In an attempt to steal some of the limelight from Ford’s all-new Bronco reveal this morning, FCA has released these images of a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept, powered by a 6.4L V8 Hemi engine.
As reported in Unsealed 4X4 yesterday, Jeep has teased a Wrangler concept with a 392 c.i. V8 Hemi engine that makes a claimed 450hp (335kW) and 450ft-lb (610Nm) of torque, resulting in a claimed 0-100km/h time of less than five seconds.
Called the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept, the vehicle features Dana 44 axles, a full-time two-speed transfer case, electric front and rear diff locks, 37-inch mud-terrain tyres, a Jeep Performance Parts two-inch lift kit from Mopar , a more robust eight-speed transmission and, of course, the potent V8 Hemi engine power plant to deliver what Jeep claims as “the ultimate fun-to-drive Jeep vehicle with more off-road capability than ever in a Jeep Wrangler”.
“Jeep Wrangler enthusiasts have been asking us for a Wrangler V-8 and our new Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept proves that we have the ability to make that happen,” Jim Morrison, Head of Jeep Brand FCA North America said. “From the recently introduced 29mpg Wrangler EcoDiesel to our award-winning Jeep Gladiator, and the upcoming Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, Jeep is clearly listening to its customers. We are anxious to gauge their reaction to this new Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept, a vehicle that delivers an incredible and unmatched level of fun-to-drive performance and capability, on- and off-road.”
According to Jeep, the two-inch lift kit and 37-inch tyres improve articulation, and provide 337mm of ground clearance and 864mm of water fording capability, as well as improved approach (51.6 degrees), ramp-over (29.5 degrees) and departure (40.1 degrees) angles.
The Rubicon 392 Concept features a Granite Crystal paint with bronze-coloured tow hooks, badging, springs, shocks and wheels. It also has custom half doors and a Sky One-touch power-top with removable side panels “for complete open-air freedom”.
Red Rock-colored leather bolstered seats with gold stitching feature on the inside along with a performance steering wheel.
Will the Jeep Rubicon 392 Concept be enough to steel some thunder from Ford’s Bronco reveal later this morning? Probably not, but it goes to show just how seriously FCA is taking the new Ford threat.
Keep an eye on Unsealed 4X4 for full details on the new Ford Bronco later today or watch the live reveal for yourself at 10am AEST at Ford Bronco.
