Jeep teases Gladiator or Wrangler with 392 Hemi V8

Look, I don’t usually like to work on a weekend, but as I flipped through Twitter in bed (as I’m used to Saturday morning), I saw a tweet that I just had to share. The Latest News: Jeep seems to be teasing plans to stuff a 392 Hemi V8 engine into a gladiator. Or maybe a wrangler. Or maybe both. Jeep’s tweet has a shaded teaser rendering and no text, but that’s more than enough for this print, as I’ll explain now.

It is almost impossible to tell from the teaser whether it is a gladiator or a wrangler, since their front ends are basically identical at this angle. But we can see a new bonnet with a large shovel with “392” on its side, a clear indicator of what’s in the engine compartment. A Hemi-powered gladiator appears to be the most likely offer, especially since recent rumors point to a Raptor-fighting gladiator named “Hercules”. But if Jeep wants to put the Hemi in the gladiator, why not the Wrangler too?

To be clear, it is quite possible that Jeep does not tease a production model. The company could just put a trial balloon on the Internet – especially if the Wrangler found a new arch rival, the 2021 Ford Bronco, in a few days. Still, spy shootings and the Rumormill have long claimed that such a model comes to dealerships, so it feels like a real preview.

It’s no surprise that the Hemi fits the Gladiator and Wrangler, like a number of aftermarket companies like Rubitrux and Hennessey already offer conversions. In vehicles like that Dodge Durango SRT and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, the 6.4-liter V8 has 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque and is linked to eight-speed automatic and four-wheel drive, so this Jeep is likely to offer similar specs.

There is a possibility that a standard V8-powered jeep will be given an SRT emblem, as this nickname is already used for the Grand Cherokee mentioned above. This would be the first time that a wrangler or gladiator has an SRT badge at the factory. We expect this V8 model to get a new wheel and tire setup and a nicer interior with sportier seats in addition to the hood. The truck would also likely require modified suspension to handle the extra weight and performance.

The next logical step is to install the charged Hellcat V8 in the Gladiator and Wrangler. However, Jeep may encounter problems at the factory – the one just announced Dodge Durango Hellcat will be a one year miracle due to emissions regulations. But hey, if this 392 Jeep is all we can get, we’ll take it.

We have no idea if or when this mysterious jeep could debut, and especially with the auto show season in the river because of that Corona virus Pandemic, a disclosure could happen at any time. At the debut of the new Ford Bronco on July 13th, I wouldn’t be surprised if Jeep showed this new model the same week to steal some of Ford’s thunder.