2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Driven: Bronco Who?

If we advised you there is a new car on the block with an output of 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque from a 392-cubic-inch V-8, a zero-to-60-mph time of 4.5 seconds, a quarter-mile time of 13 seconds, and that it is an all-wheel-drive convertible, would you guess we’re speaking about a Jeep Wrangler? Perhaps—if we additionally advised you the doorways come off, the windshield folds down, and it nonetheless has a crawl ratio of 48:1. Meet the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392.

After years of buyer requests, the wait is over and Jeep has lastly put a manufacturing unit V-Eight within the Wrangler for the primary time, and, boy, is that this one definitely worth the wait. However earlier than we get into driving particulars, we should always inform you what the 392’s engineering crew went by means of to shoehorn the V-Eight into the Wrangler’s slim engine compartment, which generally carries a V-6 or a four-cylinder.

With the identical 6.4-liter Hemi V-Eight and 8HP75 eight-speed automated transmission that grace the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, the Wrangler 392 faces packaging challenges its bigger sibling does not, and that necessitates a number of key adjustments. A redesigned entrance accent drive sees the alternator transfer to the highest of the engine, whereas the oil-filter mount needed to be tailored to clear the entrance axle’s journey. New cast-iron exhaust manifolds are tucked tight to the engine, and a rear sump oil pan is fitted. The cooling module has been moved ahead 20 millimeters to higher handle warmth, and the common Wrangler’s 600-watt fan is now an 850-watt unit. The 392 additionally makes use of the Jeep Gladiator‘s higher-flowing grille.

To feed a gradual weight loss plan of chilly air to the engine whereas nonetheless permitting the 392 to ford deep water, the Jeep engineering crew got here up with the Hydro Information induction system. Beginning with a Gladiator Mojave hood, engineers eliminated the nonfunctional bezel and opened up the hood’s consumption. They then created a pathway that takes in air however separates out water to the tune of 15 gallons a minute, guaranteeing neither a deluge of rain nor an errant bow wake will trigger any water to achieve the throttle physique. Secondary air paths exist within the system to mitigate any hood-scoop blockage which may come from mud, ice, or particles, and the 392’s air filter is about 3 times bigger than an ordinary Wrangler’s.

Along with the drivetrain adjustments, the 392 additionally advantages from an upgraded and strengthened body with strategically positioned stiffeners. The entrance body crossmember is reshaped to clear the crank pulley and the engine mounts are additionally stiffer. As a result of the V-Eight engine is so tall, Jeep elevated the suspension top by one other inch over the Rubicon to clear the engine. 

To retain correct suspension geometry for experience and dealing with, the rear suspension mounts are relocated, now one inch decrease for the decrease arm and one inch increased for the higher. Regardless of boasting the tallest raise within the Wrangler portfolio, jounce journey is restricted by two inches, clearing the engine and giving the 392 the identical efficient jounce journey because the Wrangler EcoDiesel. 

Different dealing with enhancements come by the best way of a entrance spring-rate improve of 10 %, whereas the rear spring price drops by 20 %. A stiffer rear anti-roll bar helps to stability the adjustments and makes for a chassis that feels extra planted. The Rubicon’s Tenneco monotube shocks are changed with non-reservoir, aluminum-bodied 2.Zero Fox monotube shocks. 

Energy flows from the 6.4-liter by means of the aforementioned eight-speed 8HP75 TorqueFlite automated transmission and the Selec-Trac full-time lively switch case with 2.72:1 low vary gearing. In “Four Auto” mode, the torque break up has a 70 % rearward bias and is variable as much as a 50/50 break up. When the switch case is in “Four Half Time,” the torque break up is 50/50 till torque to the entrance axle reaches its most output, with any further torque going to the rear axle. 

On the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 392, the entrance third-generation Dana 44 axle comes straight from the Gladiator Mojave with greater brakes, thicker tubes, and cast-iron knuckles. The rear Dana 44 axle makes use of the larger brakes from the upcoming Wrangler 4xe. Closing-drive gearing of three.73:1 and digital mechanical lockers on every finish spherical out the axle setups.  

After all, no particular mannequin from Jeep is full with out its personal distinctive styling, so the Wrangler 392 will get bronze accents on the tow hooks, shocks, “392” hood badging, and distinctive bead-lock-capable 17-inch wheels wrapped in both 33-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2 or Falken Wildpeak M/T tires. The inside receives an all-black leather-based remedy with bronze accents and embroidered “392” logos on the closely bolstered entrance seats.

