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Paris – Jeep® announces a new four-speed automatic transmission and new 2.4 engine for the Wrangler in 2003. These two powertrain enhancements improve upon the previous equipment and give owners even more ability to go anywhere and do anything.
An all-new 42RLE four-speed automatic transmission debuts on Jeep Wrangler. Offered on both European models – Sport and Sahara – this smoother-shifting transmission provides better performance and enhanced shift quality compared to the previous three-speed automatic transmission. The transmission now features electronic-controlled shifting instead of hydraulic controls, and four-speed shifting makes it a more competitive offering. In addition to the standard fuel tank and transfer case skid plates, a new automatic transmission skid plate provides additional off-road protection.
Offering significantly more horsepower and torque, a 2.4 PowerTech™ I-4 engine replaces the previous 2.5 I-4 as the standard engine on 2003 Jeep Wrangler Sport models. This 2.4 engine, also used in the Jeep Cherokee, provides an estimated 105 kW (143 hp) of power and 215 N·m of torque, representing a 21 per cent increase in power and a 13 per cent increase in torque over the previous 2.5 engine. This increased power and torque is achieved through the use of aluminium cross-flow cylinder heads, dual overhead cams and a four-valve-per-cylinder design. The new 2.4 engine is quieter, more fuel-efficient and engineered for longer life and ease of maintenance.
Jeep Wrangler Sport, Sahara and Rubicon models are available with the 4.0 PowerTech I-6 petrol engine, mated to a five-speed manual transmission or the new 42RLE four-speed automatic transmission. The 4.0 engine is rated at 130 kW (177 hp) of power and 296 N·m of torque.
The Jeep Wrangler also comes with Quadra-Coil suspension, which has high articulation to keep all four wheels on the ground in rocky terrain, and Command-Trac®, Wrangler’s responsive shift-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive system capable of seamlessly adapting to any terrain.
A new addition to the Wrangler range is the new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, which was first shown at the 2002 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Currently available in North America, and under consideration for selected international markets, the Wrangler Rubicon version features an off-road performance package that delivers tremendous off-road capability previously reserved for highly modified vehicles using aftermarket accessories.
All-new Interior Offers a New Level of Refinement
An all-new interior gives Jeep Wrangler several interior refinements, while still preserving the true essence of the Jeep brand icon.
New front seats on Jeep Wrangler offer an additional 20 mm (0.8 inches) of rearward travel, allowing taller drivers to sit a more comfortable distance from the steering wheel. Taller seat backs provide a more comfortable ride, with a lever on the side of the front passenger seat for easier access to the rear. A new fold-and-tumble rear seat can be more easily removed.
In addition to new front and rear seats, the 2003 Jeep Wrangler features:
- New interior electrochromic rearview mirror with map lights, temperature and compass display as standard on Sahara and optional on Sport and Rubicon models
- New exterior mirror design reduces vibration, while increasing stability and durability
- New four-spoke steering wheel
- Additional power outlet on the dash
- New standard corner pods located just behind the b-pillar on both sides of the vehicle house interior lamps, providing theatre lighting and optional speakers
- Dark Slate or Khaki interior
Safety features standard on all Jeep Wranglers include next-generation air bags, a driver’s side constant-force seat belt retractor, self-adjusting low-tension three-point belts and height-adjustable shoulder belts.
For 2003, Jeep Wrangler is offered in Europe in four new exterior colours – Bright Silver Metallic, Inca Gold Pearl Coat, Intense Blue Pearl Coat and Light Khaki Metallic. Dark Khaki replaces Tan on the new three-ply soft-top, which retains the quiet features of the previous four-ply top while being easier to operate. Sport and Sahara models feature new badging.
Available in nearly 100 countries around the world, Jeep Wrangler is made in right- and left-hand drive versions. Wrangler is built at DaimlerChrysler’s Stickney Avenue Assembly Plant in Toledo, Ohio, USA.
Jeep®Wrangler, 2003 Model – Technical Specifications
| Engine |
4.0
Petrol |
| |
| Description |
Six-cylinder,
in-line, liquid-cooled |
| Displacement |
3960 cc |
| Bore and stroke |
98.4 mm
x 86.7 mm |
| Valve system |
OHV, 12
valves, flat-face followers, hydraulic lifters |
| Compression ratio |
8.8:1 |
| Maximum power |
130 kW
(177 hp) @ 4600 rpm |
| Maximum torque |
296 N·m
@ 3500 rpm |
| |
| Transmissions |
Five-speed Manual |
Four-speed Automatic |
| 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) |
9.9 seconds |
10.6 seconds |
| Top speed |
174 km/h (108 mph) |
172 km/h (107 mph) |
| Fuel economy
(litres/100 km) |
| Combined cycle |
13.2 |
15.0 |
| Ex-urban cycle |
9.0 |
10.7 |
| Urban cycle |
20.5 |
23.0 |
| Combined CO2 |
315 g/km |
362 g/km |
| |
| Engine |
2.4
Petrol |
| |
| Description |
Four-cylinder,
in-line, liquid-cooled |
| Displacement |
2429 cc |
| Bore and stroke |
87.5 mm
x 101 mm |
| Valve system |
DOHC, 16
valves, roller followers, hydraulic lash adjusters |
| Compression ratio |
9.5:1 |
| Maximum power |
105 kW
(143 hp) @ 5200 rpm |
| Maximum torque |
215 N·m
@ 4000 rpm |
| |
| Transmission |
Five-speed
manual |
| 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) |
11.9 seconds |
| Top speed |
164 km/h
(102 mph) |
| |
| Fuel economy
(litres/100 km) |
| Combined cycle |
10.4 |
| Ex-urban cycle |
8.3 |
| Urban cycle |
14.0 |
| Combined CO2 |
248 g/km |
| |
| Dimensions
and Capacities |
| |
| Wheelbase |
2373 mm |
| Track, front |
1473 mm |
| Track, rear |
1473 mm |
| Overall length w/spare
tyre |
3883 mm |
| Overall width |
1732 mm |
| Overall height |
1748 mm
hard top/1782 mm soft top |
| Running ground clearance |
246 mm |
| Approach angle |
42.5 degrees |
| Departure angle |
30.5 degrees |
| Fuel tank capacity
|
72 litres |
|
