Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 V8 concept revealed

Jeep has pulled the drapes off its V8-powered Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept just hours before Ford launches its Bronco SUV.

Rumoured to be on sale before the end of 2020, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 is officially named a 'Concept' but the nature of the updates to accommodate the powerful 6.4-litre V8 powertrain suggests otherwise.

Instead think of the new Jeep concept as the upcoming production version in disguise. That means the ram-air hood, extra vents, powered soft-top, new red leather seats and sports steering wheel are all here to stay, as are the custom half doors – but only in some markets.

When it arrives, the V8-powered Jeep will pump out 336kW and 610Nm of torque – a significant step-up on the measly 213kW and 353Nm outputs offered by the Wrangler's existing petrol V6.

Against the clock, combined with four-wheel drive and an eight-speed auto, Jeep says the Wrangler 392 can hit 100km/h in less than five seconds – pace that could trouble owners of some high-performance sedans – although winning traffic light grand prix isn't really the flagship Jeep's forte.

Instead, engineers have worked on making the American Mercedes-AMG G 63 rival even more capable off road.

The four-door concept's 4x4 capabilities have been enhanced, not only by the thumping great torque peak, but the addition of a pair of Dana 44 axles, a low-range gearbox and electric locking front and rear diffs.

Huge 37-inch mud terrain tyres mounted to 17-inch rims, plus a two-inch (51mm) high-lift kit, sees the Jeep's ground clearance climb to a mammoth 337mm.

This, in turn, means the Wrangler V8 can wade through water up to 864mm deep.

Other new options that are likely to be offered as dealer-fit items when the Wrangler 392 arrives 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.

It's not been confirmed, but soon after the production version of the Wrangler 392 is launched, Jeep will introduce the big-bore V8 to the Gladiator pick-up.

There's no word yet whether there are any plans to offer the V8 in the short-wheelbase Wrangler, or if any eight-cylinder Wrangler or Gladiator will be produced in right-hand drive and sold here.