Let the drooling begin...

[MBood82]

I've long said I won't buy a new Jeep because I'm a child and require a V8 noise.

And then they do this:

https://jalopnik.com/jeep-grabs-the-ford-broncos-spotlight-by-teasing-a-wran-1844347993

[champ]

If the teaser is to be believed, then I wonder what they're doing to make it pass crash test standards?

[Dennis]

I need that because I don't get pulled over enough....

[MBood82]

If the teaser is to be believed, then I wonder what they're doing to make it pass crash test standards?

I'm wondering if it is a Jeep from the canceled EJS this year that they are going to "unveil" at the same time as the Bronco to try to steal the thunder. They are definitely doing it in response to the Bronco, my question is how serious they are.

If it's an EJS toy, then crash test standards don't matter.

If it is real (and god does my childlike nature want it to be!) then I'm sure they'll find a way. After all, FCA are experts on putting big V8s everywhere!

[champ]

Man... if they can pull it off, then I have just one thing to say:

https://i.imgur.com/BHppaHa.jpg

[6DoF]

if it's just another "sandstorm" concept, then FUKK YOU JEEP.

if it's real ... they have probably been holding off on the V8 wrangler for like 15 years waiting for the actual bronco launch to do it. they weren't exactly loosing sales without it, and now that Furd said they won't have one ... BOOM.

but yeah, i'm with the rest of ya. sure there were aspects that need fixed before i could drive one even occasionally, that 2wk rental pointed out a bunch. but a 392 JT? where's my order card!

[6DoF]

If the teaser is to be believed, then I wonder what they're doing to make it pass crash test standards?

they could say it never passed ... having never tested it. would have been a good marketing strategy!

[xj_man_646]

If the teaser is to be believed, then I wonder what they're doing to make it pass crash test standards?

Is there a reason to believe the change from v6 to v8 is enough, that it would fail? Honestly don't know...but I'm sure they could figure it out. Wrangler's aren't exactly the safest rigs out there but they still are able to remove the top and doors.

[Dennis]

Front end crash test needs to be done to show the engine won't enter the passenger compartment. I don't think anything else needs to be done for an engine change. Still a million bucks or so towards development costs.

[champ]

Is there a reason to believe the change from v6 to v8 is enough, that it would fail? Honestly don't know...but I'm sure they could figure it out. Wrangler's aren't exactly the safest rigs out there but they still are able to remove the top and doors.

Ignore Hellcat engine part of topic and I refer you to this: Linky (https://jalopnik.com/the-707-hp-hellcat-engine-is-too-dangerous-for-the-jeep-1833919628)

This is the important part:

Kuniskis also watered-down any possibility of high-performance versions of the Wrangler and Gladiator, potentially powered by the company’s fire-breathing Hellcat supercharged V8.

“Everybody always asks me that question: it fits. You know that. It fits like a glove,” he said.

“But the problem is that it fits like a glove and there is no air space around the engine and the whole external space of the vehicle so you have no crush space; you have nothing that can be used to absorb energy in a crash.

“It is not a problem to put it in - other than emissions and fuel economy - except it would never pass any crash tests, and that’s a problem.”

[6DoF]

Still a million bucks or so towards development costs.

this is exactly why i figure they never did it. the cost was never worth the return. now however, you can justify buku bucks for marketing and over shadowing a direct competitors launch.

just because it'll never pass in the current form, doesn't mean some good engineering can't make it work. it's exactly what they did with the cooling n such on the max-tow of the gladiator. detail the engineering!

[6DoF]

https://www.motor1.com/news/433659/jeep-wrangler-rubicon-392-concept/

https://prnewswire2-a.akamaihd.net/p/1893751/sp/189375100/thumbnail/entry_id/1_ptbo8mmh/def_height/2700/def_width/2700/version/100011/type/2/q/100

[6DoF]

i freaking love that hard top

[MBood82]

If that comes out as they show it, and the price is not completely unreasonable, it would definitely be something I'd be in the market for. I'd even be happy with 34s factory instead of 37s if it allows them to be more in line with a Rubicon (or even Sport, if we are lucky) price level with a typical Hemi surcharge. I worry they'd only make it available on the Rubicon and higher levels though, and price it like an SRT upgrade.

