Jeep has taken the wraps off its new Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept, which the firm suggests could be seen as an "indication" a V8-powered production variant is coming.

The Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept is powered by the company’s 6,4-litre (or 392-cubic-inch) V8 petrol engine, which delivers some 336 kW and 610 N.m to all four corners (for the sake of comparison, the 3,6-litre V6 in the SA-spec model makes 209 kW and 347 N.m). Jeep says that’s enough for a blast from zero to 100 km/h in “less than five seconds”.

The show car features Dana 44 axles, a full-time two-speed transfer case, electric front and rear axle lockers, 37-inch mud-terrain tyres and a Jeep Performance Parts two-inch lift kit from Mopar. The latter results in 337 mm of ground clearance, along with improved approach (51,6 degrees), breakover (29,5 degrees) and departure (40,1 degrees) angles.

In addition, Jeep says it has fitted the off-roading SUV with a “more robust” eight-speed transmission, along with upgraded engine mounts and a modified frame. Suspension upgrades include new aluminium monotube Fox shocks, while a two-mode exhaust allows the driver to alter the sound at the touch of a button.

The Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept also features Rubicon rock rails, steel bumpers with a Warn winch and a steel underbody pan. The show car is finished in “Granite Crystal” exterior paint, while items such as the tow hooks, badging, springs, shocks and wheels come in bronze. Inside, the concept boasts “Red Rock” leather seats with gold stitching, along with a performance steering wheel.

“Jeep Wrangler enthusiasts have been asking us for a Wrangler V8 and our new Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept proves that we have the ability to make that happen,” said Jim Morrison, head of Jeep brand for FCA North America.

“We are anxious to gauge their reaction to this new Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept, a vehicle that delivers an incredible and unmatched level of fun-to-drive performance and capability, on- and off-road.”

Original article from Car