Skip to main content
A photo of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept outdoors.

V8-Powered Jeep Wrangler 392 Announced Ahead of Nov 17 Debut

It’s been less than six months since we first saw the V8-powered Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept. Despite wearing production-ready bodywork and positive praise from automotive publications, nothing came of it. That is until today because Jeep just announced on its Instagram that not only will the V8 Wrangler go into production, it will make …

It’s been less than six months since we first saw the V8-powered Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept. Despite wearing production-ready bodywork and positive praise from automotive publications, nothing came of it. That is until today because Jeep just announced on its Instagram that not only will the V8 Wrangler go into production, it will make its global debut later this month. You won’t even have to wait long to get it either, as Jeep’s Instagram page announced the powerful Wrangler would be available for purchase in early 2021.

The Jeep Wrangler 392 is likely powered by a 6.4-liter V8

Since the Jeep Wrangler 392 arrived seemingly out of the blue, there is little information about it. Thankfully, Jeep has given us a trail of clues with some important information. For starters, the “392” in the name tells us exactly which V8 this new Wrangler will likely receive. In this case, it’s likely the 6.4-liter naturally aspirated V8 that powers both the Dodge Challenger SRT 392 and Charger SRT 392.

In the SRT’s the V8 develops 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. However, it is important to note that, according to Motor1, the 6.4-liter engine in the Wrangler Concept only developed 450 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. As a result, we’ll have to wait and see if the production-spec Wrangler will receive the full 485 hp.

Given the engine transplant into the Jeep Wrangler, the available transmission options could follow as well. In the Challenger and Charger, the engine is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic. Although none of Jeep’s Instagram clips show a manual, we can clearly see an automatic shifter in one of the clips.

From one of the areal shots, it seems almost as if the Jeep Wrangler 392 is wider than the standard model. Although it remains to be seen, adding a widebody wouldn’t be unusual for FCA. Lastly, the video shows us what appears to be new wheels and larger off-roading tires.

When will the V8 Wrangler arrive?

2020 Jeep Wrangler Sahara EcoDiesel in the canyons
2020 Jeep Wrangler Sahara EcoDiesel | Jeep

The Jeep Wrangler 392 will make its global debut on November 17th via YouTube. That means that not only is the V8 Wrangler a surprise announcement, it also arrives tomorrow. Therefore, it seems that the 392 Concept we saw earlier this year was likely close to the production-spec Jeep Wrangler 392 buyers will actually be able to buy.

Speaking of buying, you won’t have to wait very long to get one either. While some new models make you wait upwards of a year to arrive, Jeep has already said that the Wrangler 392 will formally arrive at the beginning of 2021. As a result, Jeep will likely soon allow interested buyers to either place down deposits or reserve a build slot for an early 2021 delivery.

V8 could mean a high price tag

2018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is on display in 'Camp Jeep' at the 110th Annual Chicago Auto Show
The Jeep Wrangler | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

It goes without saying that adding a V8 to a Jeep Wrangler is no easy or cheap task. A standard base Jeep Wrangler starts at $28,295 and includes a 3.6-liter naturally-aspirated V6 engine. In contrast, the Dodge Challenger SRT 392 has a base price of just under $40,000. In this regard, expect the new Wrangler to start close to the Challenger’s base price. Regardless, it should offer tremendous value and one of the most powerful off-roading SUVs currently available for sale.

Related

3 Reasons Why You Need a 2021 Jeep Gladiator in Your Life