2021 Jeep Wrangler V8 cleared for launch as performance alternative to Ford Bronco

Jeep has seemingly confirmed its Ford Bronco-bashing, V8-powered Wrangler will enter production next year via a post on Instagram of all places.

The post, published over the weekend, is captioned with “get dirty faster”, to which Jeep adds “some concepts are so powerful they storm into reality”.

If you remember back to July, Jeep showed off a Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept just hours before Ford pulled the covers off its hotly anticipated born-again Bronco.

Under the hood of the Wrangler concept is a 6.4-litre petrol V8 – the same engine powering the Chrysler 300 SRT – delivering a substantial 336kW/609Nm punch, though whether this engine makes it into the production car is unclear.

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The Instagram post clarifies that it is showing a preproduction model, but that the new model will be “available 2021” and accompanies the post with the hashtag “NotAConcept”.

A newer post went live earlier today captioned “adventure with power” and the same preproduction disclaimer and 2021 launch date, so expect an announcement from Jeep with more details soon.

Will the model come to Australia though?

Jeep Australia boss Kevin Flynn previously told CarsGuide that the local division is keen to expand its performance SUV line-up if the V8 Wrangler is available in right-hand-drive form.

Jeep Australia’s current Wrangler range kicks off at $51,950 before on-road costs for the Sport S, and tops out at $67,450 for the Unlimited Rubicon, but is powered exclusively by a 209kW/347Nm 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, leaving plenty room at the top for a potential performance halo.

We’ll have to wait and see if Jeep gives the green light to a RHD version, but Jeep Australia currently counts two other SUVs in its performance car stable – the Grand Cherokee SRT and Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.

The former is powered by the same 6.4-litre Hemi V8 as the Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept, though tuned to 344kW/624Nm, and is priced from $92,450.

From a standstill, the Grand Cherokee SRT will reach 100km/h in just 4.9 seconds thanks to its four-wheel-drive traction and eight-speed automatic transmission.

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The flagship Trackhawk meanwhile, is fitted with the supercharged 6.2-litre V8 from the Dodge Challenger Hellcat, developing a substantial 522kW/868Nm for a zero-to-100km/h run in just 3.7s.

Pricing, however, also rises commensurate to performance, with the Trackhawk wearing a $139,950 sticker price in Australia.