New 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Named "4x4 of the Year" by Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road Magazine

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

• Jeep Wrangler earns prestigious award from leading off-road enthusiast publication
• "4x4 of the Year" award is Wrangler's third award in last week
• Jeep Wrangler boasts dramatically improved on-road performance and even more off-road prowess for 2012
• New 3.6-liter V-6 engine improves fuel efficiency up to 21 miles per gallon, with 285 horsepower (40 percent improvement) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (10 percent improvement)
• Wrangler powertrain now includes new five-speed automatic transmission – shared with Jeep Grand Cherokee – for refined shifting and greater performance

The off-roading experts at Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine have awarded the new 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon their top honor: "4x4 of the Year." Powering the legendary Wrangler to the title was its new Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 engine that transforms the Wrangler's driving experience on-road, while giving the most-capable production off-road vehicle in the world even more off-road mastery.

"The 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is the most competent 4x4 ever produced," said Rick Pewe, editor-in-chief of Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road. "The Rubicon gives you complete confidence in its terrain tackling abilities. It allows you to take the trail less traveled without worrying about the journey. And it does so while leaving a smile on your face. This is one fun ride."

Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road's "4x4 of the Year" competition included a thousand miles of trails, where editors evaluated suspensions, drivetrains, transfer case functionality, and off-road performance – on sand, mud, dirt and rock – as well as styling and value. They tested everything from how well a vehicle climbs up a rock to how fast it can drive across the desert, and every scenario in between.

"No one puts a vehicle to the test more thoroughly than the editors of Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road, so Jeep is especially proud to win this prestigious award," said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has long been the most capable vehicle on the planet. With a completely new powertrain for 2012, it has reset the capability benchmark, while simultaneously offering consumers more fuel efficiency, horsepower, and on-road performance in every-day driving."

This latest honor from Petersen's 4-Wheel and Off-Road magazine is the third award for the new 2012 Jeep Wrangler in the last week. Last week, the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) named Jeep Wrangler Unlimited the "Mid-Size SUV of Texas," while a panel of journalists and professional athletes awarded it the "Best Off-Road Value" in the 2012 Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year competition.

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler

Jeep Wrangler – the most capable and recognized vehicle in the world – becomes even more capable both on- and off-road for 2012, courtesy of an all-new, more fuel efficient and more powerful 3.6-liter V-6 engine, and a new five-speed automatic transmission – both of which it shares with the award-winning Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Chrysler Group's 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine – winner of the prestigious Ward's 10 Best Engines award – delivers 285 horsepower (209 kW) and 260 (353 Nm) lb.-ft. of torque, while delivering up to 21 miles per gallon highway in the 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The improvement, when compared to the previous 3.8-liter V-6 engine, is 40 percent in horsepower and 10 percent in torque.

Additionally, for refined shifting and greater performance, the Jeep Wrangler migrates from a four-speed to a new five-speed automatic transmission. The 2012 Jeep Wrangler also features the company's first application of a manual transmission to the Pentastar V-6.

Jeep continues to refine the successful Wrangler formula by combining legendary, benchmark capability with an interior that delivers rich styling with significantly upgraded touch surfaces, occupant comfort and versatility, and a premium appearance courtesy of a body color hard top for the popular Sahara and Rubicon models.

2012 Jeep Wrangler interior highlights include a recently redesigned instrument panel and storage areas with improved ergonomics and upgraded materials. A lockable console and upgraded door armrest areas boast comfortable touch points, while a redesigned center stack is easier to reach and operate. Heated, power mirrors are available, and drivers and passengers enjoy enhanced visibility courtesy of large rear windows.

Jeep Brand

Built on 70 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV brand with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.

The Jeep vehicle lineup includes Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all six Jeep models are sold outside North America – and all are available in right-hand drive versions and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. Chrysler Group LLC sells and services vehicles in approximately 120 countries around the world.

SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC