Wrangler

Make
Jeep
Segment
SUV

Jeep announced the V6 EcoDiesel Gladiator last week to the delight of many future buyers. This week, however, will see the official debut of the reborn Ford Bronco, a two- and four-door SUV aimed directly at the Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. It might even lure away some Gladiator customers, too. Jeep is very much aware of its new rival and it's not about to let Ford steal the spotlight for long, if at all.

Jeep has just released a single teaser image of what's either a Wrangler or Gladiator with a large hood scoop which, if you look at it closely, has three numbers written on it: "392." That can only mean one thing: Jeep is stuffing its 392 Hemi V8 under the hood of the Wrangler and/or Gladiator.

Obviously, we're hoping for both. Jeep didn't provide any additional info on Twitter or other social media outlets, and nor did it have anything to say about the image. In this case, a picture is worth a thousand words.

This 6.4-liter Hemi V8 makes 485 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque in the Dodge Durango SRT and, just for further comparison, the 2021 Ford Bronco is set to debut with an with about 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of twist. It's clear who has the power advantage here. In the Dodge Charger Scat Pak, this 392 Hemi is paired to either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Translation: it's a very real possibility the Jeep Wrangler will soon have a V8-manual combo.

Jeep didn't provide any additional info on Twitter or other social media outlets, and nor did it have anything to say about the image. In this case, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Jeep has made it no secret it was possible for a V8 to fit in the Wrangler/Gladiator, but there was a problem: crash testing. Jeep realized a Hemi-powered Wrangler or Gladiator wouldn't pass government-mandated crash tests. But when there's a will there's a way.

For now, there's no additional information available, just speculation. But Jeep has spoken. A V8-powered JL Wrangler and/or Gladiator is coming. One request on our part: a V8-powered two-door Wrangler. The world would be good again.