克莱斯勒近日证实,将为下一代牧马人提供新的动力传动系统。车厂此举旨在大幅提升车辆燃油经济性，同时仍保留期优异的越野性能。先前有报道称，新车将采用铝制车身以进一步降低车重，同时小排量引擎和新变速器也将进一步助力车辆降低油耗。新一代吉普切诺基重量略微超过现行版，但燃油经济性大幅提升。顶级的四驱V6版本搭载一台3.2升Pentastar V6引擎，搭配九速变速箱，城市/高速路油耗为21/28英里/加仑（百公里油耗约合11.2/8.4升），而双门的牧马人搭载更大的3.6升V6引擎搭配六速自动变速器，油耗为17/21英里/加仑（百公里油耗约合13.84/11.2升）。当然，切诺基不能和牧马人进行同类比较，克莱斯勒也不会让以越野性能著称的牧马人变成一款城市型SUV。车厂进一步优化牧马人动力传动系统组合主要是为了提升燃油经济性，增加竞争力，因此车厂承诺不会以牺牲越野性能为代价提供双轮驱动版本。克莱斯勒预计将于2017年或更晚提供第四代牧马人。

 

Next-gen Jeep Wrangler to get smaller engine, eight-speed transmission

Chrysler has confirmed that it will likely offer new powertrain options for the next-generation Wrangler.

 

The company is aiming to bring significant improvements to fuel efficiency, without sacrificing the model's off-road focus.

 

Previous reports have pointed to an aluminum body as a potential contributor, though a smaller engine and new transmission may also be necessary to achieve better mpg ratings.

 

The new Jeep Cherokee weighs slightly more than the current-generation Wrangler, but offers significantly higher fuel efficiency. The range-topping 4WD V6 model is powered by a 3.2-liter version of Chrysler's Pentastar V6, paired with a nine-speed gearbox for a city/highway efficiency rating of 21/28 mpg. In contrast, the two-door Wrangler achieves 17/21 mpg with its larger 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed auto.

 

The Cherokee is not an apples-to-apples comparison, and Chrysler does not intend to turn its iconic off-roading Wrangler into a 'soft SUV.' Manley does see an opportunity to expand the Wrangler's powertrain offerings to include a package that serves as a viable competitor in terms of fuel efficiency, though he promises not to 'dilute' the brand by bringing back a two-wheel-drive variant.

 

Chrysler is not expected to launch its fourth-generation Wrangler until 2017 or later.