450-HP V-8–Powered Jeep Wrangler Is Coming

Two days after Jeep teased a V-8–powered Wrangler, and on the day of the Bronco debut, it reveals the Wrangler Rubicon 392 concept.

BY: CONNOR HOFFMAN

• Jeep has just revealed the Wrangler Rubicon 392 concept on the day of the new Ford Bronco’s debut.
• It’s powered by a 6.4-liter V-8 that produces 450 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque.
• The 392 concept sits high on a two-inch lift kit with 37-inch mud terrain tires.

It’s no secret that Jeep is jealous of all the attention the Ford Bronco is getting, and it’s now trying to steal the spotlight away from Ford by announcing a 6.4-liter V-8–powered Wrangler Rubicon concept on the day the Bronco is set to be revealed. Why a V-8 Wrangler now? Because it’s trying to one-up its soon-to-be competitor. It’s unlikely that the Bronco will have V-8 power at launch.

Jeep says that customers have been asking for a V-8 Wrangler for some time now, and Jim Morrison, the head of Jeep, said that this concept proves it has the ability to make that happen. For what it’s worth, Dodge did just squeeze the Hellcat supercharged V-8 into the Durango three-row SUV.

In order to fit the burly V-8 into the Wrangler, Jeep had to upgrade the engine mounts and modify the frame. The eight-cylinder engine is FCA’s 392 Hemi, which is a 6.4-liter (392 cubic inch) V-8 that produces 450 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. Jeep claims that the Rubicon 392 concept can get from zero to 60 mph in less than five seconds, and it has a dual-mode exhaust system for some obnoxious V-8 rumbles.

The 392 concept also has the off-road chops to back up the monstrous powertrain including Dana 44 axles, a full-time two-speed transfer case, electronic front and rear locking differentials, and a two-inch lift with upgraded Fox shocks. Even better are massive 37-inch mud-terrain tires, and that’s not all. It’s also equipped with Rubicon rock rails, steel bumpers, and a Warn winch up front. All these upgrades allow for 13.3 inches of ground clearance, a 51.6-degree approach angle, 29.5-degree breakover, and 40.1-degree departure angle.

If enough people let Jeep know that they’re interested in this V-8 Wrangler, it seems likely the company will actually make it. We hope to hear more about it in the coming months, like confirmation that they’ll build it—meaning that you all did your job.