So I was driving by a dirt parking lot today by a hotel, and I noticed a car with the zebra/camo test car print on it. I figured I would pull into the lot to get a better look when I noticed a few other test cars with Michigan plates, and best of all a couple vehicles that were completely covered...in the shape of a Wrangler! There were 2 Wrangler looking vehicles and 2 that to my eye looked like Wrangler pickups!!:jawdrop:
There was also what appeared to be a heavy duty 1 ton pickup under cover, but obviously I was most interested in the Wranglers. As I pulled around to snap some better pics, a security guard jumped out of his vehicle and rushed up to my window and was VERY concerned/worried/upset that I was there. He at first asked me if I was "part of the company" maybe because I was my JKUR, then he started asking why I was there, what I was doing, if I took any pics, etc. When I explained I was just an enthusiast interested in the products and talked Jeep with him for a little bit, he seemed to ease up a bit. So of course I asked him if I promised I not to take any pics could I take a look under the cover of the Jeeps, and he very emphatically told me I was not to get out of my Jeep
Couple of observations - they had Duratrac tires instead of the old school BFG MTs. They also had what appeared to be some pretty aggressive fender flares from I could see when the wind was blowing the cover against the Jeep. Probably most scintillating of all however, is that to me those exhaust pipes look like they might belong to a DIESEL! I wish I had a few more minutes to get a closer look, but for now this is all I got:
This car is initially what drew me in - looks like a debadged Buick.
Ya I thought it was odd too. At first it looked like a larger sleeker Chrysler 200 until I saw the front. There were several Chrysler vehicles with Michigan tags parked in the lot, but there were also some GM vehicles. The huge pickup under wraps looked like a GM product too.
That is definitely a Wrangler, but I don't think any of those trucks are Jeep. They are too big, and the body does not resemble the Wrangler at all, which it should since the Jeep truck is based on the Wrangler platform. The question is, is it a Wrangler mule or is it in fact the next gen Wrangler?
I watched a Fast Lane Truck video a couple of days ago about them spotting prototype cars of all different makes. I don't know where they filmed the video, but they said it was an area where high altitude emissions testing took place. That could be what is going on here. Just because there is a Jeep there doesn't mean all of those vehicles are FCA.
I stopped by the lot again this morning on my way into work, and now I'm convinced it is being shared by FCA and GM. There were manufacturer vehicles from Cadillac as well as GMC Canyon or Chevy Colorado right next to a new Grand Cherokee and Pacifica. Seeing the Canyon/Colorado close by the covered up pickups makes me think they are not the Jeep units. I'm still pretty convinced the other covered unit is a JL unless GM is reviving the Hummer brand.
Went out at lunch and literally tip toed up to the front and snapped a couple of pics underneath the cover (security guard was behind the vehicles). They came out pretty bad, but I can confirm 100% one of them is a Wrangler. The pickup looks like an HD Colorado or Canyon though. Came back from lunch and there was a guy in a running pickup directly parked in front of the Wrangler so maybe someone saw me sneak up. Not going to lie I felt like a teenager about to get busted for something I'll upload the pics soon.
went out at lunch and literally tip toed up to the front and snapped a couple of pics underneath the cover (security guard was behind the vehicles). They came out pretty bad, but i can confirm 100% one of them is a wrangler. The pickup looks like an hd colorado or canyon though. Came back from lunch and there was a guy in a running pickup directly parked in front of the wrangler so maybe someone saw me sneak up. Not going to lie i felt like a teenager about to get busted for something :d i'll upload the pics soon.
With respect sir, you have no idea what that front axle is. Assuming it is a D30, it has definitely been upgraded. The diff cover is a different shape and has a different bolt pattern. Forgive me for my lack of technical knowledge on this subject, but the housing itself extends further down the axle tube than the JK if that makes sense.
Now look at the left side of the axle tube. The bottom of the tube lines up roughly with the bottom of the bolt head on the left side of the diff cover. That means the bottom of the axle tube is lower than that of the JK's axle, but the center seems to be about the same. It could have thicker axle tubes.
I also noticed some other things. The mirrors are definitely different, perhaps more aerodynamic? The engine appears to be a Pentastar based on the exhaust pipe routing and the aluminum block, but the front driveshaft appears to have more clearance from the exhaust pipe than that of the JK.
The most interesting thing I have noticed is the control arms. Looking at the left control arm, it is mounted noticeably further into the vehicle than the JK and is angled upwards, whereas the JK control arms are flat. Looking at the far end of the control arm, it almost looks as if the control arm is mounted to inside of the frame rather than the bottom of the frame, and if you notice the right side, you cannot see the control arm mount sticking out beneath the frame. Perhaps this is for better clearance/longer arms? It almost looks like the control arm on the right almost reaches the center of the vehicle.
From underneath the bronze-like exhaust pipes looks similar to those in spy photos of the spotted test mule from a few months back. Thought it was the C&D ones, but checked and not in that set of photos, those showed a big skid plate box underneath.
I doubt it's a JL, but I would support any claim that it's likely a mule to test possible future JL components.
Looking at the grey bit behind the axle, it does look awfully similar to the bottom of a 3.0L EcoDiesel.
As for the mirror, unfortunately it could also just be drapped over it as it billows out a bit, doesn't seem to have enough of an identifying characteristic to be anything definitive under that thin veil.
Today when I left work I drove by again, and the Jeep is definitely out for testing today as it's the only one not on the lot right now. There has been a heavy security presence the whole time they've been in the lot this week which definitely makes me think they're testing something they don't want the public to see just yet. Regarding the mirrors, I did notice when the wind was blowing the cover it certainly seemed like the mirrors had a slimmer profile than the JK. Like someone mentioned on another forum, the truck could be a Trail Boss or similar version of the Colorado like this:
Good thread! I was trying to look at the interior as well but it's too blurry. I'm digging the fenders! Only another year or so until we know what the JL will officially have lol.
I would be having a stake out with some binoculars!
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