Just leaked on WranglerForums.com is what’s believed to be the next-generation Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Codenamed the JL, this four-door wrangler will replace the current Jeep Wrangler JL for the 2018 model year. Until now, details have been rather spread out, with hardly any information on the Wrangler’s overall appearance and functionality. But thanks to two grainy images, we’re getting a first look.

Much to the angst of Jeep fans, the 2018 Wrangler will indeed come with hard top that’s completely removable. The doors are also completely removable, just like the past Wranglers. The overall design is more evolutionary than revolutionary, sharing much of the overall appearance with the current Wrangler JK.

Of course, the devil is in the details. The grille has a rearward bend, just as we’ve seen in spy shots and other leaked images. The front quarter panels feature some sort of heat extractor or vent just behind the fender. The hood also features vents, much like the optional Heat Extraction hood offered on some Wrangler models. The greenhouse seems taller, with more height to the glass. The doors have a strong character line just under the window, possibly carving out where the half-metal doors will end.

And even more interesting, the windshield seems to have two hinges. Perhaps Jeep won’t kill the folding windshield design after all! As for the roll cage, it shares a similar layout to the current Wrangler JK, but it looks to be better integrated for stronger roll-over protection.

Around back the tailgate is now hinged on the driver side, making curb-side loading much easier. The spare tire is missing, but we do expect the production model will feature it in this traditional location. The bumpers have a familiar style, shaped like those found on special edition Wranglers like the 75th Anniversary, Rubicon Hard Rock, and Rubicon Recon.

All told, this is a huge relief for Jeep enthusiast worried about a watered-down, mall-rated Wrangler JL. Those fears can be set aside knowing Jeep has kept all the lovable aspects of the Wrangler in place. Let’s just hope this isn’t some fake news rendering crap designed to scam us all…

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