Jeep Wrangler V8 hits the road

Not since the early 1980s has Jeep’s iconic 4x4 mud-plugger offered a V8 under its bonnet. But that’s all set to change in 2021 when the Jeep Wrangler V8 busts out.

Jeep Australia is “hopeful” the new model will come to Australia and, although the brand has no official news on whether it’ll be available here yet, the Aussie predilection for anything V8-powered is likely improve its business case.

As evidenced by the '392' badging applied to the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept officially teased last week, the first eight-cylinder Wrangler in decades will be powered by Fiat Chrysler's thunderous 6.4-litre HEMI V8, which produces up to 336kW/610Nm -- almost enough to tear the mud tyres clean off its wheels, so it's lucky it has beadlock rims.

The new hero model in the Wrangler range was photographed testing in the USA recently, confirming its development from concept fantasy to production reality -- even if it emerges only as a limited-edition model as some reports suggest.

The tell-tale visual cue is the fitment of the same bonnet scoop as seen on the concept, which presumably improves thermal dynamics in the engine bay and feeds extra oxygen to the bellowing eight-cylinder motor.

Hooked up to an eight-speed auto, the V8-powered mud-slinger should should accelerate to 100km/h in around five seconds flat, giving vehicles like the Mercedes-AMG G 63 something to think about.

The massive torque boost over the Wrangler's V6 petrol engine will see its off-road capability also improve, aided by a pair of Dana 44 axles, electric locking front and rear diffs and a low-range gearbox ratios.

And riding on monotube aluminium Fox shocks should give the monstrous Jeep capability both on road and off.

Massive 37-inch all-terrain tyres are mounted to 17-inch beadlock rims while a two-inch (51mm) lift kit will see the steroidal Wrangler clamber over almost anything thanks to a lofty 337mm of ground clearance.

Water fording depth is an equally impressive 864mm.

The new model won’t be cheap, and there’ll be loads of accessories that will bump up the price even further, such as winches, rock rails and even steel bash plates and bumpers.

It’s not clear if the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept name will follow through to the production model, or whether Jeep will ‘do a Bronco’ and revive a past name such as the Jeep CJ Golden Eagle edition (1977-1983).

That vehicle had a 5.0-litre V8, upgraded brakes, power steering, side steps and Golden Eagle decals.

There’s no word on whether Jeep will offer a two-door short-wheelbase version of the Wrangler V8 or a Gladiator V8 ute. However, given the mechanical similarities between the 4x4 models, the 6.4-litre V8 could easily find its way into the engine bay of the Gladiator pick-up.

Despite facing massive competition from the Ford Bronco, Jeep's product planners aren’t hanging around.

Three new plug-in hybrid electrified vehicles -- the Wrangler 4xe, Compass 4xe and Renegade 4xe -- are on the way and a new-generation seven-seat Jeep Grand Cherokee is coming in 2021.