DOWN THE ROAD

Jeep Wrangler V8

At last. For those who crave soul-stirring, legendary offroad performance and a new level of on-road performance, Jeep has introduced the V8-powered Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392. As reported previously, the most capable, quickest, and most powerful Wrangler is powered by a 6.4-litre V8 – marking the first time in nearly 40 years a V8 being a factory option for this iconic model.

The V8 delivers 350 kw and 637 Nm of torque and is mated to a Torqueflite eight-speed automatic transmission and Selec-trac full-time active transfer case, the powerplant rockets the Rubicon 392 from 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and the quarter-mile is completed in 13 seconds. Critical to its performance, nearly 75% of the peak torque is available just above engine idle speed.

Away from the pavement, the potent powertrain of the Trail Rated Wrangler V8 meshes with heavy-duty wide track Dana 44 axles, a 3.73 final drive ratio, transmission torque converter lockup control, a two-inch lift, and standard 33-inch tyres on 17-inch wheels. The result? The most capable Wrangler ever with 260 cm of ground clearance, improved suspension articulation and manoeuvrability, approach, breakover and departure angles of 44.5/22.6/37.5 degrees, and the ability to traverse up to 825 mm of water.

The V8 model carries bronze accents to distinguish it as the most powerful Wrangler ever, and bronze “Rubicon” traces on the bonnet. It also outlines the Jeep badge and the Trail Rated badge. Adopted from the Jeep Gladiator Mojave, a 40 mm raised bonnet with fully functional bonnet scoop provides cold air intake and greater water fording capability. It also carries a “392” badge on each side, signifying the most cubic inches ever offered in a Wrangler.

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 goes on sale in North America in the first quarter of 2021. Although there are no indications as yet, do we expect it to come to South Africa? Hell, yeah!