Jeep likely to give next-gen Wrangler an aluminum body

DETROIT -- A redesign of the Wrangler remains the biggest job on Jeep's to-do list in the next three years.

Engineers are striving to shave weight and expand the powertrain offerings of the Wrangler -- while keeping it a top off-roader.

Meanwhile, Jeep engineers will develop a single successor for the compact Compass and Patriot, introduce the new Renegade subcompact to North America and refresh the Grand Cherokee once more before it is re-engineered in 2017.

Renegade: The Italian-built subcompact cross-over will arrive in North American dealerships late this year or in early 2015. It will receive a minor refresh in mid-2017 for the 2018 model year.

Patriot: The Patriot will cease production in mid-2016. Customers will be steered to the redesigned Compass.

Compass: A redesigned Compass will appear in mid-2016 as a 2017 model and will share Fiat Chrysler's Compact U.S. Wide platform with the 2015 Chrysler 200, Dodge Dart and Jeep Cherokee. It will share many features with the larger Cherokee, including a trail-rated Trailhawk version and the Cherokee's disconnecting all-wheel drive

and nine-speed automatic transmission.

Cherokee: Jeep's midsize SUV will be refreshed in mid-2016 for the brand's 75th anniversary to improve its fuel economy.

Wrangler: The next-generation Wrangler, due in mid-2017, likely will

have an aluminum body and a raked nose and windscreen to improve its "rolling brick" aerodynamics. Most of the needed fuel efficiency improvements will come from the addition of an eight-speed automatic transmission, though other engine offerings, including a four-cylinder diesel, remain a possibility.

Grand Cherokee: A refresh in late 2015 will allow engineers to improve fuel economy before a planned re-engineering in mid-2017.

Grand Wagoneer: Introduction of the three-row luxury SUV has been delayed until the second half of 2018. c

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