[Dennis]

If that comes out as they show it, and the price is not completely unreasonable, it would definitely be something I'd be in the market for. I'd even be happy with 34s factory instead of 37s if it allows them to be more in line with a Rubicon (or even Sport, if we are lucky) price level with a typical Hemi surcharge. I worry they'd only make it available on the Rubicon and higher levels though, and price it like an SRT upgrade.I am afraid they would go with a street themed drag strip monster, like the mentioned SRT or going back to the 5.9 ZJ. Make the engine available across the lineup, even if the lower end has to be special ordered.

[MBood82]

The one thing I'm fairly confident in is they won't go with street performance, they already have the Grand Cherokee for that and the Wrangler would be completely the wrong platform for it.

I could see trail running maybe as a theme over hard core rock crawling, or even overlanding, but so far what they have announced is fairly generic, just "big engine in same vehicle otherwise".

[Cobound]

Ain't ever gonna happen.

Can't believe nobody is talking bout those half doors, mother of pearl, those are pimp!!!

Yes, that top is sweet, a buddy has one and it's tits!!

I'm guessing this is a holdover from EJS that never got shared cuz it was cancelled...I could see it possibly going into a Gladiator, but not a JL.

This would KILL the aftermarket companies...they'd go from 100 mph now to a dead stop, and have to find a way to do it cheaper. While I thought these would likely be in the SRT8 category of price range, I'd guess now they could do it like the diesels, and you'd be looking at $60-70k...and not in any sort of stripped down model, it'd be a special edition.

That said, I'll be all those companies are pissed right now, too...cuz anyone on the fence with an install is going to stall, wait and see...if you think Brute Double Cab build value dropped, imagine what someone w/ a $100k Jeep is thinking now if they actually do this...LOL, but it won't happen.

Meh, as much as I'd drool for it to happen, no sense getting wound up until I know it is true. My JT would be for sale day one tho :lol:

Check it out: https://youtu.be/UpRnMBvdoBQ

[MBood82]

Check it out: https://youtu.be/UpRnMBvdoBQ

If that Jeep comes out, with that engine note... it will be VERY hard for me to not trade in my Charger at the end of the lease for one of them...

[myjeepsbigger]

Ain't ever gonna happen.

Can't believe nobody is talking bout those half doors, mother of pearl, those are pimp!!!

Yes, that top is sweet, a buddy has one and it's tits!!

I'm guessing this is a holdover from EJS that never got shared cuz it was cancelled...I could see it possibly going into a Gladiator, but not a JL.

This would KILL the aftermarket companies...they'd go from 100 mph now to a dead stop, and have to find a way to do it cheaper. While I thought these would likely be in the SRT8 category of price range, I'd guess now they could do it like the diesels, and you'd be looking at $60-70k...and not in any sort of stripped down model, it'd be a special edition.

That said, I'll be all those companies are pissed right now, too...cuz anyone on the fence with an install is going to stall, wait and see...if you think Brute Double Cab build value dropped, imagine what someone w/ a $100k Jeep is thinking now if they actually do this...LOL, but it won't happen.

Meh, as much as I'd drool for it to happen, no sense getting wound up until I know it is true. My JT would be for sale day one tho :lol:

Check it out: https://youtu.be/UpRnMBvdoBQ

I bet $70k would be absolute minimum for a loaded Rubicon V8. Our 17 listed for over $50, and it's pretty easy to build a $60k Rubicon JLU now.

[Cobound]

Oh, absolutely...what I’m saying is, it’ll be priced at SRT8 prices, or brought down to the Ram and diesel prices...it’s doable, just think it won’t happen.

I mean, a loaded JT Rubi is $60k, but that engine is more affordable than the aftermarket makes it seem.

Fine line... but they would COMPLETELY CANNIBALIZE their 1500 market!!

