2014 Jeep Wrangler Level Red

The Wrangler Level Red, which refers to the highest level of difficulty an off-road trail can be designated, comes well-equipped to handle challenging off-road terrain, riding high on a Jeep Performance Parts 2-inch lift kit. Jeep Performance Parts Dana 44 crate axles on the front and rear feature a 4:10 ratio. The Jeep Performance Parts Rock-Trac transfer case provides a 4:1 low range to make navigating obstacles much easier. The 3.6-liter engine with a six-speed manual transmission is improved through a cold-air intake and low-restriction exhaust system. Wrangler Level Red's crawl ratio is 73:1.

The sleek Pitch Black exterior of Wrangler Level Red is decorated by a TorRed prototype graphic stripe that runs along the top of the hood near the bottom of the windshield and halfway down the body sides. The front and rear of the vehicle are well-guarded by 'Rubicon 10th Anniversary' bumpers, with prototype black 'Aero' bumper ends and an under-bumper skid plate providing more protection. Wrangler Level Red rides on prototype 17 x 8-inch beadlock-capable wheels, accented with TorRed color on the beadlock ring. The wheels carry aggressive 35-inch BFGoodrich Mud Terrain tires, available through the Mopar Tireworks program.

Jeep Wrangler Level Red is modified with a Mopar half-door kit, and additional exterior upgrades include a prototype Jeep Performance Parts tire carrier, a locking gas cap, a hood prop kit and Jeep Performance Parts rock rails. Wrangler Level Red also sports badges for each of the five trails in Moab recognized by the Jeep brand as 'Badge of Honor' trails. (Through the Jeep brand's Badge of Honor program, Jeep vehicle owners can earn special vehicle badges once they conquer any of more than 30 approved, high-profile trails across the United States.)

The interior of Wrangler Level Red complements the feel of the exterior. The Tuscany Katzkin leather seats are embellished with red stitching, which also is featured on the arm rest. Flame Red color brings alive the seat belt webbing, while HVAC rings are painted with TorRed inserts and roll bar padding in the rear also features red accents. The interior is further upgraded with a gloss black look on the steering wheel spokes and dash grab handle. Additional accessories include a prototype Jeep Cargo Management System (JCMS) with a tow-strap bag and first aid bag on the rear swing gate, all-weather floor mats, grab handles, and a lockable storage bin under the seat.

by Jeep

An automobile marque and registered trademark of Chrysler, Jeep is the oldest off-road vehicle brand. First appearing as the prototype Bantam BRC, the original vehicle became the primary light 4-wheel-drive vehicle of the U.S. Army and allies during World War II and the postwar period. Jeeps have also been used by the U.S. Postal Service during the 20th century for mail services. One suggestion for the origin of the name 'Jeep' was that the vehicle bore the designation 'GP' (for 'Government Purposes' or 'General Purpose'), which was phonetically slurred into the word Jeep.

A fun car to drive, whether it be cruising around the neighborhood, or taking on a perilous off-road trek, the Jeep Wrangler was first introduced to the world in 1987. Able to withstand the test of time, the Wrangler continues to be a very popular vehicle. Since its conception in 1987, the Wrangler has undergone 3 major design revisions from the YJ until the JK and through the changes, the Wrangler continues to prove itself as 'the gold standard' of off-road vehicles.

Arguably one of the most recognizable Jeep vehicles; the Wrangler is considered a mini sport utility vehicle and has always been produced by Chrysler, under the Jeep name. A successor of the World War II Jeep vehicle, the Wrangler underwent a big makeover in 1987, again in 1997 and 2007. The Wrangler is known by Jeep under a variety of names including YJ, JK and TJ. Targeting at maximizing comfort to expand the appeal of the Wrangler beyond the off-road world, Chrysler has continued to update the Jeep Wrangler year after year.

Built in Brampton, Ontario, the Wrangler; also known as the YJ began production in 1987 and continued to be produced at this location until 1992. In that year it began to be produced by Jeep's Toledo North Assembly plant located in Toledo, Ohio. The cars were also produced in Canada for many years, but they weren't sold under the Wrangler name, instead, it was offered as a trim level of a Chevy pickup. From 1987 until 1995, models were known as YK, and from 1997 the 2006 the models were sold as TJ. The Wrangler YJ sold nearly 700,000 units.

The YJ was available as a two door convertible as well as a two door truck. The YJ offered three different engine options that included a 2.0 liter, 4.0 liter as well as a 4.2 liter along with four different transmission options. The YJ was available with two different gas tanks, either an optional 20 gallon tank or the standard 15-gallon tank. The 15-gallon tank was pretty standard for this type of vehicle at this time, compared to now where there is a demand for greater fuel capacity.

The Jeep Wrangler that was produced from 1997 for a decade was dubbed the TJ and was offered with three different engines that included a 2.4 liter, 4.0 liter as well as the 2.5 liter. The TJ was available as both a two door convertible and a two door truck. The transmission was available in three different offerings including a four-speed automatic, a five-speed manual and a six speed manual. A compromise between the standard 15 gallon tank and the optional 20 gallon tank offered on the YJ from 1987 until 1995 was the 19 US gallon gas tank offered on the TJ.

Departing from the World War II era CJ Jeeps, the TJ went back to the round headlights from the square headlights featured on the YJ. The Wrangler TJ also had an unlimited model that 10' longer than the standard wrangler. Continuing on as a very popular roadster, the TJ was in production until 2006. Owners were able to maximize the off-road experience beyond the base model with vast customization options.

The name for the Wrangler changed to JK from 2007 onwards until it is updated again. The KJ features a two-door model as well as two four-door models. Longer, wider and featuring more spaces than its predecessors, the JK came in three trim options; the X, Sahara and Rubicon. The current engine of the JK is a 3.6 liter V6 with either a six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. The all-new JK came with a larger gas tank than previous ones and had a fuel capacity at 21.6 US gallons, which was more popular with the customers. The Rubicon and the Sahara models include 17-inch wheels instead of the 16-inch wheels that were standard on the X. Both of these models also have additional body trim and styling as well as interior features.

Standing the test of time, unlike many vehicles, the Wrangler has the capability to change when the needs of the consumer change. Today the Wrangler can be thought of as a family car, due to its diversity, capacious interior and safety ratings. The Wrangler has been, and continues to be the best-regarded 4X4 off-road vehicle.

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4x4x4 was created by taking the 2007 Wrangler and adding two extra doors and extra length. Keeping the same iconic style, the Unlimited retained the classic look but expanded the appeal beyond the 2-door Wrangler's 'niche' market. Continuing to possess off-road and anywhere capability the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited featured a less rugged feel and was more geared 'toward suburban assault vehicle' with its comfort for everyday functions.

The Unlimited retained the convertible options and actually has several configurations with the 3-piece modular 'Freedom Top' feature.

by Jessican Donaldson