Head of Jeep Brand Jim Morrison Says No More V8s at NYC Auto Show

Most likely no 392 Gladiator…

https://carbuzz.com/news/jeep-says-the-future-of-performance-is-not-a-v8

https://www.motorbiscuit.com/jeep-news-no-v8-grand-cherokees-gladiators-trailhawk-dead/

 

[hardhat]

You know what......this is just a shame.....I'm all for fuel efficiency and reducing energy usage, but electrification is just not there yet. We don't have an electric grid that can handle a bunch of people charging cars. Plus where I live, our power comes from a coal/oil fired steam turbine generator. Unless you live in a place where you get your energy from nuclear, wind, solar, hydro or geothermal, then you are still burning fossil fuels to drive your car.. Only now you are burning fuel to spin a turbine, make electricity, transmit power to point of use, drop voltage with transformer, charge batteries, and finally use that stored electricity to drive motors to make car go. I bet you burn just as much, if not more fossil fuel in this process considering losses at every point of the way of electrical transmission/conversion. Especially if you consider energy spent to make batteries.

There is no way on this earth that a 500hp 3.0 6cyl will be as durable as a 6.4 v8. Way higher stresses across the board. Nor will it sound as cool.

I am thrilled with the performance of my 392. Love the way it sounds. Getting 14.6 mpg right now which is better than my 2007 tundra at 13.9. I hope I get to drive it for many years to come. Even though I have tried to modify almost every vehicle I've ever had for more power, I don't feel the need to do that in this Jeep. It is such a beast just the way it is. Strongly considering getting the 7y/unlimited miles warranty and just driving the wheels off of it...

If this is the final hoorah for v8's, then it is a good one, but killing the hellcat sucks.

 

[RugbyRef]

Nor will it sound as cool.

Amen.

 

[Uncommon Sense]

You know what......this is just a shame.....I'm all for fuel efficiency and reducing energy usage, but electrification is just not there yet. We don't have an electric grid that can handle a bunch of people charging cars. Plus where I live, our power comes from a coal/oil fired steam turbine generator. Unless you live in a place where you get your energy from nuclear, wind, solar, hydro or geothermal, then you are still burning fossil fuels to drive your car.. Only now you are burning fuel to spin a turbine, make electricity, transmit power to point of use, drop voltage with transformer, charge batteries, and finally use that stored electricity to drive motors to make car go. I bet you burn just as much, if not more fossil fuel in this process considering losses at every point of the way of electrical transmission/conversion. Especially if you consider energy spent to make batteries.

There is no way on this earth that a 500hp 3.0 6cyl will be as durable as a 6.4 v8. Way higher stresses across the board. Nor will it sound as cool.

I am thrilled with the performance of my 392. Love the way it sounds. Getting 14.6 mpg right now which is better than my 2007 tundra at 13.9. I hope I get to drive it for many years to come. Even though I have tried to modify almost every vehicle I've ever had for more power, I don't feel the need to do that in this Jeep. It is such a beast just the way it is. Strongly considering getting the 7y/unlimited miles warranty and just driving the wheels off of it...

If this is the final hoorah for v8's, then it is a good one, but killing the hellcat sucks.

Times change and technology advances. Simple old school v8s will be missed but people will get used to 4s, 6s, electric, hybrids and whatever else winds up being developed. As long as the performance is there, the general public won't care. Car aficionados may collect or care but we are an insignificant part of the market.

I'm jumping on the 392 as it will be the last of an era although I wouldn't be surprised if the new i6 actually performs better. We will see.

I don't necessarily agree with government influencing the market with onerous regulations; but unless people get out to the polls consistently and let their voices be heard, it is what it is....

 

[jchrisbauer13]

You know what......this is just a shame.....I'm all for fuel efficiency and reducing energy usage, but electrification is just not there yet. We don't have an electric grid that can handle a bunch of people charging cars. Plus where I live, our power comes from a coal/oil fired steam turbine generator. Unless you live in a place where you get your energy from nuclear, wind, solar, hydro or geothermal, then you are still burning fossil fuels to drive your car.. Only now you are burning fuel to spin a turbine, make electricity, transmit power to point of use, drop voltage with transformer, charge batteries, and finally use that stored electricity to drive motors to make car go. I bet you burn just as much, if not more fossil fuel in this process considering losses at every point of the way of electrical transmission/conversion. Especially if you consider energy spent to make batteries.

