The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 is the first Wrangler with a V-8 engine
by Ciprian Florea, onWhen Ford revived the Bronco earlier in 2020, Jeep introduced the V-8-powered Wrangler 392 Concept. But what seemed like a PR stunt created to crash Ford’s celebration has morphed into a production model. Meet the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392, the first-ever Wrangler powered by a V-8 engine and the most powerful Wrangler built since the nameplate was introduced back in 1987. The muscular powerplant, shared with the Dodge Charger and Challenger, is backed by enhanced off-road capability and several special features inside and out.
The Jeep Wrangler 392 is a Rubicon with a big hood scoop and extra standard features
The Wrangler 392 is based on the Rubicon, so you’ll spot many familiar design cues, but the "392" badge adds a few extra.
The most notable upgrade is the big scoop in the engine hood. Added to provide better cooling to the big V-8 engine, the hood scoop works in conjunction with the revised grille, which also allows more air into the engine compartment.
The Rubicon 392 comes standard with Beadlock-capable 17-inch wheels wrapped in 33-inch tires, while its suspension is two inches higher than the regular Rubicon. The exterior is rounded off by "392" badges front and rear and a body-colored hard-top. The latter is usually optional on the Wrangler, but it comes standard on the 392.
Once in the driver’s seat, you’ll notice the revised instrument cluster, which now displays more performance-related data. It also comes with "Rubicon 392" branding on the seats and leather upholstery as standard. The list of extra standard features also includes the Infotainment Group and the Safety and Advanced Safety Groups. Like any special-edition Jeep out there, it’s available with a wide range of accessories from the Mopar division.
The Jeep Wrangler 392 is the most powerful Wrangler you can buy!
As the name suggests, the Wrangler 392 packs a 392-cubic-inch engine under the hood.
That's a 6.4-liter V-8, a mill it shares with the Dodge Challenger and Charger, as well as the Dodge Durango and the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT.
The naturally aspirated V-8 produces a cool 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. That’s five to 15 fewer horses compared to other Dodge and Jeep models, but an extra 20 compared to the Wrangler 392 Concept showcased earlier in 2020.
More importantly, the Wrangler 392 is the first Wrangler model with a V-8 engine since the nameplate was launched back in 1987. Since then, the Wrangler has been powered by all sorts of inline-four, inline-six, and V-6 mills, but never a V-8. It’s predecessor, the CJ-7, was offered with a 5.0-liter V-8 until 1986, so it’s been a whopping 34 years since Jeep offered a vehicle of this kind with a V-8. Not only that, but the Wrangler 392 is also the most powerful production Wrangler ever built. At 470 horsepower, the 6.4-liter V-8 clearly outguns existing Wrangler models, as the inline-four and V-6 engines don’t go past the 285-horsepower mark. The Wrangler 392 also packs an extra 95 horses over the 4xe hybrid model, while torque is identical at 470 pound-feet.
The Wrangler 392 is obviously quicker than the average Wrangler. The sprint to 60 mph takes only 4.5 seconds, comparable to a modern sports car, while the quarter-mile run takes 13 seconds flat. Yes, the Wrangler isn’t the kind of vehicle you want to drag race, but it’s nice to know that you can smoke a few cars on the 1,320.
But the Wrangler 392 isn’t just about power and quick acceleration.
Not only does it ride two inches higher and comes standard on 33-inch tires, but it also packs upgraded frame rails, a revised suspension with unique geometry, Fox shocks, and heavy-duty brakes
. Jeep says approach, departure, and breakover angles have been improved and that the 392 can wade through 32.5 inches of water. Don’t worry about the engine hood scoop; the SUV is fitted with a Hydro-Guide air intake system that directs water away from the V-8 engine even if the water level rises above the hood.
The Hemi-fitted Wrangler also features a full-time Select-Track 4WD system with a 2.72 low-range gear ratio, operated through four selectable modes, including 4WD Auto, 4WD High, Neutral, and 4WD Low. The Dana 44 axles have thicker axle tubes, while the electronic locking differentials and the electronic disconnect for the front sway bar will get you out of difficult off-roading scenarios.
The Jeep Wrangler 392 wins the horsepower war with the Ford Bronco
Available with a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine rated at 310 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque, the Ford Bronco got Jeep a little worried at launch. Jeep eventually unveiled a more powerful version in the Wrangler 4xe hybrid, but the Wrangler 392 comes in to settle the horsepower battle once and for all. With an extra 160 horses and 70 pound-feet over the range-topping Bronco, the Wrangler 392 is by far the most potent off-road hauler you can buy in this niche. At least until Ford decides to build a Bronco Raptor or something.
The Jeep Wrangler 392 is the most expensive Wrangler model
Pricing information is not yet available, but it’s safe to assume that the Wrangler 392 will become the range-topping model with the most expensive sticker. As of November 2020, the Wrangler High Altitude is the most expensive at $49,495, so be prepared to pay around $60,000 for the Rubicon 392. Unlike the regular Rubicon, the 392 is only available in four-door trim.
