V8 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept revealed…could make it to production (VIDEO)

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept

Less than an hour before the reveal of the new Bronco, Jeep has dropped its V8-powered Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept.

Trying to steal some of the all-new Ford Bronco’s thunder today, Jeep has dropped its 6.2L V8 powered  Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept. The last time Jeep offered its “most recognisable vehicle” with a V8 was the 1981 CJ with its 5.0L V8.

And now Jeep is hinting the Wrangler will once again be available with a V8. In a short statement accompanying today’s images, it said: “ Jeep enthusiasts have been clamouring for a V-8 powered production Wrangler in recent years, and the new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept is an indication they may soon get their wish”.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept

The Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept runs a 6.4-litre (392 cubic-inch) V8 engine making 344kW and 620Nm of torque…it’ll get to 100km/h in 5.0 seconds. Still features Dana 44 axles, a full-time two-speed transfer case, electric front and rear axle lockers, 37-inch mud-terrain tyres on 17-inch beadlock wheels, and a Jeep Performance Parts 2-inch lift kit from Mopar combined with other suspension enhancements (like new aluminium, monotube Fox shocks). To handle the extra oomph there’s a more-robust eight-speed transmission. The lift has improved all off-road angles including water fording.

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept is painted in Granite Crystal exterior paint with Bronze accentuated tow hooks (instead of the traditional red), badging, springs, shocks and wheels, while featuring a heavy-duty raised performance hood with an aggressive appearance, custom half doors and Wrangler’s Sky One-touch powertop, with removable side panels for complete open-air freedom. Inside, the Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept features rich Red Rock-coloured leather bolstered seats with gold stitching, along with a performance steering wheel.

“Jeep Wrangler enthusiasts have been asking us for a Wrangler V-8, and our new Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept proves that we have the ability to make that happen,” said Jim Morrison, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA North America.

“From the recently introduced 29 mpg 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.”