Someone must have been asking for one, because coming soon to a Jeep dealership near you is the 470 horsepower Rubicon 392. Yes, the gear heads at FCA have shoehorned the massive 6.4-liter HEMI V8 into the engine bay of the new JL Wrangler. Wow is all I can say.
The first time a production V8 has been available in a Wrangler in almost 40 years, the 392 cubic inch or 6.4-liter V-8 puts down its 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque through a tried and true 8-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system. All of it provides for a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds and a 13-second quarter mile…..in a Wrangler.
Right away you can tell the differences of the Wrangler Rubicon 392 just by looking at it. An upgraded frame, a factory 2-inch lift with unique suspension geometry, upgraded brakes and FOX shocks all around set it apart visually as well as handle all that extra horsepower.
With standard 33-inch tires on 17-inch bead-lock capable wheels, these changes all serve to enable better approach and departure angles, suspension articulation, and maneuverability with now a water fording depth of up to 32.5 inches.
A unique bulging hood with scoop incorporates an innovative intake system called Tri-Level Hydro-Guide. It features special ducting that can channel up to 15 gallons of water perminute out of the intake flow through three drains. There’s a secondary air intake path that allows full performance even if the scoop is clogged with mud or snow.
With all the power to go fast, the powertrain also offers up the goods for hard-core off-roading. Jeep says the V-8 offers excellent torque and engine braking through 48:1 crawl ratio and unique torque converter locking strategy. This gives it much of the same ability to effortlessly crawl up and down walls at engine idle much as the EcoDiesel does.
The Selec-Trac two-speed full-time four-wheel drive system’s off-road Plus drive mode lets drivers lock the rear axle at high speeds while in 4 High. Included are the latest software toys such a Selec-Speed Control that can manage crawl speed without manual throttle or brake input.
An active dual-mode exhaust system provides what will likely become a signature sound for the Rubicon 392. The system automatically opens and closes valves under higher engine loads to reduce exhaust back pressure. The driver can also adjust the system manually.
The cabin gets expected upgrades starting with a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel with genuine aluminum paddle shifters – a first for Wrangler. Leather sport seats are highly bolstered too, getting the expected embroidered logos and accents.
Center stage is the top end U-Connect infotainment system packed with Jeep Off-road Pages that enable you to display full action metrics like pitch, roll, altitude, GPS coordinates, drivetrain power distribution in addition to all of the entertainment options expected here.
Racing into dealerships soon, pricing hasn’t yet been announced as of video. Expect to pay for the new Wrangler Rubicon 392 however as this is the stuff that dealer markups were made for. Count on the gouge-fest to be deep, rough and hard.
