LOS ANGELES -- Jeep is taking its most famous, rugged vehicle back to war --at least when it comes to looks.
For those nostalgic about the utility vehicle that won World War II, not to mention Korea and Vietnam, Jeep has created a modern tribute to the original Willys.
Being shown this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the new 2014 Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition takes the vehicle back to its roots. Add your own big white star and the transition is largely complete, even if you don't put an unshaven sourpuss sergeant behind the wheel.
"The new Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition is a Jeep purist's dream, delivering a Jeep vehicle that harkens back to the original, classic CJs of the 1940s," said Mike Manley, CEO of Chrysler Group's Jeep brand. "This new Jeep vehicle delivers pure functionality."
That functionality includes off-road features that any GI would have dreamed of having in the dunes of north Africa. There is a Dana 44 rear axle with a limited-slip rear differential, BF Goodrich Mud Terrain tires, rock rails and other stuff meant for the toughest trails. It will be powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 260 foot-pounds of torque.
The Willys Wheeler edition comes to showrooms nearly next year. Built in Toledo, Ohio, the Jeeps will be priced at $25,795 for the two-door models and $29,595 for the four-door version before delivery charges.
As read on: www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2013/11/18/jeep-willys/3629647/
