Jeep reveals Wrangler Rubicon V8 14 | 07 | 2020
JEEP HAS UNVEILED its new 6.4-litre V8 Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept. Yup, officially it’s a concept, but the all-American carmaker has strongly hinted a V8 Wrangler will enter production. And it’s fair to say, many of the technical upgrades of this car suggest that it’ll become a sales reality sooner rather than later. (Related: Review — Jeep Wrangler)
In the typical American way, the 392 refers to the capacity in cubic inches; that translates to 6.4 litres. Jeep says that’s good for 450bhp and 610Nm. The result? a 0-62mph time of under 5.0secs.
Power is fed to all four wheels through an uprated eight speed automatic gearbox. Not only does it allow the Wrangler to make the most of the V8’s torque off road, but also enables greater cruising efficiency at motorway speeds.
Sitting on 37-inch mud-terrain tyres, the concept also gets a Jeep Performance Parts 2-inch factory lift kit, and a dual-mode exhaust which alters performance sound at touch of a button. (Related: Jeep Wrangler starts at £44,865)
But being a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, it’s all about offroad ability. And here the 392 promises to deliver by the bucketload … and a number of mechanical upgrades. First, some numbers: it has a 864mm wading depth, plus approach and departure angles of 51.6 and 40.1 degrees respectively
Fitted with the latest generation of the tried-and-tested Dana 44 axles, the Rubicon 392 is also fitted with a two-speed transfer box, locking front and rear differentials. And just for good measure, the 17-inch wheels feature a beadlock to stop the 37-inch tyres from detaching under extreme off-road use.
Further protection from potentially rocky terrain comes from a steel belly pan and rock rails (taken from the production Rubicon trim Wrangler). The monstrous 4x4’s also fitted with steel bumpers, and a winch kit.
The exterior looks have been enhanced by adding a number of styling upgrades over the ‘standard’ Wrangler. Most noticeable are the custom half doors and raised bonnet; the latter added to give the Rubicon 392 a more menacing look. There’s also a retractable roof and removable side panels, plus bronze detailing on the tow hooks, badges, suspension and wheels, sets off the ‘Granite Crystal’ paint finish.
Inside the cabin there’s Red Rock-coloured leather bolstered seats with gold stitching, plus red trim panels on the dash,and a performance steering wheel.
“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,” Jim Morrison, Head of Jeep Brand, FCA North America, said.
“From the recently introduced 29mpg Wrangler EcoDiesel, to our award-winning Jeep Gladiator, and the upcoming Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, Jeep is clearly listening to its customers.
“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.”
Related: Review — Suzuki Jimny SZ5
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Jim McGill