RE: Jeep unveils 450hp Rubicon 392 Concept

RE: Jeep unveils 450hp Rubicon 392 Concept

Monday 13th July 2020

Jeep unveils 450hp Rubicon 392 Concept

Like the new Wrangler but concerned it doesn't have a 6.4-litre Hemi V8? Well, worry no more...



It's fair to say you don't need to like SUVs to like the Jeep Wrangler, so storied is its era-defining ancestry. And it's fair to say you don't even need to like Jeep Wranglers to like the Rubicon 392 Concept, so irresistible is its new Chrysler Hemi V8. Patently revealed to steal some of the new Ford Bronco's thunder (more on that tomorrow), the car features a 450hp variant of the 6.4-litre engine that makes several Dodge-built products seem so wonderfully interesting. In case you're not up to speed on the latest generation of Jeep, it's also a sizeable step-up in performance from the 285hp V6 that currently tops the Wrangler lineup.

Officially, as the name suggests, the Rubicon 392 is just a concept. But the manufacturer's press release reads like it's virtually daring itself not to build the thing, so it's fair to say that Jeep will soon offer a Wrangler capable of 0-60mph in 'less than five seconds' - and the first to feature a V8 since you could buy an '81 CJ with a 125hp 5.0-litre petrol unit.

Like a hassled parent before Christmas, Jeep had previously told all and sundry that a V8 version wouldn't happen for various packaging reasons, but, like a parent on Christmas morning, it has apparently been working on solving that problem all along - the Rubicon 392 duly getting upgraded engine mounts and a modified frame to accommodate the new V8 and its beefier gearbox.


Sadly, the latter is an eight-speed automatic (and not a six-speed manual as gnarled as Gandalf's staff) but we won't quibble because plainly Jeep has gone to town everywhere else. The car gets new aluminium monotube Fox dampers, third-gen Dana 44 axles, a 'Selec-Track' two-speed transfer case, 'Tru-lok' electric front and rear locking differentials and 37-inch mud-terrain tyres around 17-inch wheels. There's also a Jeep Performance Part two-inch lift kit from Mopar for additional articulation and better approach and departure angles. Its maker says its capability off-road is 'unmatched'.

Jeep says the same thing for its 'fun-to-drive performance' too, and frankly we're inclined to believe it. Did we mention it gets a two-mode exhaust? And delivers 450lb ft of torque? And features a "heavy-duty raised hood with an aggressive appearance, custom half doors and Wrangler's Sky One-touch powertop, with removable side panels for complete open-air freedom"? Well, it does, and we're willing to bet that it combines to make the Rubicon 392 Concept more fun than, well, a launch-grade 2020 Ford Bronco.

Obviously that's the point of the parade-rain Wrangler, and we'd be lying if we said we weren't partial to such obviously manufacturer oneupmanship - especially when it provides such a zany, noisy place to mount Red Rock-coloured seats with gold stitching. Expect to see the Rubicon 392 officially launched in the not-too-distant future. Let's hope Ford comes up with something similarly audacious to steal our attention away on that day, too....


Author
Discussion

pb8g09

Original Poster:

2,301 posts

68 months

Monday 13th July 2020
quotequote all
TAKE MY MONEY


biggbn

22,814 posts

219 months

Monday 13th July 2020
quotequote all
oh yes please.

Rojo

40 posts

69 months

Monday 13th July 2020
quotequote all
Me too.

Glenn63

2,732 posts

83 months

Monday 13th July 2020
quotequote all
I want. That would be brilliant daily/towing/ dog carrying work horse then have it all open like in the pictures rumbling about during summer with a monster v8 to keep you company!

ate one too

2,902 posts

145 months

Monday 13th July 2020
quotequote all
Inappropriate use of metal.

RDMcG

19,093 posts

206 months

Monday 13th July 2020
quotequote all
I will buy this.

Scrump

21,886 posts

157 months

Monday 13th July 2020
quotequote all
Ideal for filling the niche left by the demise of the Suzuki Jimny.

Hairymonster

1,418 posts

104 months

Monday 13th July 2020
quotequote all
A pig on roller skates with 450bhp?

That'll be a laugh!

drpep

1,758 posts

167 months

Monday 13th July 2020
quotequote all
This is awesome. Hope this actually happens. While they don't handle like a car (for very good reasons), they're immensely capable off-road and actually fun to slide around (rwd until axle lockers engaged). 442lb/ft of torque only adds to the appeal.

This looks like a fun companion to disappear into wilderness with, for a few days.

Gameface

16,565 posts

76 months

Monday 13th July 2020
quotequote all
I'd have this to keep at my place abroad.

Perfect holiday car for beaches and towing the jetskis etc.

alpinab3

203 posts

188 months

Monday 13th July 2020
quotequote all
I think the they should fit the 5.7. It is more than enough power. The 6.4 is overkill.

Glenn63

2,732 posts

83 months

Monday 13th July 2020
quotequote all
alpinab3 said:
I think the they should fit the 5.7. It is more than enough power. The 6.4 is overkill.
We can never be friends.

Maldini35

2,913 posts

187 months

Monday 13th July 2020
quotequote all
Glenn63 said:
alpinab3 said:
I think the they should fit the 5.7. It is more than enough power. The 6.4 is overkill.
We can never be friends.
laugh

The spinner of plates

17,649 posts

199 months

Monday 13th July 2020
quotequote all
Glenn63 said:
alpinab3 said:
I think the they should fit the 5.7. It is more than enough power. The 6.4 is overkill.
We can never be friends.
hehe

RDMcG

19,093 posts

206 months

Monday 13th July 2020
quotequote all
I keep a Wrangler in Arizona and use it in the winter. Of course, the on-road performance is poor but that's not the point.

Getting out in the canyons and the wilderness is a brilliant experience and I think a V8 would just add to it.

I'm in.

Moonpie21

530 posts

91 months

Monday 13th July 2020
quotequote all
Love that roof, I want it just for that.


DonkeyApple

54,918 posts

168 months

Monday 13th July 2020
quotequote all
Likely to be an ansolute hoot but they need to build this in France if they want anyone to take them seriously.

RDMcG

19,093 posts

206 months

Tuesday 14th July 2020
quotequote all
https://jalopnik.com/the-2021-ford-bronco-looks-in...
The Bronco will be stiff competition for Jeep I think.

Gameface

16,565 posts

76 months

Tuesday 14th July 2020
quotequote all
Not if that link is anything to go by... wink

DonkeyApple

54,918 posts

168 months

Tuesday 14th July 2020
quotequote all
Gameface said:
Not if that link is anything to go by... wink
They’ll get the big military orders with that level of camouflage though.