Topic: Yet another rumor: Jeep Wrangler to Get Hemi V8?

[Jeffy]

Jeep Wrangler to Get Hemi V8?
Posted by Sam Smith Wednesday, March 30, 2011 2:23:23 AM
(Spy shot. Courtesy of no one.)Hot off the tips wire: Jeep may be planning a Hemi 392-powered version of its legendary Wrangler.

The engine bay you see here belongs to a 2011 Wrangler. The engine is Chrysler's recently introduced 6.4-liter "392" V8, the same powerplant found in the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392. In that car, it produces 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, along with a suitably snarly, obnoxious exhaust note. No current production Wrangler is offered with a V8.

According to our well-placed and trustworthy tipster, this vehicle was built for Michael Manley, Jeep's current president and CEO. It was assembled by American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) in Montana, an aftermarket Jeep firm with strong ties to the industry and long history of Wrangler Hemi conversions. (Note that AEV has constructed concept vehicles and tested other ideas for Chrysler in the past.) It's rumored to have been built for executive evaluation, meaning we may be looking at an early iteration of a future model.

The current Wrangler derives its power from Chrysler's corporate 3.8-liter, 202-horsepower V6. It's capable, though coarse, offering decent power and economy. Its sole handicap is character -- the 3.8 has nowhere near as much charm as Chrysler's long-dead, Francois-Castaing-de​signed 4.0-liter straight six.

A drive note on the 392 Wrangler from our tipster:

"Six-speed manual with an active intake runner. Will go sideways in third if you mat the throttle."

That sounds like the best thing since ever. All you Jeep guys, start writing letters. Somebody must make this happen.

[jfrabat]

So, this is the 492 time the rumor hits the web?

[Jeffy]

So, this is the 492 time the rumor hits the web?

I don't know how many times it will be.  Honestly the V8 is the better motor and gets as good if not better mileage.  This is in part by the multi-displacement technology of the engine's computer.  The biggest problem is cost though.  A fully optioned Unlimited Rubicon is just shy of $40,000.

Still I'd rather see the diesel although I'm sure the Heni would be more popular.

[dwtaylorpdx]

+1 on the 4 liter bluetec direct inject turbo diesel 

Not that Italian piece of junk they used in the Liberty....

Dave

[Jeffy]

+1 on the 4 liter bluetec direct inject turbo diesel 

Not that Italian piece of junk they used in the Liberty....

Dave

Not really a fan of Urea.

[FourbangerYJ]

Not really a fan of Urea.

Me either.

I would find it odd that they would put the larger 392 motor in VS. the 360. I think a smaller V8 Hemi would be cool. The 318 (5.2) would be cool, or even smaller. Bring back the 273 with Hemi heads.

[dwtaylorpdx]

Not really a fan of Urea.

No but I am a fan of 30MPG and all that torque.   I'm sure there is a workaround for the Urea additive.
The dealer just removed the combuster off my dads dodge with a special letter identifying
that he works in a environment where the purge cycle is dangerous. (Construction, Farming, Mining etc)
Its an automatic 8 to 12% gas mileage bump, the combuster uses fuel from the tank to fire up and burn the filters clean.

Dave

[Jeffy]

Me either.

I would find it odd that they would put the larger 392 motor in VS. the 360. I think a smaller V8 Hemi would be cool. The 318 (5.2) would be cool, or even smaller. Bring back the 273 with Hemi heads.

The 360 doesn't have multi-displacement though

No but I am a fan of 30MPG and all that torque.    I'm sure there is a workaround for the Urea additive.
The dealer just removed the combuster off my dads dodge with a special letter identifying
that he works in a environment where the purge cycle is dangerous. (Construction, Farming, Mining etc)
Its an automatic 8 to 12% gas mileage bump, the combuster uses fuel from the tank to fire up and burn the filters clean.

Dave

Some systems are designed to prevent the engine from running if the fluid is low.  Not to mention the cost of the Urea.  That stuff is expensive.  Last time I looked it was something like $32/Gal.

[dwtaylorpdx]

Hmm I sense a opportunity... :)

Urea is not the hardest chemical to make !
They use it on the streets to de-ice up here...

My dads dodge does not have the Urea jug even though its a
Blue tec motor. Don't know how that worked out. It never had it.

His truck is a 3500 though.. wonder if the GVW matters?

Dave

[stevenu]

Hemi would be cool i'm sure it would sell. But who could go against a jeep with a little Diesel. I know i'm not the only one with this on my wish list.

[Jeffy]

I think the Wrangler really needs to shed some weight but that will never happen.  There's a reason Jeep doesn't offer a 4 cylinder in it anymore.