470-Hp 2021 Jeep Wrangler 392 Coming Early 2021

Just two months after showing off the Hemi-powered Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 as a concept, the V8 off-roader is headed to production early in the new year. With the addition of the 470-hp 6.4-liter V8 under the hood, the plug-in hybrid Wrangler 4XE’s tenure as the most powerful model in the lineup is cut short.

The 6.4-liter Hemi is the first V8 in the line since 1981 when the classic Jeep was still called the CJ-7. The 304 cubic inch AMC V8 produced a mere 125-hp. The contemporary V8 generates 470-hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. As with most current FCA products that aren’t front-wheel drive, power goes through a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.

Creating the Wrangler 392 was a bit more complicated simply adding a bigger engine. The frame rails have been beefed up and the 392 gets a standard 2-inch lift kit and Fox monotube dampers for better off-road performance. It rides on 17-inch bead lock wheels with 33-inch tires and now has 10.2-inches of ground clearance. The approach, breakover and departure angles have been increased to 44.5, 22.6 and 37.5 degrees respectively.

The water fording depth is also increased to 32.5-inches and special care has been taken to keep water out of the engine. The functional hood scoop is similar to the one on the Gladiator Mojave, but it feeds into a new Hydro-guide air intake system. It’s a three-level duct with a series of drains that can separate up to 15 gallons per minute of water and send out through a one-way valve. There’s also a secondary air intake in case the hood scoop becomes clogged with snow, mud or debris.

According to Jeep, the Wrangler Rubicon 392 will sprint from 0-60 in 4.5 seconds and maintains the usual go anywhere capability that owners expect with a 48:1 crawl ratio. That’s not nearly as low as the 73:1 ratio on the V6-powered Rubicon, but with the extra torque of the Hemi, it should be more than sufficient.

Visually, apart from the taller stance and hood scoop, the 392 is set apart by bronze accents on the badging, wheels, tow hooks and elsewhere. There’s no pricing information yet, but the 392 should start production in early 2021.

Next stop Hellcat for the Wrangler? Who knows, but it certainly wouldn’t be the least surprising thing that FCA has done in recent years. Until they do, the Wrangler 392 should satisfy most off-roader’s needs and if it doesn’t, there’s always the Mopar catalog.