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The Wrangler like the 911 doesn't need to be revolutionary, just evolutionary and building on the vehicles laurels. The JL (2018-future) will be about integrating more technology, more powertrain choices, and interior and exterior refinements. (The exterior IMO looks more polished now)
This vehicle has practically no competition. Very little reason for changing anything.
That's exactly WHY so many people like it. A Wrangler will always be a Wrangler.
At one time, it actually did have a number of competitors (or pseudo-competitors), including the Daihatsu Rocky, Isuzu Amigo, Chevrolet/Geo Tracker, Suzuki Sidekick/Vitara, Nissan Xterra, Ford Bronco II, and Chevy Blazer S-10, but most of those have either been discontinued or left the American market.
Reminds me of some fond memories of a good friend and roommate who had a 1987 YJ 2.5 with a 5 speed that we shared. Such a interesting and fun to drive vehicle. Not economical or particularly refined, but a real "personality" vehicle. He had bought it custom painted with deep purple paint and a wide white stripe down the center. Not a Jeep man anymore but one can see why it's got such a legacy and tradition behind it. This new looks quite nice and very much in the Jeep Wrangler tradition.
It doesn't need to match lol. But yes the G-Class and Beetle could also be examples of a models design never changing and giving each marque an iconic or easily associated vehicle to the brand.
I wouldn't mind the very minimal changes (it is barely any different), but the auto press is what destroys this redesign and any excitement. They will share spy photos and make big headlines for years, stating "all new... this and that..", making it sound like it's going to be some huge, new incredible thing. Total and complete yellow journalism. Very annoying.
Or a Land Rover Defender, another long history icon.
I personally think G>Defender>Wrangler.
friend of mine just got a G63, white with black top, very interesting to drive even though it’s not my cup of tea at all.
And let's not forget the Porsche 911. Like the Wrangler, it has changed somewhat under the skin.....but has kept the same basic skin for decades.
'same basic skin for decades' isn't even remotely true. sure it didn't change to a completely different design and is evolutionary, but nevertheless the skin isn't anything like what it was 2 decades ago.