Back in July, Jeep tried to steal some of Ford’s thunder by announcing the V8 Wrangler 392 concept on the Bronco launch date. That concept is no longer just a concept, however; it’s set to become a reality. Early next year, we’ll see the arrival of the production 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392. It’s the first Wrangler V8 since the CJ-7 had one in the 1980s.
If you wanted a more powerful Wrangler, Jeep has you covered. The “392” stands for cubic inches and references this Jeep’s new engine, FCA’s 6.4-liter V8. (It’s the same engine found in the Durango SRT.) That plant will put out 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque and propel the Wrangler 392 from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds, a 40 percent jump over the V6 Wrangler Rubicon. You won’t get a manual transmission — Jeep is giving it an eight-speed automatic — but you will get performance shifting technology from the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.
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The 392 is still a Wrangler, and still a Rubicon, which means it will still be an off-road beast. It’s getting a two-inch factory lift over the standard Wrangler, heavy-duty wide track Dana 44 axles, and an upgraded chassis to deal with the added power. The Wrangler Rubicon 392 will have 10.3 inches of ground clearance, wade through 32.5 inches of water and have 44.5-degree approach, 22.6-degree breakover and 37.5-degree departure angles. (Those specs are a slight downgrade from the concept, which ran on 37-inch mud-terrain tires.)
FCA US LLCVisually, the Wrangler Rubicon 392 swaps the standard Rubicon’s red accents for bronze, and will also have bronze wheels. You will also be able to distinguish it from lesser Jeeps by its massive front hood scoop.
The Wrangler Rubicon 392 is a 2021 model year vehicle, and Jeep says it will arrive in the first quarter of 2021. This new Wrangler, along with the new plug-in hybrid Wrangler 4xe, gives Jeep two ground-breaking off-roaders that will hit dealers before the Ford Bronco.