As the title suggests, the upcoming 2012 Jeep Wrangler will feature a new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 unit that replaces the old Chrysler 3.8-liter iron-block V6. The exterior of the Wrangler remains the same for the most part, with a few new color combinations now available, but it's under the hood that Jeep made some drastic changes. The automaker decided to add the new 3.6-liter Pentastar unit to provide drivers with a more refined on-road driving experience (not to mention the old 3.8-liter was practically ancient).

The new engine produces an output of 285hp and 260 lb-ft and was even the recent winner of Ward's 10 Best Engines award. Compared to the previous 3.8-liter V6, there's now a 40 percent increase in horsepower and a 10 percent hike in overall torque. The Wrangler also has improved performance thanks to the also much-needed switch from a four-speed transmission to a new five-speed automatic, along with the company's first use of a manual transmission to the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. The upcoming Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited will continue to be available in four different trim levels.

These include the Sport, Sport S, Sahara and Rubicon. The complete pricing details haven't been released yet, but it's likely that the cost of entry to the iconic Wrangler will be very similar to the current model. Combined with the new interior from last year and now with the new Pentastar V6 under the hood along with the new five-speed auto and manual option, this could easily be the best Wrangler yet.