A long-standing authority on the art of off-road driving and the vehicles associated with the sport, Petersen’s 4-Wheel & Off-Road Magazine, recently announced their annual “4×4 of The Year”. With its new-found injection of power from Chrysler’s Pentastar V6 engine, the 2012 Wrangler Rubicon took home the trophy for being, as editor-in-chief Rick Péwé put it, “the most competent 4×4 ever produced.” With a 40 percent improvement in the horsepower division, the 3.6 liter now found under the iconic Wrangler hood produces 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This makes the 2012 model year the most powerful production Wrangler in history.
“The Rubicon gives you complete confidence in its terrain tackling abilities. It allows you to take the trail less traveled without worrying about the journey. And it does so while leaving a smile on your face. This is one fun ride,” said Péwé. In order to determine the “4×4 of The Year”, the editors at Petersen’s don’t simply drive the vehicles around. They push the contestants on almost every type of terrain from mud, rocks, sand and dirt. Ease of off-road driving is what makes the a winner to Petersen’s and the Jeep brand still holds a strong history of first place wins with the magazine. With more power, a new five speed automatic or six speed manual, solid two speed transfer case with locking differentials front and back, knobby 32 inch BFG supplied tires, and practically unmatched approach and departure angles, the Wrangler Rubicon is truly in a class all alone.
“No one puts a vehicle to the test more thoroughly than the editors of Petersen’s 4-Wheel & Off-Road, so Jeep is especially proud to win this prestigious award,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC.
Source: Jeep