Just funny see it happening... other than being able to get more for a JT than a Ram

I’m in line!!

[Dennis]

Jeep built the TJ unlimited for far less than the AEV. Mercedes sold the G-Wagen for half what Europa imports had been selling them.

If they want, they can sell a V8 Wrangler/Gladiator for under $60K with options that bring them over $80k. We shall have to wait and see.

[freerider15]

OH EM GEEE...a Jeep with a V8!!!!1!!


...snooooore.

[Cobound]

OH EM GEEE...a Jeep with a V8!!!!1!!


...snooooore.

:roflmao:

[Cobound]

https://moparinsiders.com/if-jeep-can-do-it-with-the-wrangler-why-not-ram-with-the-1500/

The signs sure seem to be pointing to them doing this :dunno:

[MBood82]

It's a done deal for sure, either that or it's the best con game they could play on Ford.

[6DoF]

every car blog on the planet is basically just waiting on the price now.

as am i.

[freerider15]

every car blog on the planet is basically just waiting on the price now.

as am i.

I'll take "What will be overpriced and have issues off the bat for $500 Alex"

[Cobound]

It's a done deal for sure, either that or it's the best con game they could play on Ford.

RIGHT!!! After so many years of hearing "it won't happen" over and over again....man, I'm skeptical.

every car blog on the planet is basically just waiting on the price now.

as am i.

Ditto...f'n ditto!!

I'll take "What will be overpriced and have issues off the bat for $500 Alex"

:roflmao:

Honestly, it's GOT to put a damper on some of these companies already installing them...people on the fence are straight up halting their plans. Gonna have to wait and see...as much as I want one I won't be doing another swap, I'll take a factory one and pay for it. :us:

Kinda curious how much AEV may know (HEY, Sean!) about it...I mean, they not only stopped installing the Hemis (at least I think), they stopped building the BDC prior to the JT coming out...makes ya wonder!

Dammit...I want to know what they'll cost. You KNOW they won't be cheap...and MF be too expensive for me :banghead:

Have a buddy that just bought one with a 5.7 from Dakota Customs...Sting Grey, too, man...so jeally. Hasn't been delivered yet but he already has parts sitting in his garage to start the build :eek:

[xj_man_646]

I'll take "What will be overpriced and have issues off the bat for $500 Alex"

Pretty much every new car is overpriced these days. I also will never own the first model year of any major update / new model. I let the OEMs get the first couple years out of the way...by then they've (usually) worked out the bugs and the cost-down work is just beginning.

[Dennis]

Pretty much every new car is overpriced these days. I also will never own the first model year of any major update / new model. I let the OEMs get the first couple years out of the way...by then they've (usually) worked out the bugs and the cost-down work is just beginning.https://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0512/how-inflation-has-affected-the-price-of-cars.aspx

Agree 100% on not getting the first year model. In the last 30 years the family got burned on a first year 1994 C-Class Mercedes and a 1999.5 Jetta. Even the Germans have issues.

But, cars when compared to inflation, and excluding the exotics of the sports and luxury car world, have significantly decreased in real costs over the years.

[xj_man_646]

Its not just inflation, development costs and complexity have also skyrocketed in the last 15 years, especially on diesel engine equipped vehicles. The high output Cummins diesel option is now 11,995 alone. The MSRP of the whole truck my dad bought in 2004 was under 45k. He was out the door for under 30k (it was a 2003).

[freerider15]

Pretty much every new car is overpriced these days. I also will never own the first model year of any major update / new model. I let the OEMs get the first couple years out of the way...by then they've (usually) worked out the bugs and the cost-down work is just beginning.

Some yes, and some no. Are they a lot more expensive than they were 20 years ago? Yup. Adding inflation and new amenities, crash test standards and safer cars, more power and generally better economy are they? Not so much.

Heavily depends on what you're in the market for.

A light duty truck? Yeah...they'll take you to the cleaners.

A nice (not luxury) sedan for getting around daily? Very reasonable.



