For what it's worth...
Back when the gladiator was making all the news, there was an interview with a Jeep engineer. In that interview he said the fundamental problem with a V8 in the wrangler was crash performance. IIRC, it was specifically pedestrian safety regulations that the extra length of the V8 made practically impossible, given the size and shape of the grill/hood/ and compartment size available.
Of course, at the time, there was nothing in the market that could possibly put a dent in wrangler sales. Things often change when real competition steps into the ring.
Back when the gladiator was making all the news, there was an interview with a Jeep engineer. In that interview he said the fundamental problem with a V8 in the wrangler was crash performance. IIRC, it was specifically pedestrian safety regulations that the extra length of the V8 made practically impossible, given the size and shape of the grill/hood/ and compartment size available.
Of course, at the time, there was nothing in the market that could possibly put a dent in wrangler sales. Things often change when real competition steps into the ring.