Jeep boss Mike Manley has confirmed an all-new Wrangler is in the pipeline and will come sometime in 2017 as a 2018 model year vehicle.

Redesigned 2018 Jeep Wrangler in the works

In an interview with Edmunds, Manley said that the new Jeep Wrangler will focus greatly on fuel economy, weight reduction and off-road prowess. It’s also believed the model could end up boasting an aluminium body, and will have its own platform unlike the Chrysler 200 and Jeep Cherokee that were developed on a Fiat platform.

“We must be innovative in terms of what we do for the next Wrangler because clearly we have to make sure that vehicle survives into the future. It is vital for the brand,” said Manley

Manley also said a major focus is on bringing engine improvements in order to create a product that will “push the benchmark even further.” The upcoming next-gen Wrangler will be significantly more fuel efficient in order to meet more stringent federal regulations that require automakers to boost the fuel economy of their vehicles annually through 2025.

Pictured is the 2014 Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler