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This is the first time in nearly 40 years that a V8 engine has been offered to a Wrangler or its predecessor, the Jeep CJ. The last V8-powered Jeep CJ, with 124 horsepower, was delivered for the 1981 model year. At the time, the Jeep was owned by American Motors Corporation and was later acquired by Chrysler.
“Why do we do that?” Said Scott Talon, Jeep brand marketing director for the United States. “Because our customers do it anyway.”
Some Wrangler owners have modified their jeeps by fitting V8 engines. Many more have asked when the Fiat Sizzler will offer the V8 engine option, he said.
The basic design of the Wrangler had to be slightly modified to fit the larger engine. The Wrangler Rubicon 392 rides two inches higher than the ground than a basic model Wrangler. In addition to allowing more space for the engine, higher riding height also allows for better road performance because Wrangler can clear obstacles and increase steeper slopes. It can also float in 2.7 feet of water.
The Rubicon 392 hood has a swollen air scoop. The air scoop is designed with a secondary path to get into the engine so that the engine can still provide full power even if the opening of the scoop is clogged with dirt or snow.
In addition to the 470 horsepower, the V8 engine can generate 470 lb-ft of torque, which is a measure of source traction regardless of speed. All of this is controlled by an eight-speed automatic transmission that can be changed using paddles behind the steering wheel.
Since it was still a Jeep Wrangler, Fiat Chrysler engineers were able to publicly test prototypes of the Rubicon 392 on public roads.
Their acceleration was also tested on the traction strips. However, they did not test it on race tracks because it would never give priority to any Wrangler, including taking curves at high speeds.
To store gas, the V8 engine has a cylinder idle system that shuts off four cylinders when more power is not needed. Fiat Chrysler has not released fuel economy estimates for the Rubicon 392. The price for the new Jeep will be announced closely when it goes on sale in early 2021.
Correction: An earlier version of this story mispronounced Scott Dullan’s name.
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