TRAUTMANN TRAIL

PROVING grounds are an important part of vehicle development, but real-world testing will always be important to makers of serious off-roaders such as the Jeep Wrangler.

“If we’re successful in our backyard, hopefully we’ll be successful in the real world,” says Trautmann. “It’s the final exam, it’s like study, study … a validation.”

A plastic inner wheel arch hanging from its clips is testament to the value of getting out and testing. Adams explains it’s an issue that has already been corrected on the production line in Ohio. But Jeep is also working to better prepare its proving grounds for much of the grunt work.

In recent years Bernie Trautmann was heavily involved in carefully crafting a section of the proving ground designed to test the most capable vehicles Jeep builds. Boulders and twists and turns are all included and there are sections with varying levels of capability. As well as the Wrangler Sport and Rubicon, there are sections only Mopar-modified Wranglers will be able to traverse.

And the name of the new test track? Trautmann Trail.