In just two days, the automotive community will witness the unveiling of the all-new 2018 Jeep Wrangler at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Alongside this iconic off-road vehicle, there’s exciting news about an equally functional model: the inaugural factory Jeep Wrangler pickup. Recent reports indicate that this bedded version will include a sought-after feature that fans have long requested.
An industry insider with direct knowledge of the design plans informed Automotive News that the Jeep Wrangler pickup is set to come equipped with a soft canvas top. This feature can either be folded down or completely removed, marking it as a unique "true convertible" pickup truck in the automotive market. This would be the first convertible pickup available in the United States since the Chevrolet SSR ceased production in 2006.
Earlier, there were leaks from Fiat-Chrysler’s dealer network hinting at this feature, but Automotive News has provided the strongest confirmation yet regarding the convertible capabilities of the Jeep Wrangler pickup. While there has been no news about whether this model will also have removable doors, it seems likely given its shared construction with the regular Wrangler.
Additionally, the source mentioned that the truck, expected to be named the Scrambler—a nod to the renowned Jeep CJ-8 pickup and its removable hardtop—is on track for production, utilizing the current JK Wrangler assembly lines in November 2018.
Jeep has shown various iterations of the updated Scrambler during its annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, where the company often presents functional concept vehicles to highlight upcoming design innovations. Last year’s event introduced a four-door, soft-top, Wrangler-based pickup named the Jeep Crew Chief 715. At that time, there were uncertainties about whether Jeep would move forward with production. However, it now appears that those concerns were unfounded.
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