Honestly, it's GOT to put a damper on some of these companies already installing them...people on the fence are straight up halting their plans. Gonna have to wait and see...as much as I want one I won't be doing another swap, I'll take a factory one and pay for it. :us:

Well we know one from the factory will be a hell of a lot cheaper than getting one custom installed by any company. I don't see it being $25k for the V8 option, but not sure how much less they'll price point it at.

[Dennis]

Well we know one from the factory will be a hell of a lot cheaper than getting one custom installed by any company. I don't see it being $25k for the V8 option, but not sure how much less they'll price point it at.Yup
http://web.archive.org/web/20031006063030if_/http://www.aev-conversions.com:80/Gallery/P1010133A.jpg
These were a heck of a lot more expensive than the TJ-Unlimiteds that followed them.

[Cobound]

But also didn't come w/ a V8 from the factory ;)

[Dennis]

But also didn't come w/ a V8 from the factory ;)True, no CJ/Wrangler has had that option since 1986. My point is taking an aftermarket OEM quality expensive mod, then the OEM doing it in factory for a fraction of the cost.

Sort of like Europa Imports out in New Mexico importing and federalizing G-Wagens from the early 80s until Mercedes started importing them directly and cutting the cost in half.

How much will a factory V8 effect the values of the older AEV conversions?

[Cobound]

Yeah, I knew what you meant :p

Wish Jeep had not only built them sooner, built them longer...'04-06 is not enough time to get a good clean affordable one in today's market.

And the AEV versions are still incredibly high priced!

[freerider15]

Yeah, I knew what you meant :p

Wish Jeep had not only built them sooner, built them longer...'04-06 is not enough time to get a good clean affordable one in today's market.

And the AEV versions are still incredibly high priced!

It comes down to simply...why?

Other than a likely small margin, I would be surprised if the actual market of buyers is worth the investment in configuration, tooling, etc. etc. etc.

No one is taking their JL/JT's to the track, or really doing massive towing with them.

It comes down to "having it". Unless you're rolling on tons and large tires...the extra power at some point starts to become moot.

What they need to do, is offer better six cylinder options overall...but even then, we're talking a small minority that even care THAT much.

[6DoF]

It comes down to simply...why?

Other than a likely small margin, I would be surprised if the actual market of buyers is worth the investment in configuration, tooling, etc. etc. etc.

No one is taking their JL/JT's to the track, or really doing massive towing with them.

It comes down to "having it". Unless you're rolling on tons and large tires...the extra power at some point starts to become moot.

What they need to do, is offer better six cylinder options overall...but even then, we're talking a small minority that even care THAT much.

i mean ... if "just to have it, cuz no one needs it", was really an argument ... why do we have any options at all? if that argument was true then we'd have no AC, no radio, no heated seats, and those are now standard on stuff.

this nation is gluttonous in their willingness to pay for "wants", god bless America. :us:

[freerider15]

i mean ... if "just to have it, cuz no one needs it", was really an argument ... why do we have any options at all? if that argument was true then we'd have no AC, no radio, no heated seats, and those are now standard on stuff.

this nation is gluttonous in their willingness to pay for "wants", god bless America. :us:

But it has all of that.

I go back to...as an OEM...is it even WORTH it to consider. This is why we've likely seen "concept" after "concept" and no real from the factory option.

This isn't a newer charger with V6 vs. V8 option.

It's a 4x4 yuppie wagon :f2: that most soccer moms a mall crawler bros don't really need nor will they care to pay extra (depending on how much extra) for the higher HP (though I recognize I could be 100% wrong).

The 392 is supposed to be ~450HP....cool.

All three 2020 options for the JL are right at 260/270HP.

How about...GASP...a more modern powerful V6? :rolleyes:

Plenty of V6's out there putting out 350+ HP. But, I guess some people won't feel important enough unless it's got them thurr two extra cylindurs YEE YEE! :lol:

[myjeepsbigger]

How about...GASP...a more modern powerful V6? :rolleyes:

Plenty of V6's out there putting out 350+ HP. But, I guess some people won't feel important enough unless it's got them thurr two extra cylindurs YEE YEE! :lol:

It's has to have the V8 sound, too. Because it's like having a really hot girlfriend with a terrible screechy voice. Yeah, she feels good, you just don't want anyone to hear her.

