The Jeep CJ-8, also popularly known as the ‘Scrambler’, was a huge hit when it was launched by Jeep in 1981. The Scrambler was Jeep’s answer to small Japanese pickup trucks that were dominating the American highways back in the early 80’s. Apart from offering a four-wheel drive, the Jeep Scrambler had a longer wheelbase and a strong brand reputation. Moreover, customers had a choice to choose between a four-cylinder as well as an eight-cylinder engine.
Now, after 37 years the Jeep Scrambler is being reincarnated and the new version will be making its debut in late 2019. The news has been confirmed by a spy video that captured a heavily camouflaged Wrangler-based pickup being driven on Michigan roads. Inside sources also reveal that the legendary Jeep pickup will retain the ‘Scrambler’ brand name and that it will be launched along with the next generation JL Jeep Wrangler.
The Engine
Jeep enthusiasts are judging that the Scrambler will be quipped with the existing 3.0-liter V-6 turbodiesel engine that is available in Jeep Wrangler. There is also a possibility that the Scrambler might also be equipped with a 2.0-liter "Hurricane" turbo four-cylinder engine or a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine.
The convertible Scrambler
The spy shots reveal that the Jeep Scrambler will be a convertible and it will be available in three options. There will be two hardtop options and there will be a third Sunrider soft top option. All of the three rooftops are removable and hence the Jeep Scrambler may become the first factory-designed convertible truck in the world.
The competition
The production of the Jeep Scrambler will begin in a couple of years. Currently, the Jeep pickup has two main competitors: the Chevrolet Colorado Z71 and the Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road. The main target markets will be the USA and the key Middle East markets like Dubai where Jeep has a dominant presence.
As of now it is too early to comment on features comparison bit one thing we know for sure is that the upcoming Scrambler will be more powerful and more efficient than the outgoing version of the Jeep Wrangler.
