It feels like the 1970s again, as FCA just keeps throwing giant V8s into everything. This time around, Jeep graces us with a fantastic—yet absurd—V8 vehicle. In 2021, you’ll be able to buy a Jeep Rubicon with an optional 392 (6.4L) Hemi V8. They call it the Wrangler Rubicon 392, and the name speaks for itself.
Jeep chose the 6.4L Hemi over the more common 5.7 Hemi for the new Wrangler Rubicon. Given the name ‘Rubicon 392,’ it’s not ridiculous to assume that the new Jeep gets the Dodge Scat Pack engine. Technically, they are the ‘same’ engine, but there are some key differences between the Dodge and Jeep versions.
Jeep claims that the new Wrangler Rubicon 392 clocks in at 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The Dodge Scat Pack has 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. Since it’s the same engine block, why the discrepancy? We’re not entirely sure. But interestingly, the Rubicon 392 has the same HP/Torque ratings as 3/4-ton Ram trucks with the 6.4L Hemi.
So does the Wrangler Rubicon 392 have the same engine as a Scat Pack Challenger or Charger? For the most part, yes, but a better comparison could be made between the Jeep and a 6.4L-equipped 3/4-ton Ram Pickup. Still, 470/470 is an insane amount of power for a four-door Jeep Wrangler.
The precise release date for the new 392 Hemi hasn’t been announced yet, but Jeep says they’ll have it ready by January of next year. That’s barely a month away, which is good news for anyone who was annoyed by how long Ford took to release the Bronco. However, delays in the automotive world are normal, so we shouldn’t bash Ford too much. Comparatively, the new Bronco project was a massive undertaking compared to fitting a big V8 in an existing body style.
Most stock Jeep Wranglers come with a 3.6L Pentastar V6, which produces an adequate 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Until the end of 2017, that was it—if you wanted a Jeep, you got a V6. Since then, Jeep has introduced a few interesting options, such as a small turbo motor and an EcoDiesel. But to many of our readers, boosted two-liter engines and small-displacement ‘EuroDiesels’ just don’t cut it.
But remember, this is Mopar in the 2020s, and they just can’t stop giving us exactly what we want. With the new 6.4L option, the Wrangler Rubicon 392 will reach 60 MPH in 4.5 seconds. That’s a 13-second quarter-mile Jeep Wrangler. And in 2021, you can actually buy one. Check it out on Jeep’s website here. The price hasn’t been announced yet, but we’ll keep you posted.
