Jeep Wrangler Rubicon goes X rated

JEEP has added a limited edition Rubicon X variant to its Wrangler off-roader range, which it says is its “most capable off-road car ever”, with the rock-hopping version chalked to make its official debut at the grueling Australasian Safari later this month.

The American car-maker is so confident in the ability of its latest Wrangler the that it is using the 5500km Western Australia race as its launch stage, with two Rubicon Xs competing in the week-long rally.

Priced at $52,000 before on (and off-road) costs, the X gets its extra off-road ability with wider Mopar rock-rails, more trail-focused standard gear, and is in Jeep showrooms now.

This places it above the current range-topping Unlimited (four-door) Rubicon soft-top, which kicks off from $49,000.

As with the regular mud-plugging Wrangler Rubicon, the four-door X features part-time four-wheel drive with electronic locking front and rear Dana 44 axles, receiving power via a Rock-Trac transfer case and “4-Low” ratio of 4:1.

Tru-Lok locking differentials are standard, as is a 4.10 front and rear axle ratio, which should help the newest version of the Wrangler tackle the WA off-road bonanza.

The Rubicon X gains some extra styling flourishes to differentiate it from the regular Rubicon, including satin black 17-inch aluminuim wheels with polished faces and a red Jeep Wrangler icon.

Giving the X a more aggressive look are the bonnet-mounted dual-intake “Power Domes” that help to cool the engine, while a red Rubicon decal is visible on both sides of the bonnet.

It also gains Mopar rock rails to protect against trail damage and a Mopar black fuel filler cap.

The cabin features leather seats as standard, while the front seats are heated.

There is a unique gauge cluster with Rubicon X styling that includes Electronic Vehicle Information Centre with displays for transmission and coolant temperatures, digital speed, tyre and oil pressure.

“Quick Silver” accents feature on the grab handles and airvents, steering wheel spokes and door pulls.

Already standard in the Rubicon is Jeep’s UConnect multimedia system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen with sat-nav, Power comes from a 209kW/347Nm Pentastar petrol V6 that consumes 11.9 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle, and drives through a five-speed automatic transmission.

The Rubicon X is the latest limited edition Wrangler to lob from Jeep and follows recent additions including the Polar, Freedom, Asian-themed Dragon and 10th Anniversary special editions - all within the past 12 months.

Sales of the seven-year-old Wrangler have slipped a little this year, with 1751 units sold to the end of August making for a 15.5 per cent dip compared with the same period last year.

The two competing Wranglers will set off from Wanneroo on September 19, and if they are as Jeep describes them “the world's toughest car”, the pair will cross the finish line in Kalbarri on September 27.

Jeep Wrangler pricing*

2D Soft Top
3.6 Sport	$33,000
2.8 Sport CRD	$39,000
3.6 Overland (a)	$43,000
3.6 Rubicon	$43,000
Unlimited 4D
3.6 Sport	$37,000
2.8 Sport CRD	$43,000
3.6 Overland (a)	$47,000
3.6 Rubicon	$47,000
3.6 Rubicon X	$52,000

*Excludes on-road costs.