Stellantis’ on-again, off-again love affair with the V8 is back on, in a big way. Jeep CEO Bob Broderdorf recently announced that the Wrangler would keep the 392 V8 option indefinitely and said that the engine would come to the Gladiator as well.
Broderdorf noted customers’ enthusiasm for the engine in his announcement, saying, “after being out at the Rubicon Trail, it’s clear just how much people love the roar of the 392. The 6.4-liter Hemi V8 will have a home at Jeep.”
Jeep planned to discontinue the V8 Wrangler a couple of years ago, offering high-priced final edition models to commemorate the move. Those buyers are now in the same situation Dodge Durango Hellcat buyers were a bit earlier, when the automaker decided to continue building the SUV after announcing its demise.
That said, very few people will likely be upset about the 392 Wrangler sticking around. It combined the sound and sensations of a big V8 with the off-road capability the SUV is known for, making an absolute riot of a vehicle. The Gladiator will likely perform similarly.
While we thought Stellantis would ditch V8 engines altogether, the automaker has reversed course entirely. The Hemi has returned to Ram’s lineup, which will also revive the Hellcat-powered TRX pickup truck. Now, maybe we can get back to prodding Chrysler about slapping a Hellcat motor into a Pacifica.
[Images: Stellantis]
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