Jeep will debut a new special edition model for the European market called the Wrangler Polar at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA). The Polar special edition sports a new front grille with black accents, hard spare-tyre cover, body-color hardtop, 18-inch polished Gloss Black alloy wheels and Polar white interior touches, among other features.
The name evokes the extreme weather conditions that characterize the Antarctic region. The “Polar” badge on the vehicle’s side next to the front fender flares shows off the 78° S and 106° E coordinates corresponding to the location of Vostok in Antarctica. That is the exact point where the absolute severest temperature in the world was recorded at -89.2° C (-128.56° F).
Based on the Sahara trim level, the exterior features the Powerdome hood, a Gloss Black Jeep logo above the front grille, deep-tint sunscreen glass and Gloss Black 18-inch alloy wheels. There’s also a unique, three-color hood decal that features the outline of mountains, and the black fuel-filler door from Mopar.
The winter theme is found on the inside as well. The “Polar” logo appears on the upper portion of the backrests and on the front passenger’s grab bar, while the black leather seats are enhanced by Pearl White accent stitching. The steering wheel’s spokes, the dashboard vent rings and grab bar are finished in high-gloss Ceramic White. There’s also an all-new cluster overlay with rings painted in the same hue and a blue instrument background with “Polar” logo.
The limited-edition Wrangler Polar will be revealed in Frankfurt in the four-door Unlimited configuration with an all-new Hydro Blue exterior color and a Black interior, but will also be available as a two-door model. European customers can choose between two engines: the 197hp (200PS) 2.8-liter turbodiesel or the 280hp (284PS) 3.6-liter V6 gasoline unit.
To help it tackle off-road trails, the Jeep Wrangler Polar is equipped with the Dana 30 front axle and powerful Dana 44 rear axle. There’s also the standard Command-Trac NV241 part-time, two-speed transfer carse with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio and the Trac-Lok anti-spin rear differential.
Sales of the special edition Wrangler will begin in Europe in the first quarter of 2014.
By Dan Mihalascu
PHOTO GALLERY
