A V8 Engine? In My Wrangler? It’s Happening Sooner Than You’d Guess!

To say that the Jeep Wrangler has a devout fan base is something of an understatement. Thousands of drivers proclaim that the Wrangler is the ultimate ruler of the off-road experience, and the engineers and designers at Jeep aim to maintain that reputation. Each model year presents Jeeps for sale with more well-considered features and exhilarating options that keep the Wrangler experience fresh, yet familiar for the legions of fans who covet this mud magnet.

At the same time, Jeep has been careful not to grant too many wishes. After all, modifying your Jeep is an important part of the experience. Once you drive your new Wrangler off the lot, off-roaders have a duty to take it from original stock status to the customized beast of their dreams. That includes lifts, armor, tires, and more. But one area in which Jeep drivers have kept their fingers crossed for a long time lies under the hood. While fans have been clamoring for a V8 engine, those with a hearty dose of mechanical knowledge will agree that you can’t just plop a different engine under the hood and drive off. Finally, the day has come, and the wait is nearly over.

The Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept History

Prior to this year, a V8 Wrangler was a reality only in concept and on Jeep internet forums. The idea wasn’t so far-fetched, though. The 1981 Jeep CJ included a 5.0L V8 engine, offering 125 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque. That is, of course, the most recent application of a V8 engine in a Jeep body, but for most fans, it remains proof enough that a V8 Jeep is possible.

In early 2020, rumors from an alleged Jeep insider hit the internet. Though details were scarce at first, it appeared a handful of Wranglers equipped with V8s had been produced as concept cars. On the surface, this might not be press-worthy news. Auto manufacturers have been producing one-off prototypes and concept vehicles since the beginning of automotive history. But as the rumors took shape, this one appeared to gain traction. Not only was there a handful of V8 Wranglers on the streets- there were a total of 30 of these concept cars assembled on the main Jeep line.

Shortly after the leaks, on July 13th, 2020, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (now known as Stellantis) stepped forward with an official statement that yes, the Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept was a V8 Wrangler, 30 of them were currently on the streets, and yes, fans could expect this vehicle on the market in the near future.

In the statement, Jim Morrison, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA North America, noted, “Jeep Wrangler enthusiasts have been asking us for a Wrangler V8, and our new Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept proves that we have the ability to make that happen…. We are anxious to gauge their reaction to this new Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept, a vehicle that delivers an incredible and unmatched level of fun-to-drive performance and capability, on- and off-road.”

In fact, FCA shared abundant details about the design and overall engineering of the Concept. The exterior paint is Granite Crystal with Bronze accents. The interior is Red Rock-colored leather with gold stitching. The 392 Concept will feature 17-inch beadlock wheels with 37-inch mud-terrain tires. It seems that most of the intricate details of the vehicle are set in stone, making it sound like it’s ready to head into production. However, as we creep into 2021, additional details have yet to be released as to when we can expect to put a down payment on the long-awaited Wrangler with a V8 engine and exactly what we’ll have to take out of our piggy banks to own one.

The Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept: What We Do Know

The team of engineers and designers at Jeep didn’t just figure out how to add a V8 engine to a Jeep; they created an entirely new Wrangler around the new engine. Based on the details released by the parent company, the keyword for the 392 Concept is “more”- as in “more capable,” “more power,” and “more performance.” The long-awaited engine itself is a 6.4L V8 with 392 cu.in. of displacement that provides 450 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. On the streets, this engine is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than five seconds.

If you’re familiar with the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, those numbers might inspire a flutter of excitement. For those new to the scene, let’s compare the 392 Concept V8 engine with the 2020 Wrangler Rubicon engine offerings, of which there are several. First, there’s a 2.0L V6 Turbo, available with or without the eTorque Mild Hybrid System. This engine is perfectly capable of respectable trail crawling with 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

A 3.6L Pentastar V6 is also an option, again available with or without eTorque, and offers an impressive 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The 2020 Wrangler Rubicon even has a 3.0L EcoDiesel engine option, which delivers 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. Yet all of these engines pale in comparison to the stats of the Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept’s V8.

The current Wrangler Rubicon can’t accommodate an engine of this size, so the Concept version has quite a few modifications. This includes a more powerful eight-speed transmission, upgraded engine mounts, and a re-engineered frame. Aluminum monotube Fox shocks grace the suspension, and Jeep has added Dana 44 axles, a full-time two-speed transfer case, front and rear Tru-Lok electric axle lockers, and a Mopar/Jeep Performance Parts two-inch lift. Essentially every aspect of the 392 Concept has been built around the idea that more power means drivers can go faster, further, and gauge even more impressive trails.

Not only does the overall build of the V8 Wrangler enhance approach, break over, and departure angles, but the stock has been upgraded to give it every advantage on the toughest trails. That means the Rubicon’s rock rails, steel bumpers and belly pan, and Warn winch are included on the new model. As a result, the Concept can ford up to 34 inches of water with 13.25 inches of ground clearance. Approach angles reach 51.6 degrees, with breakover at 29.5 degrees and departure at 40.1 degrees.

Drivers will look out over a heavy-duty performance raised hood and enjoy all the open-air thrill that comes from custom half doors, removable side panels, and Wrangler’s Sky One powertop to let the wind, mud, sand, and water in, just as a Jeep is intended to do.

Please… Take My Money

Naturally, the buzz is high about the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept, so where can you find this Jeep for sale? Great question!

Given that 30 of these concept vehicles have been produced, it seems that general production is something that can be expected in the very near future. Still, Jeep has been significantly tight-lipped since the July 13th FCA press release. While this gives Jeep fans more time to save their pennies, there’s a fine line between “anticipation” and “impatience.” The 2021 Ford Bronco is already on its way, but early test drives of the 392 Concept indicate there are still a few kinks to work out before the big motor hits production.

Fans will have to wait for the official roll-out of the V8 engine, but the announcement of the addition shouldn’t come as too much of a shock. As one of the most customizable and modifiable vehicles on the planet, it stands to reason that Jeep enthusiasts already knew it could be done. But you will need to wait just a bit longer before the V8 Wrangler Rubicon Jeep is for sale. When it is available, though, consider visiting us at Orange Coast in Costa Mesa, CA; we will be sure to take care of you!