2017 Jeep Wrangler: Top-Centric Details Emerge

We’ve spent a fair amount of time sleuthing out details on the next-generation Jeep Wrangler, but until now most of those discussions were focused on either drivetrain and suspension developments or its construction, widely speculated to be an aluminum figure on a steel framework. (The photo above depicts a prototype Wrangler undergoing testing.) Now, thanks to the folks at Allpar and some of their routinely reliable sources, we have a few hints at how Jeep may be reconfiguring the roof for the next-gen Wrangler.

We already know the folding front windshield will be substituted by a motionless unit. According to Allpar’s source, the traditional soft top will also vanish. Additionally, the sport bar is substituted by an integrated substructure, likely with at least four stressed mounting points: “The traditional soft top is gone,” the website’s source says. “It emerges to have removable soft panels over the substructure. The sport bar design is gone. It even shows up to have built-in grab treats.”

Albeit hard-core fans may be saddened to see the traditional sport bar—commonly referred to as a “roll bar,” albeit litigation banned the use of that term years ago—the reasons for going this route are numerous. In addition to permitting engineers to optimize the bod, aluminum or otherwise, for maximum torsional rigidity, it also will give FCA the chance to get a gam up on addressing any switches that may come along in the NHTSA safety mandates. The immovable A-pillar plays into this, as well. (Presently NHTSA maintains a “convertible exception” that permits open-top cars to fight back less force than other vehicles.)

The design would also permit engineers to liquidate weight from the top assembly and lessen the need for lower-body structural reinforcements, which in turn helps with fuel economy and gives the vehicle a lower center of gravity. You can bet Jeep will configure a removable top of some kind to work with the fresh structure, and removable doors will likely also be part of the plan.

Allpar’s source also states that: “The taillight design will switch, the bumpers are mostly the same as current, as well as the tailgate construction [and] Five×Five wheel bolt pattern.” As Allpar notes, it’s a good bet the “X” pattern taillights from the Renegade will emerge on the fresh Wrangler, and keeping the current bumper configuration is good for fitting aftermarket components such as winches and brush bars.

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