This will be the first time in nearly 40 years that a Wrangler or its predecessor, the Jeep CJ, has been replaced with a V8 engine. The last V8-powered Jeep CJ, with 124-horsepower, was awarded for the 1981 model year. At the time, the Jeep was owned by American Motors Corporation, which was later acquired by Chrysler.
“Why are we doing that?” U.S. That’s what Jeep Brand Marketing Director Scott Tello said. “Because our customers are doing it anyway.”
Some Wrangler owners have modified their Jeeps by fitting a V8 engine. Many have asked when the Fiat Chisler will offer the V8 engine option, he said.
The basic design of the Wrangler had to be modified somewhat to fit a larger engine. The Wrangler Rubicon 392 base model rides two inches higher than the Wrangler. In addition to allowing more space for the engine, the ride height also allows for better road performance as the Wrangler can better overcome obstacles and run steeply. It can also wade through 2.7 feet of water.
The hood of the Rubicon 392 has a bulging air scoop. The air scoop was engineered with a secondary passage to enter the engine so that, even if the opening of the scoop was filled with mud or ice, the engine could provide full power.
In addition to 470 horsepower, the V8 engine can also produce 470 pound-feet of torque, a measure of raw pulling power regardless of speed. It is all controlled by an eight-speed automatic transmission that can be shifted using the pedals behind the steering wheel.
As it was still a Jeep Wrangler, Fiat Chrysler engineers were able to openly test drive prototypes of the Rubicon 392 on public roads with off-road enthusiasts, without attracting attention or questions.
They also tested its acceleration on its stretch marks. However, they did not test it on the race track because, they said, taking turns at high speeds is never a priority for any wrestler, including this one.
To save gas, the V8 engine has a cylinder deactivation system that shuts off four cylinders when no more power is needed. Fiat Chrysler has not released a fuel economy estimate for the Rubicon 392. A closer announcement will be made when the new Jeep goes on sale in early 2021.
Correction: The earlier version of this story misspelled the name of the Scott Total loan.
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