2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Gets Dodge Scat Pack Power

Rubicon 392 is the first V8-powered Jeep Wrangler in 40 years, packing more power than the concept.

Earlier this year, Jeep introduced the Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept. The concept was powered by the 392-cubic inch Hemi from the Dodge Challenger and Charger Scat Pack, except in the one-off Jeep, it delivered “only” 450 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. The Rubicon 392 concept vehicle also had some upgrades over the standard production Wrangler, but the automotive world immediately fell in love with the newest V8-powered Jeep concept.

Earlier this week, the Jeep brand announced that the Wrangler Rubicon 392 is no longer just a concept. It will go on sale early next year as a 2021 model and while it has the same 6.4-liter Hemi, the production version has more power than the concept.

Scat Pack Power

The heart of the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 is the same SRT-derived Hemi that motivates the Scat Pack version of the Challenger and Charger. In the new V8-powered Jeep, this naturally aspirated mill delivers 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. Since this vehicle is obviously designed for off-road use, the engineers had to develop a unique engine air intake system, using a large front-facing hood scoop.

Named Hydro-Guide, the intake system uses three layers of filtration that will remove debris and up to 15 gallons of water per minute. That makes it perfectly safe to drive in hard rain and even if some river water washes over the hood, that won’t cause and problems for the Hemi engine. In addition to the unique intake system, the Rubicon 392 uses a similar active dual mode exhaust system to the one used in all V8-powered Dodge models.

This system has a pair of valves that close to reduce exhaust volumes during normal driving, but when the driver puts the hammer down, the valves open and the engine roars. The key difference is that in the Jeep, this system is controlled by a button on the dash, whereas in the Dodge cars, control of the active exhaust system is integrated into the Drive Modes.

The power from the Hemi in the Rubicon 392 is sent through a ZF 8HP75 8-speed automatic transmission and the Selec-Trac full-time four-wheel-drive system to the Dana 44 axles with 3.73 gears. Tru-Lok electronic locking differentials can be activated at the push of a button and the new Off-Road Plus drive mode allows the rear locker to function at high speeds.

The 392 Hemi makes the 2021 Wrangler Rubicon 392 the most powerful Wrangler ever. Even with the 33-inch BFGoodrich off-road tires, this 5,100-pound SUV will scoot from a stop to 60 in 4.5 seconds. It will also cover the quarter mile in 13-seconds flat, but the top speed is limited to 99 miles per hour due to the speed rating of the tires.

Off-Road Ready as Ever

The Rubicon 392 is the quickest and most powerful Wrangler ever, but the Jeep engineers made sure that it was every bit as capable as the non-392 Rubicon models. In fact, stronger frame rails, stronger front upper control arms and cast iron steering knuckles improve durability at speed while also handling the added weight of the V8.

Next, the Rubicon 392 has unique springs that allow it to sit two inches higher than the standard Wrangler and an inch higher than the current Rubicon. Those springs are paired with specially tuned Fox shocks that combine on-road comfort with off-road capabilities.

The result of this chassis and suspension build is 10.3 inches of ground clearance, 32.5 inches of water fording abilities, an approach angle of 44.5 degrees, a breakover angle of 22.6 degrees and a departure angle of 37.5 degrees. A 48:1 crawl ratio allows it to use all of that V8 power to climb over just about anything.

Subtle Appearance Upgrades

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has 392 badges on the uniquely sculpted hood and with combined with the roar of the exhaust, these models aren’t hard to identify.

However, the exterior isn’t heavily modified compared to the current Rubicon. All of the badges are trimmed in bronze, as are the 17-inch wheels and the tow hooks. The package also includes body colored fender flares and hard top, along with the steel bumper group.

On the inside, black leather with bronze stitching is standard, with the Rubicon 392 logo embroidered on the upper seat backs. The Infotainment group is standard, which includes the 8.4-inch UConnect touchscreen, complete with the Off-Road Pages. The package also includes an auxiliary switch panel and the Rubicon 392 is the first Wrangler to get shift paddles on the steering wheel.

We don’t know how much the Wrangler Rubicon 392 will cost when it goes on sale next year, but we can expect pricing to start north of the $60k price tag of the current loaded Rubicon.

Photos: FCA

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Patrick Rall

"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.

"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.

"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.

"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.

"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.

"Being based on Detroit," says Rall, "I never miss the North American International Auto Show, the Woodward Dream Cruise and Roadkill Nights, along with spending plenty of time raising hell on Detroit's Woodward Avenue with the best muscle car crowd in the world.

Rall can be contacted at QuickMirada@Yahoo.com

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