Chrysler is stuck in the past.
Chrysler is stuck in the past. Retro models like the slew of Mopar Dodge vehiclesunveiled at SEMAand the Fiat 500 1957 Editioncapitalize on nostalgia associated with different nameplates. Now, Jeep is getting in on the action. Set to debut at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Showtomorrow, the 2014 Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition is an off-roader meant to recall early Jeep models like the CJ-2A.
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The Willys Wheeler Edition is based on the Wrangler Sport and features Chrysler's 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It comes coupled to either a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic.
Off-road hardware includes a Dana 44 rear axle with Trac-Lok limited-slip differential, BF Goodrich KM Mud Terrain tires (sized LT255/75R17), rock rails, and a "Jeep Trail Rated Kit" with a D-ring, tor strap, and gloves for getting the Wrangler unstuck.
Exterior changes include a grille, bumper appliques, and 17-inch aluminum wheels painted gloss black. In keeping with the "Willys" theme, this special-edition Wrangler also gets satin black "4 Wheel Drive" tailgate and "Willys" hood decals.
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Those original Willys models weren't exactly well-equipped, but the 2014 Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition gets the Connectivity Group option package, which includes SiriusXM satellite radio. Buyers can also option their Wranglers up to the higher Sport-S level, and add a tire-pressure monitoring system and half-doors.
The 2014 Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition hits showrooms early next year, with prices starting at $25,795 for two-door models and $29,595 for four-door Unlimited models.
The Willys is the latest in a long line of special-edition Wranglers: The Wrangler Polar Editionwas unveiled two months ago at the Frankfurt Auto Show, and was preceded by a Wrangler Arctic Edition. The Dragon Editionwas based on a concept Jeep unveiled at the 2012 Beijing show. Jeep also produced the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Editionand Call of Duty Black Ops Editionin the unlikely event that video gamers would feel the need to drive into the wilderness.
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