[freerider15]

It's has to have the V8 sound, too. Because it's like having a really hot girlfriend with a terrible screechy voice. Yeah, she feels good, you just don't want anyone to hear her.

I guess I'm to the point where loud and obnoxious outside of say...muscle cars and the like...are not up my alley :lol:

Some people love to hear their diesel truck and the whoo whistle...me...I'd love to barely be able to hear my 7.3L :roflmao:

[freerider15]

Lame. Why try to get more power out of a V6 when you might as well include a couple more cylinders and have real fun? 23lbs of boost on a 4 banger is cool and all but on a Vyaaaaaaayttt is way more cool.

You do realize many modern V6's come stock with more power than an LQ9, right? Nothing about "getting" more needed...

They also do it more efficiently, weigh less, and thus get you better road numbers.

I thought about an LQ9 swap into the buggy for some time, but wouldn't even give it a thought now. For a little more cost, I can get a much better power to weight ratio powerplant in there, that likely may have even more power or close to, an LQ9.

But hey, some people are about V8's like some people are about diesels "12V swap everything!" :roflmao:

[Cobound]

At EJS last year the engineers said V6s with more power... in cool with that, I just want more power. It the larger engines do that, so...

Tide of us that do tow, haul more weight, we want them. I will say, after taking my rack and tent off I can noticeably feel the power difference, so I’m all about more power, and I’m not taking it to the track.

[MBood82]

You do realize many modern V6's come stock with more power than an LQ9, right? Nothing about "getting" more needed...

They also do it more efficiently, weigh less, and thus get you better road numbers.

I thought about an LQ9 swap into the buggy for some time, but wouldn't even give it a thought now. For a little more cost, I can get a much better power to weight ratio powerplant in there, that likely may have even more power or close to, an LQ9.

But hey, some people are about V8's like some people are about diesels "12V swap everything!" :roflmao:

The LQ4 is meant to be the cheap truck motor that makes all it's power just off idle, not be a HP monster. It's ~300hp may be less than a V6 but that same high HP V6 has nowhere near the torque, especially at low RPMs. The LQ9 is just a slightly higher output LQ4, but still is built to move a 6k pound truck with all the torques. Trying to compare it's HP output to a modern V6 is hardly fair.

Jeep already has access to a 300 hp version of the same corporate V6 they put in the Jeep, it's not like they couldn't give it power. But it's the low down torque that would make a more meaningful difference, and it's a lot more effortless with a higher displacement motor. And at that point, the V8 is the easy button to achieve it.

They do have the diesel now, which is a torque monster, but it's also the diesel that even James wouldn't buy.

Now that Jeep has competition from the Bronco, putting a V8 into the Jeep is a quick and easy way to get attention back to the Jeep brand.

Add in, I'm the perfect target audience for Jeep. Mid (ok, bordering late) 30s, no kids, dual income, prior Jeep owner. I should be in the market for a Wrangler. But ever since they dropped the 4.0 I6 I have not been impressed with how they drive, too sluggish with motors you have to wind the piss out of. If they are that bad stock, how bad are they with a set of 35s like they should have? But I won't buy one with the current motor options. I have to wait for someone like Brian to sell his cheap because they pony'd up for the V8 swap already.

It's has to have the V8 sound, too. Because it's like having a really hot girlfriend with a terrible screechy voice. Yeah, she feels good, you just don't want anyone to hear her.

There is also this. I'm a man-child and I want V8 noises. A V8 Wrangler would complement my Challenger R/T and Charger Scat Pack well!

