GULF WEEKLY: The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392, which has been deemed by its manufacturer Fiat Chrysler Automobiles as the most capable Wrangler yet, will be arriving to the Middle East by the end of 2021, writes Mai Al-Khatib-Camille.
The 4x4 packs a potent 6.4-litre V8 engine that delivers 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft. (637 Nm) of torque. It has great off-road capability with even greater approach and departure angles, suspension articulation, maneuverability and water traversing up to 32.5 inches (825 mm). It can run 0-100 kilometres per hour in 4.5 seconds which is 40 per cent faster than a V6 Wrangler Rubicon. It has been nearly 40 years since the Wrangler last boasted a V8 engine.
According to Jim Morrison, head of Jeep Brand – FCA North America, this is the most-powerful, quickest, most-capable Jeep Wrangler they’ve ever built. He said: “The factory lift and abundant low-end torque from the V-8 makes the Rubicon 392 the king of the hills, whether you’re rock crawling at low speeds or powering up an incline. And, when pavement replaces dirt, Rubicon 392 makes quick work of the road.”
A high-torque capacity TorqueFlite 8HP75 eight-speed automatic transmission delivers quick, crisp gear changes during both normal and performance driving conditions.
“This transmission also enables the driver to change gears via the new steering-wheel-mounted aluminium paddle shifters, a first for the Jeep Wrangler, or the Electronic Range Select shifter.”
The fully electronic transmission also features on-the-fly shift-map changing.
The Trail Rated Wrangler Rubicon 392’s powertrain meshes with heavy-duty wide track Dana 44 axles, a 3.73 final drive ratio, transmission torque converter lockup control, a 2-inch lift and standard 33-inch tires on 17-inch bead-lock-capable wheels. Its frame rails have been upgraded as well as its front upper control arms and cast iron steering knuckles. Its heavy-duty brakes and FOX high-performance shocks enable improved off-road performance, handling and durability, the makers say.