by Matt Konkle
Torque Editor-in-Chief
Some concepts are so powerful they storm into reality.
So went the tagline Saturday underneath a quick video in Jeep’s Instagram feed, along with the hashtags #jeepwrangler and #notaconcept, as well as the statements ‘production model shown’ and ‘available 2021.’
The quick video, if you have not seen it yet, is simply the rear view of what looks to be a Wrangler JL speeding off into the desert, along with the throaty growl of what sounds like a Hemi-powered engine pushing the vehicle forward before the screen dissolves into dust and dirt.
Understandably, the whole thing perked up a Jeep community anxious to see how the brand will fight against a Ford Bronco lineup looking to intrude into the off-road space.
And even more fodder, Jeep Thursday released a note that it would be revealing a new vehicle at noon Eastern Standard Time on Tuesday, November 17th.
While any additional information on that vehicle release was kept under wraps by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, this Instagram post makes it seem like the brand will be releasing its recent V-8 powered Wrangler 392 concept into production sometime next year.
Now, Jeep has long been known for making some amazing one-off concept vehicles that sadly never see the light of day — we’re looking at you Jeep J6 — however with that gauntlet thrown from Ford earlier this year, it seems Jeep is now willing to step a bit out of its comfort zone to bring a high performance Wrangler to market. Sure, there have been some in the Jeep world who have long clamored for a production Hemi engine Wrangler, but how many actually would buy the thing.
Well, if one is to believe the comments on this vehicle, it seems many are willing to stand in line.
Jeep first unveiled this 392 concept back in mid-July, pulling the name from the vehicle’s 6.4-liter V-8 Hemi engine that has 392 cubic inches of displacement.
“Jeep Wrangler enthusiasts have been asking us for a Wrangler V-8 and our new Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept proves that we have the ability to make that happen,” Jim Morrison, FCA’s Head of Jeep Brand, said at the time. “From the recently introduced 29-mpg Wrangler EcoDiesel to our award-winning Jeep Gladiator, and the upcoming Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, Jeep is clearly listening to its customers.
”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.”
For the Wrangler Rubicon 392 concept, its engine bay contains that powerful 6.4L Hemi V-8 which churns out 450 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. Engineers bolted that Hemi on upgraded engine mounts, the brand said in a statement, and then beefed up the eight-speed automatic transmission to run power to third-generation Dana 44 axles featuring Tru-Lok electronically locking differentials and 3.73 gearing. Jeep indicated in its concept release statement that this gearing is designed to help improve on road performance and add greater off-road capability.
Overall, for those who want to know, the Wrangler Rubicon 392 concept rumbles from 0-60 in less than five seconds.
Jeep designers modified the vehicle’s frame to put up with those added performance features and built in a Selec-Trac two-speed, full-time four-wheel-drive transfer case. The brand also gave the vehicle a two-mode exhaust that alters the Hemi engine’s sound profile at the push of a button.
Despite the engine and performance enhancements, Jeep made sure to note the Wrangler Rubicon 392 concept is just as capable off road as every other Trail Rated edition—a message that will certainly be welcomed by those interested in this new production vehicle.
The Wrangler Rubicon 392 concept edition includes a Jeep Performance Products 2” lift kit with Fox aluminum monotube shocks that help mitigate heat and dampen bumps and jumps at higher speeds, while 17” beadlock wheels allow for lower tire pressure and greater off-road traction to compliment the massive torque boost.
Rubicon rock rails, steel bumpers and belly pan, along with a Warn-branded winch and 37” mud-terrain tires round out the off-road enhancements.
Jeep said earlier in July that this concept vehicle’s approach (51.6 degrees), breakover (29.5 degrees) and departure angles (40.1 degrees), as well as ground clearance (13.25-inches) have all been improved appreciably over the stock Wrangler. Water fording also increases from 31 inches to 34 inches.
The Wrangler Rubicon 392 concept even includes a unique look that features a granite crystal metallic finish with bronze tow hooks, badging, springs, shocks and wheels, while displaying offsetting with Rock Red interior leather seats with gold trim and a performance steering wheel inspired by the Mojave Gladiator.
Finishing off the concept's appearance is an aggressive heavy-duty raised hood, the brand’s Sky One-Touch Powertop with removable panels and custom half doors — which Jeep indicated earlier this year will soon be available for purchase for all JL Wrangler vehicles.
Now, keep in mind that nothing has been officially released about any production 392 vehicle specifications versus the concept, and it is entirely possible Jeep may even display another model in its Tuesday release.
After all, it does have an all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee that is nearly ready for the spotlight.
However, with Ford’s Bronco series gearing up for a fight in the dirt, it seems that Jeep is ready to answer the call with its first-ever production Hemi-engine Wrangler.
