Limited Edition Jeep Wrangler Unlimited "WILLYS" Pays Homage to the "Father of SUVs"

Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited Willys | Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited Willys

A Limited Edition Jeep Wrangler Unlimited "WILLYS" Pays Homage to the "Father of SUVs"

FCA Japan has introduced the "Willys" limited edition, inspired by the "Willys-Overland JC-3A," known as the "father of SUVs," for the Jeep off-roader "Wrangler Unlimited." Sales have begun with a limited run of 300 units.

Text by YANAKA Tomomi

Enhanced Off-Road Performance and an Exterior Expressing Toughness

The "Willys-Overland JC-3A," to which this limited edition pays homage, was the pioneer SUV launched in 1948. It was a trailblazing model that paved the way for modern SUVs.

A Limited Edition Jeep Wrangler Unlimited "WILLYS" Pays Homage to the "Father of SUVs" | Jeep®

Off-road vehicles, once used for military and agricultural purposes, gradually became popular for civilian use, offering many people the freedom to explore unpaved roads and the joy of adventure. Compared to its predecessor, the "JC-2A," the "JC-3A" featured enhanced comfort and driving performance, evolving in practicality while maintaining high off-road capability, solidifying the foundation for the JC series.

Inheriting that spirit, the "Willys" is based on the "Wrangler Unlimited Sport" and further enhances off-road performance with features such as rock rails to protect the underbody on rough terrain, an anti-spin rear differential to improve traction by preventing wheel spin on slippery surfaces, and a rear axle shared with the hardcore "Rubicon" model. Its exterior, expressing toughness, is particularly striking.

The body features a black-finished exclusive front grille, 17-inch gloss black painted aluminum wheels, and "WILLYS" decals on the hood and tailgate. The "Jeep" and "Trail Rated" badges are finished in matte black.

The body colors offered are the exclusive Surge Green for this limited edition, evoking a military feel, and Sting Gray, which is normally exclusive to the Rubicon model.

The powertrain consists of a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing a maximum output of 209 kW (284 ps) and a maximum torque of 347 Nm. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and buyers can choose between rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The equipment is based on the "Unlimited Sport" model, including LED headlights and features to assist with parking, such as "Front and Rear Park Assist" and a "Rear Back-Up Camera."

A total of 300 units will be sold: 100 in Surge Green and 200 in Sting Gray. The price is 5.68 million yen.

Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited Willys