The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 is no longer just a concept car. That’s because Jeep just announced the V8-powered Wrangler as a 2021 model. Under the hood now lives a 6.4-liter naturally aspirated V8 developing 470 hp. However, you can’t just stuff a massive engine into a regular Wrangler. According to FCA, the Wrangler’s chassis receives some significant upgrades to keep things in check. Thankfully, we won’t have to wait long to see it on the streets as the new Jeep is set to arrive in early 2021.

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 can reach 60 mph in 4.5 seconds

Since the V8 is by far the most exciting element of this new Wrangler, let’s dive into the specs. The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 is powered by the 6.4-liter V8 out of the Dodge Challenger SRT 392 and Charger SRT 392. While it develops 485 hp and 475 lb-ft in the Dodge’s, the V8 pumps out 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque in the Jeep. The only transmission option available is an eight-speed automatic. Although the V8 is available with a six-speed manual in the Dodge’s, Jeep decided to ax the option. Power is sent to the ground via an all-wheel-drive system.

As you can imagine, adding 185 hp to the Jeep Wrangler’s standard 285-hp output has some significant effects. According to Jeep, the V8 Wrangler now takes just 4.5 seconds to reach 60 mph, or about 40 percent faster than V6 Wrangler Rubicon. While raw speed is great, the V8 also carries some significant off-roading benefits. Jeep claims the added low-end torque from the V8 allows the Wrangler to crawl up and down steep grades at engine idle speeds.

The Wrangler Rubicon 392 has a reinforced chassis

To ensure the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 can handle all of the extra power, its chassis received some significant reinforcing. Upgraded frame rails, front upper control arms, and cast iron steering knuckles should help keep the Wrangler in check. The Rubicon 392 also gets a revised suspension with a two-inch lift and FOX shocks. The result of these suspension improvements is that the Rubicon 392 can traverse up to 32.5 inches of water.

This new Jeep Wrangler also gets 33-inch tires and 17-inch Beadlock-capable wheels. Jeep can’t formally sell Beadlock wheels as some states have outlawed them. In this case, you’ll have to add the lock after purchasing.

Unfortunately, it seems the addition of the V8 won’t be available in a two-door model. This is likely due to the need for the longer reinforced chassis. Understandably, having a high-horsepower, high-riding, short-wheelbase SUV could be quite a handful.

How much will it cost?

While the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 is set to arrive at the beginning of 2021, official pricing hasn’t been announced. In this regard, we’ll have to speculate. A four-door Wrangler Rubicon has a base price of $42,195. Just optioning the 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine adds $4,500 to the price. Add the eight-speed automatic transmission, and you’re already just shy of $50,000.

As a result, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 could have a much higher price tag. Just the chassis improvements, two-inch lift, and upgraded wheels and tires are a significant price bump. If we add the new V8 into the mix, the price could skyrocket significantly. Given all of the major improvements, this new Wrangler could start as high as $60,000.

However, it is important to note that the Wrangler Rubicon 392 is now one of the most powerful and capable off-roading SUVs you can buy. While the upcoming Ford Bronco certainly has plenty of perks, it doesn’t have a V8 engine. Perhaps this is the edge the Wrangler needs to stay competitive once the Bronco officially arrives. We’ll have to wait and see.