392 Wrangler Concept Is a Real Hoot to Drive

More Than a Concept

Jeep fans have been begging for a V8-powered Wrangler forever, and the automaker finally answered those calls with the 392 Wrangler Concept. As you can tell by the name, however, this exercise is merely that - a concept. But while many concepts aren't even capable of rolling under their own power, that doesn't appear to be the case with this one, as Car & Driver recently got the chance to test out the muscular one-off Jeep.

Photos: Jeep

Perfect Sound

The first thing the rag notices about this ultimate Wrangler is, of course, its sound. They note that when you start it up, the 392 Concept "explodes to life and quickly settles down, idling like a 450 horsepower V8 should." And thanks to its active exhaust, you can tone things down for those early morning cold starts to please the neighbors, too.

Photos: Jeep

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If It Fits

That engine, to be specific, is FCA's iron-block 392 cubic-inch Hemi mill, which produces 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Making it fit in the Wrangler was no easy job, requiring frame and engine mount reinforcements. There's also maybe an inch of clearance left between the engine's accessories and the cooling fan, but it it fits, it ships.

Photos: Jeep

>>Join the conversation about the 392 Wrangler Concept right here in our forum.

Adding Heft

Jeep says that the 392 Concept weighs around 200 pounds more than its V6-powered counterpart, which would land this Wrangler at around 4,800 pounds on the scales. The V8 is backed up by FCA's ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, but the rest of the drivetrain is pretty much standard Wrangler fare, which is tough enough to handle the extra power.

Photos: Jeep

>>Join the conversation about the 392 Wrangler Concept right here in our forum.

Traction Issues

As of right now, the 392 Concept is rear-wheel-drive only, which caused some traction issues when C&D tried to launch it. But Jeep says the V8 Wrangler will do 0-60 in under five seconds when it's ready. There's certainly plenty of power, as C&D noted that "nailing the throttle at 50 mph sends the traction-control light flickering." They also pointed out that the engine felt particularly strong between 3,000 and 6,400 rpm, the latter of which is its redline.

Photos: Jeep

>>Join the conversation about the 392 Wrangler Concept right here in our forum.

Not Bad

Otherwise, for a concept, this special Wrangler actually handles quite nicely, as C&D notes that it felt "surprisingly sorted." "Its steering is sloppier than stock, but its ride is relatively supple, and there's little indication of its increased curb weight and heavier nose. It isn't nearly as clumsy as you'd expect."

Photos: Jeep

>>Join the conversation about the 392 Wrangler Concept right here in our forum.

Worth It

Though it probably won't be cheap, C&D notes that the 392 Wrangler will most certainly be worth it, if this early drive is any indication. "It's almost time for those power-hungry Jeepers to spend their money - at least $50K to start if we had to guess. If our time in the Wrangler 392 concept is any indication of what we expect to be coming, they won't be disappointed."

Photos: Jeep

>>Join the conversation about the 392 Wrangler Concept right here in our forum.

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