New 6.4 Hemi-Powered Jeep Wrangler On The Way???
Seen on the internet earlier today
Jeep Wrangler to Get Hemi V8?
Rumor has it that Chrysler's famed off-roader may soon come with monster power.
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-designed 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.
Seen on the internet earlier today
Jeep Wrangler to Get Hemi V8?
Rumor has it that Chrysler's famed off-roader may soon come with monster power.
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-designed 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.