoDiesel's performance.
Jeep Promising Best Fuel Economy and Driving Range
Although they are not yet releasing exact numbers, the 2020 Jeep Wrangler EcoDiesel will get Jeep's best fuel efficiency. Because of the higher numbers, that means that the EcoDiesel will also give drivers the furthest range. Jeep goes even further, promising that the 2020 Jeep EcoDiesel will have the best fuel economy and driving range ever in a Jeep Wrangler.
This will be the first time that a Jeep Wrangler will be offered with a diesel in North America. Jeep is also making the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel available for all Jeep Wrangler four-door models. I have previously reported that the incredibly popular 2020 Jeep Gladiator will also be offered with an EcoDiesel eventually.
The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine will get 260 horsepower and kick out an astounding 442 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is paired with a new TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. The new powertrain combination is expected to offer great handling for off-roading and towing.
“One of the most common questions consumers have asked us over the last few years has been, 'will you please offer a Jeep Wrangler diesel?’, and I’m pleased to answer that with a resounding, ‘Yes!'," said Jim Morrison, Head of Jeep Brand – North America. “I recently drove the new Jeep Wrangler EcoDiesel on the Rubicon Trail and can unquestionably attest to its incredible off-road capability. Combining that unmatched off-road capability with the vehicle’s fun-to-drive on-road performance, best-ever Wrangler fuel economy and incredible driving range underwrite the fact that our customers knew exactly what they were asking for.”
New 2020 Jeep Wrangler EcoDiesel Powertrain Details
All of the Jeep Wrangler EcoDiesel models will offer heavy-duty front and rear axles. According to Jeep, "Two transfer cases will be offered: the Rock-Trac two-speed transfer case with a 4.0:1 low-range gear ratio on Rubicon models and the Command-Trac part-time two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio on Sport and Sahara models."
The 2020 Jeep Wrangler EcoDiesel goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2019. Fuel economy will be released closer to availability.
All-New EcoDiesel Engine
The third generation of the turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine not only delivers more torque and horsepower, it improves the fuel economy. The best thing about the new engine is that it improves performance while reducing the noise, vibration and smell that usually accompany a diesel.
The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 uses dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) with four valves per cylinder. The block is cast with compacted graphite iron, which provides strength to dampen vibrations, but weighs less than cast iron. A compacted graphite iron bedplate adds rigidity to the block.The EcoDiesel V-6 engine uses a forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods for strength and durability. The aluminum alloy pistons are cooled on the underside via oil jets.
The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine is produced at the FCA Cento facility in Ferrara, Italy. The Jeep Wranglers are built in Toledo, Ohio.
See you in my latest story discussing the durability and popularity of the 2020 Jeep Wrangler Ecodiesel.
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