[6DoF]

https://images.cdn.circlesix.co/image/1/700/0/uploads/posts/2016/05/5e29f7d0aacec1ce5e62a60c7f42d1f3.jpg

[6DoF]

i tell ya what, when area under the curve matters, he's a direct look at it. having driven both, the 4cyl does feel faster/more bite, while the v6 comes off the line better and is generally i found nicer to drive. that said, i'll take my stock LQ4 TJ 13 out of 10 times.

2.0L VS 3.6L (WTQ & WHP)

2.0L - Blue
3.6L - Red

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/attachments/20v36_all-jpg-jpg.95365/

[6DoF]

it's all opinion and driving style vs environment and use. having the "do we need a V8" discussion is like arguing what color is the best. "we have white and grey, what on earth do we need purple for"

[nblehm]

You do realize many modern V6's come stock with more power than an LQ9, right? Nothing about "getting" more needed...

They also do it more efficiently, weigh less, and thus get you better road numbers.

I thought about an LQ9 swap into the buggy for some time, but wouldn't even give it a thought now. For a little more cost, I can get a much better power to weight ratio powerplant in there, that likely may have even more power or close to, an LQ9.

But hey, some people are about V8's like some people are about diesels "12V swap everything!" :roflmao:


What v6 are you swapping in for "a little more cost" that has more power than a lq9? It would have to have forced induction and that hads more than a little cost plus the packaging. I dont think everything needs an ls swap but it power to money spent wise they are hard to beat and are a failry small package for a v8



I was driving a 14 srt grand cherokee yesterday, while it was nice and i could definitely daily drive one, wasnt all that impressed wirh the 6.4 :dunno:

[6DoF]

What v6 are you swapping in for "a little more cost" that has more power than a lq9? It would have to have forced induction and that hads more than a little cost plus the packaging. I dont think everything needs an ls swap but it power to money spent wise they are hard to beat and are a failry small package for a v8



I was driving a 14 srt grand cherokee yesterday, while it was nice and i could definitely daily drive one, wasnt all that impressed wirh the 6.4 :dunno:

i've never driven a v8 new grand, but i really dislike my dad's 14 with the 6, it's soft as hell and very very vanilla. more power would make that chassis probably feel worse.

[freerider15]

What v6 are you swapping in for "a little more cost" that has more power than a lq9? It would have to have forced induction and that hads more than a little cost plus the packaging. I dont think everything needs an ls swap but it power to money spent wise they are hard to beat and are a failry small package for a v8



I was driving a 14 srt grand cherokee yesterday, while it was nice and i could definitely daily drive one, wasnt all that impressed wirh the 6.4 :dunno:

Well, I take that back, not "more" power per say, but about the same and thus giving it a better power/weight ratio.

The LFX is the one that many guys have been gravitating towards. About the same-ish cost as an LQ9 itself. Yes, more work since the LQ4/LQ9 and family are the SB350 of yesteryear, and have lots of support.

Numbers on it are ~323HP/278ft-lb. at least in the Camaro version. (Yes torque is a chunk lower).

Tuning and some playing around (like any modern engine) can bump those numbers.

I agree it's hard to beat the LQ engines in terms of cost to performance, but I'm not sure I'd lean in their direction for anything I'd be rolling on, unless maybe I got one cheap for a Willys project (but I'd still likely just find a cheap 5.3L).

[Dennis]

https://jalopnik.com/jeep-keeps-teasing-the-new-grand-wagoneer-with-more-lit-1844805362

[MBood82]

Between the just announced TRX (drool), the "concept" 392 Wrangler (conceptual drool), and now this Wagoneer seeming to be way more then just an extended Grand Cherokee (luxurious drool), FCA is on a real roll.

[nblehm]

I am so tired of the new wagoneer news. I just want to talk about fsj in my fsj groups but that is all thats on there lately. :rant:

[6DoF]

i had not seen a waggy yet!

quick search says a 1500 full-size SUV?!?! another yes plz!

[bbaCJ8]

Oh, absolutely...what I’m saying is, it’ll be priced at SRT8 prices, or brought down to the Ram and diesel prices...it’s doable, just think it won’t happen.

