Jeep to Intensify Hemi Power, Recon Model Hitting Market in November During Model Updates
Jeep is set to broaden the application of its powerful 6.4L Hemi V-8 engine, moving beyond its current use in the Wrangler Rubicon 392 and Grand Cherokee SRT. This announcement was made by Jeep's CEO, Bob Broderdorf, who also hinted at the possibility of the Gladiator pickup truck joining the ranks with a potential Gladiator 392 variant.
The 6.4L Hemi V-8 engine delivers a punchy 470 hp and 470 lb-ft torque in the Wrangler Rubicon 392, making it a favourite among enthusiasts seeking high performance and muscular throttle response. This engine will continue to be a core option in the Wrangler Rubicon 392, ensuring its enduring presence in the lineup.
While Jeep is investing in electrification, as evidenced by the plug-in hybrid Wrangler 4xe and the upcoming Recon EV, the 6.4L Hemi V-8 is not being phased out. Instead, Jeep is keeping it "alive" and preparing new V-8 engines to cater to the demands of performance-focused customers.
The all-new Recon, Jeep's first "trail-rated" battery-electric vehicle, is scheduled to launch in November. Meanwhile, Jeep's sales are showing signs of improvement, with first-half deliveries for Jeep in July 2025 rising 2% year-on-year, thanks to positive sales volume for Wrangler, Gladiator, and Compass.
In addition to the expanded use of the 6.4L Hemi V-8, Jeep is also launching seven vehicles in seven months, including the Compass in Europe, Commander in the Middle East, Avenger in South America, and four North American models. The lineup includes a refreshed Grand Wagoneer for 2026 and an updated Grand Cherokee with powertrain changes, new styling, and more value.
Broderdorf emphasized that Jeep customers value power and choice in their engines. This commitment to offering powerful V-8 engines is a testament to Jeep's dedication to meeting consumer demand for performance and capability, even as the brand expands its electrified lineup.
References:
- Jeep to Extend 6.4L Hemi V-8 Engine into More Models
- 2026 Jeep Wrangler to Offer More Personalized Versions
- Jeep Gladiator 392 Could Join the Lineup
- Jeep Recon EV to Launch in November
- Jeep Sales Showing Signs of Improvement in 2025
- Jeep Brand CEO Confirms 6.4L Hemi V-8 for Wrangler
- Hemi Engine Returns to Ram 1500 Pickup Truck for 2026 Model Year
- 2026 Jeep Cherokee Launching Later This Year
- Jeep Offering More Customizable Versions of the 2026 Wrangler
- Broderdorf: Jeep Customers Want Power and Choice in Their Engines
- Jeep's Previous Leadership Focused on Raising Prices and Prioritizing Electrification
- In the Wrangler Rubicon 392, the Hemi Engine Produces 470 hp and 470 lb.-ft. of Torque
- 6.4L Hemi V-8 Engine Currently Available in Wrangler Rubicon 392 and Grand Cherokee SRT
- Jeep Launching Seven Vehicles in Seven Months
- Jeep Appears Ready to Extend the Iconic Engine's Reach Beyond the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee SRT
- Jeep's U.S. Sales Showing Slight Recovery in 2025
- Jeep Already Has Plug-In Hybrid Variants in the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4xe Models
- This Year Began Retailing Jeep's First BEV, the Wagoneer S
- Discontinuation of Certain Internal-Combustion Engines from Various Models a Side Effect of Previous Leadership's Strategy
The expanded use of the 6.4L Hemi V-8 engine is not confined to just the Wrangler Rubicon 392 and Grand Cherokee SRT, as Jeep plans to introduce this powerful engine in other models, possibly including the Gladiator pickup truck with a potential Gladiator 392 variant (Jeep to Extend 6.4L Hemi V-8 Engine into More Models).
The ongoing development and introduction of electric vehicles like the all-new Recon, Jeep's first "trail-rated" battery-electric vehicle, do not signal the demise of traditional engines such as the 6.4L Hemi V-8, which Jeep is keeping "alive" and preparing new V-8 engines to cater to the demands of performance-focused customers (Jeep Recon EV to Launch in November).
In line with Jeep's commitment to offering a diverse lineup, the brand is launching seven vehicles in seven months, catering to various markets and segments, reflecting Jeep customers' preference for power and choice in their engines (Jeep Launching Seven Vehicles in Seven Months).
