It comes as no surprise that the 2016 Jeep Wrangler will be losing weight thanks to strict new government fuel economy regulations, but the exclusion of solid axles is now being reported as a possibility due to the weight savings. 

Mike Manley, Jeep brand boss let slip to Automotive News that the deletion of the Jeep’s solid axles is a possibility due to the weight savings. An independent suspension system would be used in place of the current coil-link suspension setup.

That would be a major change in the eyes of Jeep fans and loyalists who love the current suspension setup thanks to its easy to customize nature and durability. Manley says that Jeep engineers are working rigorously to make sure that the Wrangler meets its new requirements, while also keeping its hardcore off-road roots intact.

SEE ALSO: Next-gen Jeep Wrangler to be Inspired by 2013 Moab Concepts

Other possibilities that may be implemented to help the Wrangler’s quest for improved fuel economy are improved aerodynamics and the further use of lightweight materials, both of which were seen on this year’s 2013 Jeep Moab Concepts (Wrangler Stitch Concept shown above). The introduction of a diesel engine for the Wrangler has also been hinted at by Manley, and could be borrowed from the Grand Cherokee diesel.

Automotive News