The V-8 engine and hardcore off-road equipment announcement could throw Ford off its game right before the Bronco’s unveiling
by Sidd Dhimaan, on LISTEN 04:16We’re less than 10 hours away from the much-anticipated 2021 Ford Bronco’s unveiling, and its primary rival, the Jeep Wrangler, has decided to gatecrash the party. The company teased a 6.4-liter, V-8 HEMI engine just a couple of days ago in a Facebook post and now it has confirmed its arrival in the form of the Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept.
Ford has been messing around with the Jeep ever since the Bronco was announced, so the news of the Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept couldn’t have come at a better time. Kudos to Jeep for sneaking under the limelight and stealing it from the Bronco just hours before the grand reveal. Point: Jeep.
Finally A Jeep Wrangler With A V-8 Mill
Jeep had teased an image of the Wrangler’s hood with “392” written on it.
This indicated a 6.4-liter, V-8 HEMI engine under the hood, but no other details were revealed.
Now, however, Jeep has announced that the engine will come packed in the Wrangler Rubicon trim, moniker’d as the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept for now. Should this "concept" shift into production, it will be the first time the Wrangler has been offered with a V-8 engine. The last time we saw a V-8 mill plonked in a familiar body was in its spiritual predecessor, the Jeep 1981 CJ-7. It came with a 5.0-liter mill that made 125 horses and 220 pound-feet of torque.
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept features a 6.4-liter, V-8 engine that churns out 450 horses and 450 pound-feet of torque.
Power is sent to all the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission with a low 3.73 gear ratio. Unfortunately, there’s no manual gearbox on offer. Hopefully, it’ll be offered in the future. The powerplant will enable the Wrangler to sprint to 60 mph from a standstill in just 5.1 seconds!
The SUV will continue to be a hardcore off-roader as Jeep will offer equipment like:
- Third-gen Dana 44 Axles
- Selec-Track Full-time Two-Speed Transfer Case
- Electronic Front and Rear Locking Differentials
- New Aluminum, Monotube Fox Shocks
- Mopar-sourced Jeep Performance Parts Two-Inch Lift Kit
What’s Different On The Outside?
The Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept will come with half doors and a one-touch power top with removable side panels to add to the ruggedness. Jeep has also equipped it with 17-inch Beadlock wheels wrapped in 37-inch Mud-Terrain tires. A two-mode exhaust is also offered that alters the performance sound at the touch of a button. Apart from this, the SUV will feature Rubicon rock rails, steel bumpers with a Warn winch, and a steel underbody protection.
The SUV will be offered in a Granite Crystal exterior shade with Bronze-painted accents on tow hooks, springs, shocks, wheels, and brand-badging. On the inside, the Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept will feature a performance steering wheel and bolstered seats upholstered in Red Rock-colored leather with contrasting gold stitching.
The two-inch lift kit further enables better overall angles and ground clearance to traverse the rough terrains with ease.
| Ground Clearance | 13.25 inches |
|---|---|
| Approach Angle | 51.6 degrees |
| Departure Angle | 40.1 degrees |
| Breakover Angle | 29.5 degrees |
| Water Wading Capability | 34 inches |
Final Thoughts
Jeep waited till the very last moment to announce the news in a bid to steal Ford’s thunder. Naturally, people will have more expectations from the Bronco now. If Ford was to announce a V-8 mill in the Bronco, it would’ve received roaring applause; but now, it will just nullify the Wrangler’s move. However, if Ford doesn’t introduce a V-8, it’ll be at a major disadvantage should this concept shift into production. This is what Ford’s Communications Manager tweeted about it:
Well, the ball’s in Ford’s court now. What are your thoughts on the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept? Share them with us in the comments section below.
