2012 Jeep Wrangler and Liberty Arctic Models Inspired by Extreme Weather

Just the Facts:

• The 2012 Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler Unlimited and Liberty Arctic models will hit showrooms this month.
• The 2012 Jeep Wrangler Arctic starts at $32,669, while the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Arctic starts at $35,547.
• The 2012 Jeep Wrangler Liberty Arctic starts at $27,465.

AUBURN HILLS, Michigan — The 2012 Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler Unlimited and Liberty Arctic models will hit showrooms this month — just as the Farmers' Almanac is predicting "clime and punishment" for the 2011-'12 winter season, with "unusually cold and stormy weather" for much of the nation.

But be forewarned that the Arctic models are largely about looks, despite the fact that at least one model includes a logo of a yeti, the legendary abominable snowman. The special-edition Jeeps are equipped with standard heated seats for front passengers only. An engine block heater is a $50 option.

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler Arctic starts at $32,669, while the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Arctic starts at $35,547. The prices include an $800 shipping charge.

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler Liberty Arctic starts at $27,465. Price includes a $795 shipping charge.

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler Arctic is spun off the Wrangler Sahara model and includes such cutesy touches as a "Yeti Footprint" decal on the exterior. The yeti — and its Bigfoot counterpart in North America — is proving to be a dependable marketing icon, making appearances in one beef jerky ad campaign and now a Jeep special model. In Europe, Volkswagen's Skoda brand markets a compact crossover called Yeti.

The Wrangler Arctic comes in a choice of Winter Chill, Bright Silver or Bright White exterior paint. It gets a body-color hardtop and fender flares, along with a Mopar black fuel filler door and taillamp guards. The cabin gets black Tectonic fabric with Polar White accents and orange piping.

The 2012 Jeep Liberty Arctic package is available only on Liberty Sport 4x4 models. It gets such exterior touches as semi-gloss black 16-inch aluminum wheels, deep tint glass, tow hooks, blacked-out headlamps and standard foglamps. The cabin gets the black and Arctic Orange color scheme found on the Wrangler models. It also gets gray-faced gauges, a nine-speaker Infinity sound system and Mopar slush mats.

Jeep says the Arctic models were "created in response to Jeep enthusiasts looking for factory-customized vehicles."

Inside Line says: Jeep could have capitalized more on the Yeti element. Shaggy seat covers, anyone?