I mean, a loaded JT Rubi is $60k, but that engine is more affordable than the aftermarket makes it seem.

Fine line... but they would COMPLETELY CANNIBALIZE their 1500 market!!

Just funny see it happening... other than being able to get more for a JT than a Ram

I’m in line!!
If it happens it will absolutely 100% be priced like an SRT and sold in limited numbers and it will have almost zero impact on their light truck market. No insider information here, just government mandates. They need to meet fleet CAFE requirements, and they can likely barely do that as-is. As much as people hate stuff like the Renegade, Compass, Cherokee, etc, those econoboxes selling in high numbers are what allow Wranglers to stay real Jeeps. They bring the average up. Add a big fuel-sucking V8 to the mix and down goes the average for MPG and up it goes for emissions. By limiting sales they can keep meeting the standards while creating a "special edition" mentality that they can charge more for while selling less of them.

I seriously doubt they'd be running the truck 6.4 in these either, I'd expect a detuned SRT variant made for go-fast fun. So no real risk to the light truck market. Think Mojave, not Max Tow. The Pentastar and 8 speed combo can already support every ounce of towing and payload that the chassis can.

RIGHT!!! After so many years of hearing "it won't happen" over and over again....man, I'm skeptical.

Honestly, it's GOT to put a damper on some of these companies already installing them...people on the fence are straight up halting their plans. Gonna have to wait and see...as much as I want one I won't be doing another swap, I'll take a factory one and pay for it. :us:

Kinda curious how much AEV may know (HEY, Sean!) about it...I mean, they not only stopped installing the Hemis (at least I think), they stopped building the BDC prior to the JT coming out...makes ya wonder!

Dammit...I want to know what they'll cost. You KNOW they won't be cheap...and MF be too expensive for me :banghead:

Have a buddy that just bought one with a 5.7 from Dakota Customs...Sting Grey, too, man...so jeally. Hasn't been delivered yet but he already has parts sitting in his garage to start the build :eek:
FCA has been trying to do a V8 for years, just like they were trying to do a Brute knockoff for years. It's been on-again, off-again since before the JL even launched. It's entirely possible that they'll do it, especially now that the Bronco has lit a much-needed fire under their collective assses.

V8 swaps were much more realistic with the early JK. The 3.8L was a turd, the auto was meh, and boosting it was a ticking time bomb. The 3.6L was a drastic improvement, and now with the 8 speed there's zero practical reason for a V8 swap in a JL or JT. Cool factor and better audio for sure, but neither of those are practical reasons. The factory powertrain options are capable above and beyond the rest of the vehicle platform. Add in the electrical nightmare involved in making it work on a new vehicle along with the decently high likelihood that an OEM offering will severely undercut your aftermarket offering and it's hard to make a business case for most companies.

Between the just announced TRX (drool), the "concept" 392 Wrangler (conceptual drool), and now this Wagoneer seeming to be way more then just an extended Grand Cherokee (luxurious drool), FCA is on a real roll.
The TRX is awesome. It's hilarious watching the Raptor fanboys try to pick it apart without having a clue what tricks it's still hiding. "2.5s are way too small for a truck that size. Fox 3.0s for life, brah." Yeah ok, Kyle. Your Fox 3.0s are a 2.5" body shock inside a 3.0" fluid bypass reservoir. The active damping Bilsteins on the TRX are unbelievable. I've worked pretty closely with their tuner, who's done some of the baddest suspension tuning on the planet, including most of AEV's. He said they straight up defy physics. It's got different modes at the flip of a switch, it can sense when the vehicle is in the air and instantaneously switch for landing, and the damping range is unreal. I saw the damping curves overlaid with some other more traditional 2.5" shocks and it's mindblowing what those things can do. Gonna be a game changer. Mix it with over 700hp and the bar just got raised way up. I don't have any info on it that isn't already available out there, most people just don't know where to look, don't know what they're looking at, or would rather bash the competition than educate themselves on what they're up against.

[freerider15]

i had not seen a waggy yet!

quick search says a 1500 full-size SUV?!?! another yes plz!

