Jeep Wrangler 392 Rubicon is a V8-Powered Tease of What Could Come
A V8-powered Wrangler could be coming to a dealership near you soon.
Today is a big day for Ford. After months of teasing, it will reveal the Bronco (and smaller Bronco Sport). So of course Jeep just showed off a more powerful Wrangler to draw some attention away from the big Blue Oval debut.
Meet the Jeep Wranger 392 Rubicon—sadly only a concept, according to the American brand, at least for now. It features the largest V8 in the FCA portfolio behind that iconic seven-slot grille. Power levels are easy to remember: 450 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. That’s less than other 392-powered SUVs, but the lighter Wrangler isn’t a slouch in straight-line sprints: Jeep says it will click off a 0–60 mph time under five seconds.
SEE ALSO: 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara Diesel ReviewA Jeep, especially a Wrangler, is about more than drag times though. The 392 Rubicon features tougher engine mounts and a modified frame for rock-bashing, with aluminum, monotube Fox shocks. A stronger eight-speed auto, dual Dana 44 axles, full-time two-speed transfer case, and locking differentials front and rear ensure more power makes it to the ground no matter the terrain. Also part of the package are 37-inch mudding tires on custom 17-inch beadlock wheels.
Other exterior upgrades include a two-inch lift kit and steel bumper and belly pan.
Jeep touts the 3.73 final drive ratio of the 392 Rubicon for its improved highway efficiency. There’s something decidedly production-ready about that boast, but Jeep is playing coy. It acknowledges Jeep fans have been asking for a V8-powered Wrangler for a long time, but only says the concept “is an indication they may soon get their wish.”
Rounding out the upgrades is a push-button two-mode exhaust system, and a red leather interior with performance steering wheel. Bronze accents include the tow hooks, shocks, springs, wheels, and badging, while the seat stitching is gold.
SEE ALSO: Jeep Wrangler vs Gladiator: What’s the Difference?We can only hope a V8-powered Wrangler is indeed on the cards for the future. It might even end up being a limited-time deal, like the one-and-done 2021 Durango Hellcat. Either way, Ford is expected to stick to turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines for the Bronco when it debuts later today. Jeep, it seems, gets bragging rights … for now.
Kyle began his automotive obsession before he even started school, courtesy of a remote control Porsche and various LEGO sets. He later studied advertising and graphic design at Humber College, which led him to writing about cars (both real and digital). He is now a proud member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), where he was the Journalist of the Year runner-up for 2021.
More by Kyle Patrick
Comments
Join the conversation