If you’ve been putting off picking up a new Wrangler just because Jeep doesn’t offer the Xtreme 35 Tire Package on two-door models of the Rubicon and Willys, you have officially run out of excuses.
Competition is great for consumers, as witnessed by the availability of the Xtreme 35 package on Wranglers as a foil to similarly sized meats available on Ford’s burly Bronco. Off-road gearheads are known to prefer the two-door Wrangler for ‘wheeling excursions, largely thanks to its shorter wheelbase, but it’s only now that the brand is offering the Xtreme 35 on that body style. “Our passionate Jeep Wrangler customers are always asking for more – more capability and more adventure – so it’s a natural follow up to the success we’ve seen on the four-door Wrangler,” said Bill Peffer, senior vice president and head of Jeep brand North America, in reference to this package being available for some time now on four-door Wranglers.
The extra height only pads the two-door Wrangler’s already impressive resumé. Shod with these jumbo BFGoodrich KO2 tires, breakover angle (a measure referring to clearance angles underneath the Jeep) jumps to an impressive 32.4 degrees, meaning this thing should be able to scarper over all but the toughest obstacles. So equipped, a two-door Rubicon or Willys will have approach and departure angles of 47.2 and 40.4 degrees, respectively. Overall ground clearance crests and entire foot to settle at 12.6 inches.
Priced at $4,495, the package is available on these rigs equipped with the 2.0-liter turbo engine and includes the obvious 35-inch tires (LT315/70R17 if you prefer that metric), beadlock capable wheels, a 1.5 inch lift from the factory, and a stouter rear swing gate to support the now ginormous spare tire. Anyone popping for the $62,295 Rubicon X will get this gear as standard kit.
Order books for this option on a Rubicon are open now, while the Willys will be available to spec later this quarter. Production starts at the Ohio plant in March.
[Image: Jeep]
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