Hemi for Wrangler? From the factory?

[haven]

http://editorial.autos.msn.com/blogs/autosblogpost.aspx?post=048ca691-6d99-4812-b264-d70d70438e9a

Looks like AEV has built a Hemi-powered Wrangler for evaluation by Chrysler executives. This vehicle *may* get the go-ahead for production. Or maybe it's just a way to show the brass how more torque changes the Wrangler's personality. Hopefully a factory Hemi Wrangler will cost less than AEV's conversion kit, which starts north of $20K.

 

[hudsonhawk]

More then likely its just an executive who ordered a custom vehicle from AEV and the press is blowing it all out of proportion.

 

[cwsqbm]

This is far from the first V8 JK to cruise the Chrysler grounds. Heck, Car and Driver did a comparison test between a modded V8 JK prototype and a mule.

Sadly, bean counters don't care how good a product is, but merely on maximizing profits. They have to balance the (probably meager) increased sales the V8 would bring over the upcoming 3.6L V6, balanced against the increased development, manufacturing, certification, and CAFE costs. Certification costs alone are mainly responsible why we don't get cool vehicles sold elsewhere.

A diesel JK would make more sense, since its already rolling down the assembly line, and would really help CAFE numbers. But there's already a thread on why that's not happening.

 

[RedDog]

I agree that the diesel would be preferable. Frankly, I think the Hemi is severe overkill in that vehicle bordering on unsafe. My TJ with stock power train is bordering on dangerous on black ice and some winter conditions with it's short wheelbase and high centre of gravity. The Jeep doesn't need more power IMO. Usable torque and improved fuel economy would be desired by this owner.

 

[Hilldweller]

Usable torque and improved fuel economy would be desired by this owner.

And the transmission to handle it all please.

 

[locrwln]

I agree that the diesel would be preferable. Frankly, I think the Hemi is severe overkill in that vehicle bordering on unsafe. My TJ with stock power train is bordering on dangerous on black ice and some winter conditions with it's short wheelbase and high centre of gravity. The Jeep doesn't need more power IMO. Usable torque and improved fuel economy would be desired by this owner.

I like the idea of a diesel (I own two) and am still hopefull, but I disagree that a v8 would be "too" much and in no way "unsafe" (really?). Not to mention the JK's already come with stability control to save people from themselves. By the time you load a JK 4 door down, live at 5k and pretty much go up from there for most of your trips, I think a v8 makes a whole lot of sense (plus it would probably get better mileage than a struggling v6). Besides, this is America we NEED v8's. :wings:

The new 3.6 gains quite a bit more HP over the 3.8, but not that much more torque, so I don't expect to be wowed. That is until a DI/Turbo version comes on line.

Oh and I second a newer/better transmission.

Jack

 

[Black Dog]

I kind of think this is all just hot air too. Even the Brute was considered for factory production by Chrysler and it never happened.

 

[JPK]

I agree that the diesel would be preferable. Frankly, I think the Hemi is severe overkill in that vehicle bordering on unsafe. My TJ with stock power train is bordering on dangerous on black ice and some winter conditions with it's short wheelbase and high centre of gravity. The Jeep doesn't need more power IMO. Usable torque and improved fuel economy would be desired by this owner.

I have a 5.7L VVT Hemi in my JKU, installed by AEV. My engine puts out 375hp and 375lbs' of torque. I've driven a 6.1L AEV JKU aswell, that engine puts out 425hp and lbs'. Neither is overkill, neither is unsafe in any manner. Jeez, I had a '74 CJ5 that came from the factory with AMC's 304 V8, it wasn't overkill or unsafe either.

But a JK doesn't really need 375hp and 375lbs', it needs 300 or so of each in a gas engine, at least 300lbs' in a diesel, imo.

BTW, my lifted and off road equipped Hemi JKU gets about the same milage compared to my similarly equipped LJ.

The V8 completely changes the character of the JK, all for the better.

JPK

 

[406to417]

Dave at AEV has confirmed that there is nothing to this rumor.

 

[john101477]

I've driven a 6.1L AEV JKU aswell, that engine puts out 425hp

So you drove a JKU with the SRT8 in it? That would be interesting in a JK. My parents had the cherokee srt8 all wheel drive. It was a little over powered on slick roads. I am not sure I would feel to safe in a lifted JKU with that much power.

 

[Doctor W]

So you drove a JKU with the SRT8 in it? That would be interesting in a JK. My parents had the cherokee srt8 all wheel drive.

Surely you mean a GRAND Cherokee with a STR8 Hemi???......

......well yes it was a 4WD, but it didn't have a low range transfer case.......it was just another high powered All Wheel Drive, of not much use to people on ExPo......hell they even lowered the suspension package from the standard "too low" height!

 

[87FoRunner]

So you drove a JKU with the SRT8 in it? That would be interesting in a JK. My parents had the cherokee srt8 all wheel drive. It was a little over powered on slick roads. I am not sure I would feel to safe in a lifted JKU with that much power.

Gearing and unsprung weight make that 300+ horsepower feel completely different.

 

[haven]

Earlier today AEV disavowed any knowledge of a Wrangler with Hemi from the factory, and proceeded to shut down the thread on the subject on the AEV web site.
http://forum.aev-conversions.com/showthread.php?p=19137

Conspiracy theorists took this as proof the project is real. The truth is out there...

 

[JPK]

So you drove a JKU with the SRT8 in it? That would be interesting in a JK. My parents had the cherokee srt8 all wheel drive. It was a little over powered on slick roads. I am not sure I would feel to safe in a lifted JKU with that much power.

If you find it too powerful on slick roads or don't think a lifted JKU is safe with that much power you are condemning your own judgement and/or driving skills. Its your foot - and only your foot - on the go pedal. Why do you feel the need to be protected from yourself?

On the Hemi's in the JKU's, what most all of you miss is the fact that any Hemi puts out more torque at 1200rpms than the stock 3.8 puts out at MAX up around 4800rpms.

Can you make the JK quick with a Hemi? Sure. Heck, the 6.1 will burn out 12.5" tires (until the traction control catches up to the application of raw power and drops rpms.) But the best feature of the Hemi is that you can make it go slow while retaining power; real slow with a 4:1 Rubicon transfer case.

JPK

 

[john101477]

hahaha I knew this would spark reaction but yes I do mean the Grand cherokee SRT all wheel drive (I did not say 4wd).
JPK I never said I lost control of the dang thing just that it had a lot more power than was needed to push THAT vehicle much less a lifted narrow jeep. There is absolutley NO reason to have a 425hp supercharged motor in a JK of any kind.
We all know people who have put chev 350's in jeeps or FJ's. sorry but the ability to do a wheel stand in a jeep or fj is not necessary or even practical. Granted the JKU is longer but even then it could become very dangerous.
I know a lot of horse power freaks (my dad) who would cringe at what I just said and 10 years ago I probably would have to but today, not so much. There is nothing you can't do in a 300hp jeep that you can in a 425 except go faster on straight aways. everything else is gearing.
As for being dangerous. how many of you know someone who has died in a JK or CJ type jeep? I personally know 4 and none of theirs were with a supercharged V8 with 425HP.
Sometimes Hp defeats the purpose of the ride guys. plain and simple.