The 2007 Jeep Wrangler Gets Drivetrain From Dana

Dana Corporation, one of the leading suppliers of powertrain components, chassis and suspension parts, and engine technologies in the international automotive industry will continue their long-term collaboration with Chrysler Group's Jeep brand. Dana will be supplying the Jeep brand with Dana's Spicer(R) front and rear axles and Spicer Life Series(R) front and rear propeller shaft (driveshaft) to be fitted in the 2007 Jeep Wrangler models.

Dana, a company based in Toledo, Ohio has been working in conjunction with Jeep brand for almost 66 years since 1941, starting with the Willy's MB army Jeep that was popular during World War II. Dana provided technical auto parts like axles and propeller shafts for the Willy's MB Jeep. This collaboration is believed to be the longest running supplier to manufacturer deal in the history of the international automotive industry.

"Dana is pleased to extend its historic relationship with this vehicle by providing enhanced axles and new prop shaft technology for the new 2007 Jeep Wrangler", says Michael J. Burns, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dana Corporation. "By working closely with the Chrysler Group, we have been able to reduce component complexity while providing drivers with advanced drivetrain technology." he added.

Both variants of the 2007 Jeep Wrangler, the standard and extended wheelbase versions will be equipped with Dana front and rear axles along with front and propeller shafts. The enhanced Spicer(R) front and rear axles are designed to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) of the 2007 Jeep Wrangler as well as provide optimum performance in terms of ruggedness, reliability, and durability. The Spicer Life Series(R) front and rear prop shafts helps to improve the vehicle's high-speed dynamic performance, thanks to its splined-tube design as well as the staked-and-centered cardan universal joints.

The Spicer(R) front and rear axles for the standard and extended wheelbase version of the 2007 Jeep Wrangler also comes with an optional Spicer Trac- Lok(R) limited slip differential to complete the package. Moreover, Dana also offers the Victor Reinz WaveStopper multi-layer steel cylinder-head gasket cover for the 2.4-liter engine and on the exhaust manifold gaskets of the 4.0-liter Power Tech engine. This will add up to the Jeep Wrangler's engine parts, which include the huge Jeep fuel tank.

Available in different model trims, the 2007 Jeep Wrangler will roll out in international markets starting in the first half of 2007 carrying a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $18,765. The 2007 Jeep Wrangler comes with new standard features like the 3.8-liter V6 engine, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), and four wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS). The 2007 Jeep Wrangler now also comes with available original accessories inside and out from DaimlerChrysler's Mopar original equipment manufacturer (OEM).