Jeep might have just solved one of the biggest problems with the Wrangler and Gladiator. No, it’s not the wobble you get when the front suspension wears out. This is, shall we say, a more sunny solution. If you’ve ever been off-roading solo and wanted to open up the roof, you’ll know the struggle for fresh air can be quite real.
Removable Top Weighs Heavy On Owners And CAFE
If you told Jeep Wrangler customers they could only choose a removable top or 4×4 drive, we’re willing to bet that more of them would opt for the roof. The ability to toss aside the roof and doors for a sunny day’s drive is a serious perk of the off-roader. But even though Jeep has made progress over the years, taking off the hard top is still a two-person job. Even the small front panels can be tough for one person.
There are limits to what Jeep can do with the sheet molding compound that it uses for its hardtops today. The SMC panels – essentially layers of fiberglass and resin that are compression molded – need reinforcement and extra thickness in places. This adds even more weight.
The Stellantis engineers working on this project have proposed a new top that uses a honeycomb layer sandwiched between inner and outer skins. The patent proposes using a lightweight aluminum or polypropylene to create the honeycomb, with a thin fiberglass polypropylene composite skin.
A top made this way would be much lighter than the current top. It would also be stronger, Jeep says in the patent, with better longevity. The patent proposes adding insulation inside the honeycomb, which could help reduce wind noise in the cabin and even help the heat and air conditioning systems.
It’s A Bronco-Like Design, But Could Fix That Roof’s Woes
A three-layer top might sound familiar if you’re the owner of a Ford Bronco. The Wrangler competitor uses a similar design, but it has been problematic since launch. Ford’s tops have had recalls and repairs, and owner groups have dozens of images of cracked roofs.
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