Jeep confirms Wrangler 392 V8 for production

Jeep has used its Instagram channel to confirm it will produce the V8-powered Jeep Wrangler 392 in 2021, despite previously insisting the HEMI-powered off-roader was just a "proof of concept".

Releasing a short clip on its social media channels over the weekend with a Jeep Wrangler roaring into the distance, accompanied by an unmistakable V8 soundtrack, the US brand captioned the video tease: "Some concepts are so powerful they storm into reality. Production model shown. Available 2021."

No other details have been released, but it's thought the HEMI-powered Wrangler 392 will be almost identical to the concept 4x4.

That means when it arrives in 2021, the Jeep Wrangler 392 will come with a powerful 6.4-litre V8 petrol engine that produces a muscular 336kW and 610Nm of torque, combining with an eight-speed automatic transmission and, naturally, an all-wheel drive system.

With that level of power, the Jeep could be capable of sub-five-second 0-100km/h acceleration. If so, that would put the V8 Wrangler in the same territory inhabited by the blistering $250K Mercedes-AMG G 63, which needs only 4.5 seconds to hit the same benchmark.

When the V8 Wrangler arrives, it's believed that instead of being simply more accomplished on-road, Jeep engineers will have made the vehicle even better off the beaten track.

That explained why the concept came with a pair of Dana 44 axles, a low-range gearbox and locking front and rear diffs, plus huge 37-inch mud terrain tyres mounted to 17-inch rims – although the wheels and tyres are unlikely to be offered for the production version.

Finally, the flagship Jeep came on a two-inch (51mm) high-lift kit that saw the Jeep’s ground clearance climb to a mammoth 337mm, enabling it to wade through water up to 864mm deep.

Other new options that are likely to be offered as dealer-fit on the production Wrangler 392 include steel bumpers, a winch and a steel belly pan, plus rock rails to provide extra protection against nasty brushes with the scenery.

Back on-road, a two-mode exhaust means the Jeep V8 can be quiet and civilised when you want it to be, and raucous and loud when you’re in the mood.

A full set of new aluminium monotube Fox shocks, meanwhile, is set to radically improve both the ride and handling of the standard Wrangler.

Despite the Wrangler V8 being officially confirmed for production, it's not clear if there are any plans to offer the thumping 6.4-litre in the short-wheelbase Wrangler, or the larger-still Gladiator.

Perhaps of bigger concern for Australians is whether the eight-cylinder Wrangler or Gladiator will be produced in right-hand drive and sold here next year.