Jeep enthusiasts have been clamouring for a V8 powered Wrangler for many years, and the new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept is an indication they may soon get their wish.
The Concept would be powered by a 392 cubic-inch V8 with 450 horsepower. Drive is by a beefed up eight-speed automatic. Jeep says it has a 0-98 km/h time of less than 5 seconds.
Off road gear is expansive, with Dana 44 axles, a full-time two-speed transfer case, electric front and rear axle lockers, 37-inch mud-terrain tyres and a Jeep Performance Parts 2-inch lift kit.
“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,” said Jim Morrison, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA North America. “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.”
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept features upgraded engine mounts and a modified frame. Suspension upgrades include new aluminium, monotube Fox shocks for improved damping and heat dissipation. A two-mode exhaust alters the performance sound at the touch of a button.
The third-generation Dana 44 axles, a Selec-Track full-time two-speed transfer case, Tru-Lok electric front- and rear-axle locking differentials.
It would sit on 37-inch mud-terrain tyres around custom 17-inch beadlock wheels that hold tyres to rims under extreme lateral loads, allowing for reduced tire pressure operation and added traction.
A factory Jeep Performance Parts 2-inch lift kit from Mopar makes way for additional suspension articulation, and improved approach, breakover and departure angles.
The Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept also features Rubicon rock rails, steel bumpers with a Warn winch, and a steel belly pan.
A factory Jeep Performance Parts 2-inch lift kit and 37-inch mud-terrain tyres combine to improve articulation, and contribute to excellent levels of water fording capability (34 inches), ground clearance (13.25 inches), as well as improved approach (51.6 degrees), breakover (29.5 degrees) and departure (40.1 degrees) angles.
The new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept features Granite Crystal exterior paint adorned with Bronze accentuated tow hooks, badging, springs, shocks and wheels.
It has 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 392 Concept features rich Red Rock-coloured leather bolstered seats with gold stitching. There’s also what is named a “performance steering wheel”.
Given the amount of detail that has been been provided about the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept it sounds to us that this media release is a teaser for the real thing. May we speculate that the next news piece we write is to announce that it will be going into production? Hopefully followed by on- and off-road testing.
