Automotive
Jeep has finally answered the thunderous calls of fans and confirmed that its pickup, the Gladiator, will receive a V8 under the hood, something we’ve called for many times in our review of the Jeep-pickup. In a recent media briefing, Jeep CEO Bob Broderdorf assured enthusiasts that the 6.4‑liter Hemi V8 engine will continue to have a place in the Jeep lineup. He addressed Wrangler and Gladiator fans and Hemi lovers in general with a clear message that brought relief and excitement.
For Jeep fans, this news was like opening holiday presents early. Imagine a four‑door pickup with removable doors and roof and a potent V8 ready to roar. Comments about the engine’s presence on the Rubicon Trail sparked excitement, even though those trails usually call for low‑speed precision rather than roaring horsepower. Still, that roar is exactly what fans love to hear.
The V8 had been expected to vanish after a series of “Final Edition” Wranglers, but clearly those editions were not so final. The 2024 model reached around $102,000, yet the engine survived into 2025. Now the Gladiator joins the party, promising more excitement and boosting both profit and “rowdy factor” in showrooms.
Not that the Wrangler 392 is fading away. It lives on indefinitely, bringing its gravel‑shaking performance to streets and trails alike. Broderdorf emphasized that Jeep intends to leverage the power and performance of the 6.4‑liter V8 across multiple models. The Grand Cherokee had dropped the eight‑cylinder entirely in 2024, but now there’s talk of a potential return for the 5.7 and possibly the 6.4 Hemi arriving as well.
Stellantis is clearly reviving the Hemi with vigor. The 2025 Ram 1500 brought it back as a “symbol of protest,” and the Hellcat‑powered TRX is reportedly returning under new Stellantis leadership. With that momentum behind it, the Wrangler 392 gains a muscular sibling in the Gladiator 392, turning “Final Edition” into anything but final. For those early adopters, it may sting a little, but for Jeep as a brand, this V8 renaissance is a wild ride worth embracing.
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Darryl Taylor Dowe is a seasoned automotive professional with a proven track record of leading successful ventures and providing strategic consultation across the automotive industry. With years of hands-on experience in both business operations and market development, Darryl has played a key role in helping automotive brands grow and adapt in a rapidly evolving landscape. His insight and leadership have earned him recognition as a trusted expert, and his contributions to Automotive Addicts reflect his deep knowledge and passion for the business side of the car world.
