News about the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL’s construction materials is hot topic these days. FCA boss Sergio Marchionne said back in 2015 the upcoming Wrangler would partially use aluminum construction. Fast-forward to 2016, and a leaked internal memo from aluminum giant Alcoa suggests it will supply aluminum alloys for the Wrangler’s doors and hood.

The leaked internal memo was reported on JL Wrangler Forums by a user claiming to be an Alcoa employee.

It reads: “A team in the Farmington Hills (Michigan, USA) Aerospace and Automotive Products group is leading a new profitable growth opportunity with the 2018 Jeep Wrangler program. The next generation Jeep becomes the first to utilize our C6A1 high form alloy; we are currently the only supplier of this high form product.

Alcoa will also supply 6022 and A951, including front and rear door inners, hood outer and inner.”

From this we understand Alcoa will be providing three types of aluminum for the next-generation Wrangler’s construction. The first two types are 6022 and A951 for use in the inner parts of the front and rear doors and both inner and outer sections of the hood. The third aluminum type, the C6A1 high form alloy, isn’t listed to a specific part within the Wrangler, so it’s anyone’s guess as to where FCA will incorporate the proprietary Alcoa alloy.

This information is only conformation that Jeep engineers are diligently working to revamp the popular Wrangler with the latest technology. Still, the next-generation isn’t expected to deviate far from the current Wrangler JK in terms of overall styling and off-roading capability.

We expect to see Jeep debut the 2018 Wrangler within the coming months.

Continue reading for more information.

Why It Matters

The 2018 remake of the Wrangler is a huge deal for FCA and for Jeep loyalists. FCA needs to create a vehicle with better fuel economy and improved safety, while delivering a product Jeep fans will instantly recognize and be able to off-road with ease.

That might be a tall order, but if any automaker division knows its customer base, it’s Jeep. Between the active participation in Jeep meets and sanctioned off-road events, Jeep marketing types generally find a way to engage its customers. It’s here that Jeep product planners hear customers’ expectations thanks to one-on-one chats with the people who actually buy Jeep products.

The inclusion of aluminum in the 2018 Wrangler’s design will help cut weight, which directly helps fuel economy and helps FCA with its CAFÉ standards. It will also make removing the doors much easier.

2018 Jeep Wrangler

Read our full review on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler here.