The Chrysler Group is polishing up its recently facelifted Jeep Wrangler with the introduction of its more fuel efficient and powerful 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission for the 2012 model year.

“Our new 3.6-liter V-6 engine gives the ever-capable Wrangler a completely new, more refined on-road driving experience – complete with more fuel efficiency, power and torque,” commented Mike Manley, President and CEO of the Jeep brand.

In the 2012 Wrangler, the Pentastar V6 is rated at 285-horsepower (209 kW) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (353 Nm). That’s an improvement of 83-horses and 23 lb-ft over the previous 3.8-liter V6 that delivered 202HP and 237 lb-ft of peak torque.

Together with the new five-speed automatic transmission that replaces the 2011MY’s four-speed auto, the latest Wrangler is faster than its predecessor completing the standard 0-60mph (100km/h) sprint in 8.4 seconds as well as more frugal returning up to 21mpg (2011MY: 15mpg city / 19mpg highway).

Jeep also noted that a lower first-gear ratio in the new automatic transmission gives the Wrangler more off-road capability via a lower overall crawl ratio. A six-speed manual gearbox is also available for the 2012 Wrangler.

For the 2012MY, the two-door Wrangler and four-door Wrangler Unlimited will continue to be available in four models: Sport, Sport S, Sahara and Rubicon. The only other change for the new model year is that the Wrangler Rubicon now shares the same body-color hardtop with Sahara models.

Pricing and availability are to be announced.

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