With the entire work that went into the Jeep Wrangler 392, we had been excited for our first drive to place it by means of its paces in Moab, Utah, the place Jeep deliberate a fairly tough drive route. From freeway and quick grime roads to sand dunes and rock crawling, this was in all probability one of many more difficult new-vehicle-launch routes we have been on in current reminiscence.

On the push of a button, the engine barks from the aggressive twin quad-tip exhaust and you may’t assist however smile. We had been only a tad dissatisfied our take a look at automobiles had full doorways put in, so we made positive to open up the Sky One Contact prime to soak in as a lot of that visceral V-Eight melody as doable. For many who take pleasure in being a bit of stealthier, a button on the sprint actuates the lively flap within the exhaust and makes it fairly subdued in “quiet” mode.

On the highway, this seems like the most effective driving and dealing with Jeep Wrangler so far. The 392 has nice highway really feel, is extremely snug, and isn’t in any respect sloppy. Whenever you stomp the accelerator pedal, the 392 flat out will get on it, pushing occupants again in a method no Wrangler ever has earlier than. Additionally, similar to within the Grand Cherokee SRT, the transmission performs fantastic throttle blips because it makes impressively fast downshifts, and you end up enjoying with the steel paddle shifters simply to listen to the engine and gearbox dance collectively. 

Whereas all of the on-road stuff is enjoyable, it is not likely what the brand new Wrangler 392 or this primary drive is about. For it to essentially come into its personal, you need to be within the grime, the place the 392 transforms into an adrenaline-inducing enabler of off-road hooliganism. Sand dunes had been our favourite terrain, the place it was seemingly unattainable for the 392 to get caught. Regardless of how deep the sand was, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 392 used brute drive to energy its method ahead, throwing enormously entertaining curtains of sand skyward.

Easy grime roads turn out to be a private drifting course because the chassis permits you to steer with the throttle, particularly when Off-Street+ is activated and the digital stability-control button is held down till you hear the magic tone that signifies you are off the leash. It is likely to be bizarre to say of a solid-axled car on off-road tires, however the 392 is a driver’s machine. It’s so properly dialed, it really encourages you to manhandle it with out overzealous nannies stepping in to interrupt up the enjoyable.

Taking our first drive on the rocks, the Wrangler 392 crawled with the most effective of them, and regardless of not matching the Rubicon’s crawl ratio, the massive V-Eight did a positive job traversing hill climbs and drops. We appreciated the front-facing path digital camera for seeing previous the hood on high-angle climbs, and Jeep’s Off-Street Pages display screen within the 8.4-inch Uconnect system delivers helpful real-time info, comparable to pitch and roll. 

It additionally helps that the torque converter locks in 4-Lo when the car is transferring, growing torque response down low and aiding in low-speed management. We discovered Jeep’s off-road cruise-control system, dubbed Selec Velocity Management, labored properly with the bigger engine. As an added bonus, you may regulate your pace utilizing the shifter paddles, permitting you to maintain your arms on the wheel.

Total, the 392 is a tremendous companion on the path. The chassis is stiff, likes to run, and is massive enjoyable to drive. We solely recognized two issues we expect the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 392 may use to raise it from “nice” to “distinctive”: On the rocky trails, we longed for 35-inch tires. We all know they match and Jeep is aware of they match; we will solely think about one thing higher is within the works, and happily no work is required to run 35s apart from swapping the rubber onto the present wheels.

Shock damping represents the opposite nitpick. On the freeway and at gradual to reasonable speeds within the grime, the Fox 2.0s are nice, however once you get nearer to the Wrangler 392’s wheel-travel limits, holes begin to seem within the efficiency envelope. With such a strong drivetrain, it is easy to construct pace and get caught off guard when a sequence of whoops or “G-outs” current themselves mid-blast. This left us wanting extra management on the limits. In entrance, we might wish to see improved compression or jounce management to maintain the axle from blowing by means of journey. In again it wants a bit of extra rebound management to gradual the pace of the physique transferring away from the axle. We might wish to see Jeep specify reservoir shocks on such a performance-oriented car.

So, what is the backside line? For those who’re a traditionalist who desires the most effective, enjoys basking within the auditory delight of a big V-Eight engine, and desires spectacular functionality, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 392 is the Wrangler for you. At a beginning value of $74,995 totally loaded (that is about $24,000 greater than the following Wrangler earlier than choices), it is a relative discount when you think about aftermarket 6.4-liter Hemi swaps price someplace within the neighborhood of $30,000-plus. For that form of cash, we’ll take a totally built-in car with a full manufacturing unit guarantee, although we might add these 35s and improve the shocks on our method house from the vendor.

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