Factory V8

[WXman]

The February 2020 issue of Four Wheeler magazine has a snippet in the "Is It True?" section that insinuates that there is confirmation that FCA is working on a V8 for the Jeep Gladiator.

There is no other information. It's simply a passing veiled remark. "And a Jeep Gladiator V8 for sure now?"

If this happens, after all that former engineers on Jeep solid axle vehicles have stated, I will be in shock. I will also be standing in line to place my order while I'm in total shock.

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[Backwoodsraider]

If so, I would trade mine in for it

That simple

 

[ALVagabond]

A factory V8 mounted in the current Gladiator chasis will not pass crash test standards. It would take a significant redesign. This sounds like another "rumor it into existence" exercise.

 

[jurfie]

 

[Hickoryhouse]

A factory V8 mounted in the current Gladiator chasis will not pass crash test standards. It would take a significant redesign. This sounds like another "rumor it into existence" exercise.

I have heard these things as well, but wouldn't FCA have a smaller displacement v8 in their arsenal somewhere that would help aleviate the crash test issues?

 

[jalbrecht55]

I would think if anything it would get the new I6 they are developing. Though I also think that would be even harder to get through crash testing with the current structure.

Add me to the list of if they put the v8 with a manual in it, I would buy.

 

[Oilburner]

It would have to displace about 2.2L.

they are likely misunderstanding “V8 power from a turbo I6”

 

[Cleankat]

I'd be all over a V8 option. Funny I was telling my wife last night if the truck had a V8 growl it would be perfect. I came from a Hellcat so this is a huge departure from the norm for me, still loving it, it's actually relaxed me I just cruise now, mostly because anything above 50 and you think you're going into warp speed or back to the future.

 

[WXman]

Yeah you have to remember that the last FCA midsize truck that was on sale had a 4.7L V8, which is only a 1.1L increase over the current Gladiator engine. At the same time, Ford was stuffing 4.6L V8s into almost everything they made. So from a "can it fit?" standpoint, it's certainly possible. But it would have to be a clean sheet design I would think. I don't see any current U.S. FCA V8 engines being usable.

And that was the main argument against it from the engineers that were interviewed before the JL made it's debut. They said it would be hard to make it fit properly around the brake booster and other things while maintaining the cooling they needed, and it would also make crash testing sketchy. Remember, the JT already lost the 2.0L turbo option over cooling concerns. I don't see a larger V8 being any easier to keep cool under this tight hood. And the space for a "crumple zone" would also diminish.

I'm still skeptical, but like I said that comment in Four Wheeler was interesting.

 

[No IFS]

Great comments and insight. I would love also , but unfortunately in reality FCA is moving away from the V8. Maybe a turbo something with V8 like power.

 

[Onebigyoshi]

Does it come with a manual? I'm prepared to pay a premium over automatics just to have a manual V8.

 

[brancky3]

Honestly I think it may be smarter to bolt a supercharger onto the current V6 at this point. Magnuson is pushing ~440hp with theirs and includes a pretty decent warranty for $6500 total

 

[Mr._Bill]

The February 2020 issue of Four Wheeler magazine has a snippet in the "Is It True?" section that insinuates that there is confirmation that FCA is working on a V8 for the Jeep Gladiator.

There is no other information. It's simply a passing veiled remark. "And a Jeep Gladiator V8 for sure now?"

If this happens, after all that former engineers on Jeep solid axle vehicles have stated, I will be in shock. I will also be standing in line to place my order while I'm in total shock.

I'm sure FCA is 'working on a V8 for the Gladiator'. They have been from the beginning, since it is a highly desired option. The odds of it actually happening are pretty slim, for the many reasons already stated. Their fleet MPG, for a production model, would take a hit and create problems with the EPA regulations. They would have to have something to release at the same time, like an electric model, to offset the reduction in overall MPG. The biggest problem with upgrades and new models is no longer whether it can be done, but what government regulations are in place that will prevent it from happening.

 

[Renegade]

Honestly I think it may be smarter to bolt a supercharger onto the current V6 at this point. Magnuson is pushing ~440hp with theirs and includes a pretty decent warranty for $6500 total

Turbocharged or supercharged Pentastar engines were actually planned at one point, and could still be according to some info:
https://www.pentastars.com/engines/tech.php
https://www.pentastars.com/engines/future.php

 

[Klutch]

I think the biggest reason FCA would NOT offer a V8 in the Gladiator is they're afraid it would eat into RAM truck sales. (Yeah, same reason I gave for the diesel having a tow rating lower than the gasoline engine.)

Years ago, there was a lot of talk about Ford offering a V8 in the Ranger. I even saw pictures of a prototype Ford built. Of course, it never happened. Yeah, likely because it would have ate into F-150 sales.

I like the supercharger idea. I saw a kit from Procharger specifically for the Gladiator. So, now there's another from Magnuson? Cool!

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