Jeep fans have been drooling over what they think the next-generation Wrangler and Wrangler pickup will look like. Debates have raged on whether it will have a soft top or some new form of removable hardtop. Forum fights have broken out over what engines are purportedly powering the Jeep. But who is right? Well, JL Wrangler Forums spent a copious amount of time diligently researching what the next-generation Wrangler will entail.

The fan forum site rendered several versions of the Wrangler Unlimited and the Wrangler Pickup using information gathered from spy shots, insider information, leaked images of scale models, and U.S. Patent information gathered over months of monitoring the Jeep. JL Wrangler Forums even listed its sources for each unique, projected aspect of the rendering.

The forum lines up fairly evenly with predictions we’ve made here at TopSpeed, including the permanent hardtop with removable sections, slanted windshield and improved aerodynamics, and more powerful and efficient powertrains.

The next Wrangler is expected to debut within the next few months as a 2018 model. Jeep will offer both two-door and four-door versions of the Wrangler with the new chassis code of JL. The pickup version will likely debut the following year, though Jeep could introduce it for 2018. According to JL Wrangler Forum, the pickup’s chassis code will be JT.

The Wrangler’s engine lineup is suspected to include an updated Pentastar V-6, a turbocharged four-cylinder known as the Hurricane, and the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6. FCA will include its eight-speed automatic transmission as an option over a suspected six-speed manual transmission.

We’ve supplied all the renderings below the jump, so keep reading for the full run-down.

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Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (JL)

These renderings show a rather telling glimpse at what Jeep could be planning. The renderings do indeed match up to spy photos and industry insiders’ reports. All this information, plus a bit of common sense and reasoning, suggest the 2018 Wrangler will be far more aerodynamic than the current Wrangler JK. The front grille will be more slanted and the bumper will feature a more integrated design. We’d bet good money the bumper will be easily removable, just like the Wrangler JK’s, for seamless aftermarket upgrades.

The hood is longer to help accommodate more powertrain options and the new eight-speed automatic. A power bulge helps add character and strength to the long sheet of metal. Side vents are included into these renderings, though it’s hard to imagine a Wrangler having such a feature.

Around the sides, the rocker panels feature grater protection than the current Wrangler JK, plus have a Jeep logo at the bottom of the B-pillar. The suspected removable hardtop panels are suspected to include a removable side panel at the cargo area. An indention into the bodywork is likely present to aid in removable. Perhaps there’s a release lever hidden under there. Maybe these panels unlock with the power door locks.

Rumors also suggest the rear glass will be removable. JL Wrangler Forums have rendered this as the back glass swinging up and over the roof in a 270-degree rotation. We’re assuming straps or a latch of some kind would hold it down. The rear of the next-gen Wrangler is reported to borrow the X-pattern from the Jeep Renegade. This feature is seen in these renderings, both on the taillights like the rumors suggest, and on the spare tire cover.

Jeep Wrangler Pickup (JT)

JL Wrangler Forums did an amazing job with this rendering. The pickup shares all the Wrangler Unlimited’s bodywork from the C-pillars forward, just as we suspect will be the case. The rear section features a short cargo bed mounted over a slightly lengthened chassis. The roof panels, like the other rendered Jeeps below, are removable. It appears the rear window section could be removable as well, just like the old Chevrolet Avalanche.

It will certainly be interesting to see how close these renderings come to the real thing. Hopefully our wait isn’t much longer for Jeep’s long-awaited 2018 Wrangler debut.

Read our full review on the Jeep Wrangler Pickup (JT) here.

And no matter what happens, you’ll be able to catch all the news right here on TopSpeed.com.