First off, it's a JK Wrangler, not TK like some others have been reporting incorrectly for months. The 3.8L is not actually a new engine; it can be found in the Dodge min-van lineup. It has similar max horsepower and torque as the 4.0L but at a much higher rpm. Only a road test will tell if it's up to the task of hauling the now-heavier Wrangler and even heavier four-door. Rumor is that the four-door could get the 5.7L Hemi V-8. The suspension is still a five-link, like the previous Wrangler, but with slightly longer arms. A current Wrangler lift kit will not fit on the new Jeep, so expect the typical aftermarket lag time for a lift. Check out the flexible front fenders ... we're thinking they could come off and be replaced with some trick steel-tube fenders (or removed completely for a real aggressive look). We'd toss the plastic bumpers too. Ahem, aftermarket, get to work!
Underneath, you'll find a high-pinion version of the Dana 44 front axle on models equipped with it. Word is the new 44 internals will not interchange with the traditional Dana 44 axle. No word on high- or low-pinion for the Dana 30 version. You'll find an odd-ball, five-on-five lug pattern at the ends, same as the current Grand and Commander. The driveshafts are absolutely laughable. Only one real U-joint can be found. The rest are constant velocity joints. If you lift it, expect them to smoke. Fortunately there are no slip-yokes. We expect that several driveshaft companies will step up and offer a much-needed front and rear conversion (including yokes) to get some real U-jointed shafts in there. -- John Cappa
* Mmmmkay ... and that's exactly what we thought when we heard both the Patriot and the Compass are designated MK.* Will there be a 65th Anniversary Edition of the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee? We wouldn't be surprised to see limited versions of two-tone seats and decals celebrating Jeep's history mid-year.* The SRT8 version of the Grand Cherokee will be $39,995. That's the go-fast performance Jeep with the 6.1L Hemi.* Popular Science named the Hurricane concept Best of What's New 2005 for auto tech.