Every once in a while for the past 10 years, Jeep unleashes a “Rubicon” version of its Wrangler 4×4, named after one of the world’s most challenging off-road trails.
The time for a new Rubicon-flavored Wrangler has arrived, with Jeep to officially reveal the special edition off-road model created to celebrate its 10th anniversary at today’s first press day of the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show.
Jeep says the new 2013 Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition is “the most capable Wrangler ever produced”.
“The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition is a tribute to 10 years of Wrangler Rubicon history, and to the Jeep brand’s most passionate enthusiasts,” said Mike Manley, head of Jeep.
He continues: “This Wrangler Rubicon is for them. It is a unique vehicle that we expect will long be sought after, a Wrangler that offers an unprecedented level of capability once only attainable by long hours of custom aftermarket preparation crafted in the garages of the most avid Jeep enthusiasts in the world.
Set to arrive in showrooms in the spring of 2013, the special edition will be available as a two-door Wrangler or four-door Wrangler Unlimited, with both models powered by a 3.6-liter V6 rated for 285hp and 260 ft.-lbs. of torque, linked to a standard six-speed manual gearbox or an optionally available five-speed automatic.
The transmission works with a part-time four-wheel-drive system featuring an electronic-locking front and rear Dana 44 axles that receive power through a Rock-Trac transfer case with a “4-Low” ratio of 4:1. In addition, a 4.10 axle ratio front and rear is also standard as are Tru-Lok locking differentials.
Other exclusive features include a one-half inch increase in ride height versus the standard Rubicon model, new BF Goodrich KM2 265/70R17 tires mounted on 17-alloy wheels, dual-intake Power Dome hood, black bumpers with removable end caps, red tow hooks on both ends, and Mopar rock rails, black fuel filler door and tail lamp guards.
Inside, among other treats, the special edition Rubicon model gets red leather seats with 10th anniversary emblems, red stitching for the leather-wrapped steering wheel and the center console, and Quick Silver accents for the vent rings, steering wheel spokes and door pulls.
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