There has been an immense amount of media buzz centered around the launch of Ford’s Bronco. That is supposed to happen Monday. But, Jeep decided it was a good time to remind people that the Wrangler is still around. Furthermore, the legendary Jeep Wrangler is not going to lay down the crown of mid-size off-road supremacy without a fight. So, as if to snub its nose at the Ford camp, Jeep posted on its Instagram social media account a tease of the coming of a new Wrangler V8 option. 

Delivering what Jeep Wrangler fans want

Although the Jeep Wrangler has had a good amount of competition come and go over the years, the Wrangler has been a mainstay in the off-road world. Through the decades, it has steadily improved its prowess through questionable terrains and continued to build a huge fan-base. Some would say that it has developed a cult following.

Even so, for the last two decades of more, there have always been two questions Jeep nation has been asking. Those two questions are, when would they get a pickup again, and when would the Wrangler finally get a factory offered V8 as an option. Well, a year ago, the Jeep Gladiator pickup was launched as an answer to the first question. Today, the second question was answered.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler V8

This morning, over on the official Jeep Instagram account, an image was posted of a Jeep Wrangler fender and hood. This picture was a big deal. That is because the hood shows a decal with the numbers 392 on the side of a hood bulge. For many people, that means nothing. But, some people picked up right away what it means. What does it mean? It means a 392 V8 Hemi engine is coming to the Wrangler. Presumably, it will be available for 2021, just in time to take on the Ford Bronco’s first year of availability. That Instagram post is below.

What we know about the 392 V8 Hemi

The 392 V8 Hemi engine is a 6.4-liter beast. The engine has previously been in the Dodge Challenger and Charger muscle cars. In those models that V8 is simply known as the Scat Pack. For those applications, the 392 pumps out 485 horsepower with 475 lb-ft of torque. Keep in mind, however, that those ratings may be adjusted for the Wrangler. However, probably not by much. Still, expect the 392 equipped SUV to be able to shred tires, and to have a bump up in towing capability. 

The Wrangler can trace its roots to World War II. So, it knows how to fight. That is why the Ford Bronco may be coming, but people should not expect the Wrangler to go and hide. Instead, the Jeep folks have made it possible for the Wrangler to come out of its corner swinging with 392 Hemi V8 to go toe-to-toe with the competitor. It is a good time to be alive to be an off-roading fan. The offerings keep getting sweeter and sweeter.