From the spy photos, even covered, it's going to look along the lines of every other SUV out there. Plan on lines that are similar to Kia, Toyota, Nissan, etc.

[myjeepsbigger]

The TRX is awesome. It's hilarious watching the Raptor fanboys try to pick it apart without having a clue what tricks it's still hiding. "2.5s are way too small for a truck that size. Fox 3.0s for life, brah." Yeah ok, Kyle. Your Fox 3.0s are a 2.5" body shock inside a 3.0" fluid bypass reservoir. The active damping Bilsteins on the TRX are unbelievable. I've worked pretty closely with their tuner, who's done some of the baddest suspension tuning on the planet, including most of AEV's. He said they straight up defy physics. It's got different modes at the flip of a switch, it can sense when the vehicle is in the air and instantaneously switch for landing, and the damping range is unreal. I saw the damping curves overlaid with some other more traditional 2.5" shocks and it's mindblowing what those things can do. Gonna be a game changer. Mix it with over 700hp and the bar just got raised way up. I don't have any info on it that isn't already available out there, most people just don't know where to look, don't know what they're looking at, or would rather bash the competition than educate themselves on what they're up against.

I wonder when they're going to filter that tech down to the aftermarket. Here, I was all excited to have 2.5 Kings on the Willys Wagon, and now they've got me feeling like a 1980's neon-colored S10 owner (no offense, JJ :roflmao: ).

[bbaCJ8]

I wonder when they're going to filter that tech down to the aftermarket. Here, I was all excited to have 2.5 Kings on the Willys Wagon, and now they've got me feeling like a 1980's neon-colored S10 owner (no offense, JJ :roflmao: ).
99% of the aftermarket couldn't properly tune static bypass shocks(which inherently suck for street use anyway), let alone be able to properly manage active damping. Would be pretty sweet to be able to tune your suspension via laptop though:cool:

If you haven't bought already, check out Bilstein 60mm with Zone Control. They're a bit taller so packaging can be tricky, and applications are pretty limited, but it's a sweet setup. The benefit of big steps in damping ranges like a bypass, without the inherent super squishy middle zone before you get into the broad travel ranges. https://www.bilstein.com/us/en/blog/bilsteins-new-b8-8112-zonecontrol-cr-shocks-redefine-damping-control/

Where Fox is by far the most overrated aftermarket shock company out there, Bilstein is easily the most underrated in the US.

[Cobound]

This page is just a bunch of boner material :lol:

[6DoF]

now i want a TRX ... like ... bad

[bbaCJ8]

now i want a TRX ... like ... bad
You and me both. I have yet to see one in person, but one of my counterparts at work who lives in Berkeley has seen a half dozen of them in the wild already. With M plates of course. I'm only 30 minutes north of FCA proving grounds but I haven't been down that way in a while. When I used to drive past there a lot I saw a ton of new stuff.

[6DoF]

hell, i just saw some C8 vette's in the wild finally.

once i got past the drooling ... 70K will buy a lot of diesel torque! 2020 tradesmen with a Cummins and turn up the wick, some nice wheels/tires, and have enough money left over for another project.

actually also kind of excited to see the GW launch, the wife's WK is way long in the tooth. would be a great road trip machine, and should be a better back-up tow rig than any GC with it based on the 1500 chassis.

[myjeepsbigger]

hell, i just saw some C8 vette's in the wild finally.

once i got past the drooling ... 70K will buy a lot of diesel torque! 2020 tradesmen with a Cummins and turn up the wick, some nice wheels/tires, and have enough money left over for another project.

actually also kind of excited to see the GW launch, the wife's WK is way long in the tooth. would be a great road trip machine, and should be a better back-up tow rig than any GC with it based on the 1500 chassis.

That's kinda what I'm thinking. For the price of a couple TRX truck payments, I could give my 17 Cummins truck a nice little shot of adrenaline.

[6DoF]

now i just need to get the 12v in my 55 to 703hp :lol: