To set arrive at dealerships early
next year, the 2019 Jeep Scrambler will become the spiritual successor the CJ-8
Scrambler which went out of production in 1986. While sales of that particular
model were relatively limited, Jeep has high hopes for the new truck as
Wranglers are currently flying off dealer lots.
Recently spotted by Carscoops reader Brett Borgard,
this latest batch of Scrambler photos reveals two heavily camouflaged
prototypes while their drivers were making a pit stop at a gas station in
Colorado. Despite the disguise, there’s no hiding the fact that the Scrambler
will be heavily influenced by the new Wrangler.
While the two models are similar, the truck features
a shortened cab and a unique hardtop. Of course, the biggest differences occur
out back as the Scrambler has been equipped with a relatively short rear bed
and a model-specific rear bumper. We can also see the spare tire is mounted
underneath the bed instead of its usual location on the tailgate.
Engine options will carryover from the Wrangler and
this means the base model should be powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine developing
285 hp and 352 Nm of torque. Buyers looking for
something more eco-friendly should be able to order an optional turbocharged
2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 270 hp and 399
Nm of torque. The latter engine enables the five-door Wrangler to return an
extra 2 mpg combined and the Scrambler should also post similar numbers.
Finally, we can expect a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 with
260 hp and 598 Nm of torque. This particular
engine will allow the Scrambler to compete with the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC
Canyon which both offer an optional 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel engine
producing 186 hp and 500 Nm of torque.