There is no way on this earth that a 500hp 3.0 6cyl will be as durable as a 6.4 v8. Way higher stresses across the board. Nor will it sound as cool.

I am thrilled with the performance of my 392. Love the way it sounds. Getting 14.6 mpg right now which is better than my 2007 tundra at 13.9. I hope I get to drive it for many years to come. Even though I have tried to modify almost every vehicle I've ever had for more power, I don't feel the need to do that in this Jeep. It is such a beast just the way it is. Strongly considering getting the 7y/unlimited miles warranty and just driving the wheels off of it...

If this is the final hoorah for v8's, then it is a good one, but killing the hellcat sucks.

Agree with all said. The actual hard truth about electric vehicles is that the environmental impact caused by mining/production/"refueling"/disposal is as bad or worse than that of standard ICE vehicles - most sources say you need to get 100,000 miles out of one before you break even on carbon footprint - then it is probably time to throw out the new battery and start the process all over. Also, if one believes oil is a finite resource( as it truly is) then consider how finite the rare metals are that are used in current battery technology - definitely not a sustainable option and those mines simply destroy the land they are on. Anyhow, we can certainly enjoy our V8s while we got 'em!!

 

[Uncommon Sense]

Agree with all said. The actual hard truth about electric vehicles is that the environmental impact caused by mining/production/"refueling"/disposal is as bad or worse than that of standard ICE vehicles - most sources say you need to get 100,000 miles out of one before you break even on carbon footprint - then it is probably time to throw out the new battery and start the process all over. Also, if one believes oil is a finite resource( as it truly is) then consider how finite the rare metals are that are used in current battery technology - definitely not a sustainable option and those mines simply destroy the land they are on. Anyhow, we can certainly enjoy our V8s while we got 'em!!

I agree, all they are doing is shifting where the nasty stuff is.... you still need to mine lithium and other rare minerals, plus produce more electricity to charge the cars. The only difference is that air may be cleaner in a city since you won't have as many individual cars producing emissions which I guess is a benefit, but at what cost?

I am not convinced there is a true net gain across the entire system. I like electric cars but in no way do I think they are environmentally friendlier.

 

[Tejas392]

I would not say oil, or more specifically hydrocarbons, are a finite resource. Most of the oil in any field is still in the ground, typically only the easiest to get is taken out, and new extraction technologies vastly change the amount considered available. Interestingly, lots of research is pointing to the fact that it replenishes itself as well. Along with new technology that reduces the harmful emissions it is still the most efficient and cost effective source of energy for freedom of movement for the most people.

 

[Uncommon Sense]

I would not say oil, or more specifically hydrocarbons, are a finite resource. Most of the oil in any field is still in the ground, typically only the easiest to get is taken out, and new extraction technologies vastly change the amount considered available. Interestingly, lots of research is pointing to the fact that it replenishes itself as well. Along with new technology that reduces the harmful emissions it is still the most efficient and cost effective source of energy for freedom of movement for the most people.

Yup. And people forget that many other products are made with hydrocarbons. Cars going electric still doesn't change you need hydrocarbons for roads, plastics, roofing, etc. So drilling and refining won't go anywhere.

 

[bwoodbmw]

One of the main reasons I bought my 392 was the fact that it felt like a swan song vehicle. It was clear that the days of fire breathing V8s are numbered and to have one in a wrangler made it special enough to jump in. As soon as ford announced the bronco raptor was to have a V6 instead of a V8 it was game over for the 392. It'll be fascinating to see how many in total get produced.

 

[Uncommon Sense]

One of the main reasons I bought my 392 was the fact that it felt like a swan song vehicle. It was clear that the days of fire breathing V8s are numbered and to have one in a wrangler made it special enough to jump in. As soon as ford announced the bronco raptor was to have a V6 instead of a V8 it was game over for the 392. It'll be fascinating to see how many in total get produced.

The 392 is kind of a unicorn vehicle imho which is why I pulled the trigger. Seems like a fairly low number produced. I know they are pretty rare around here. Probably won't run past next year. A huge powerful v8 in a brick of a car that really shouldn't have it. I really think 392s won't depreciate much at all as long as the owner doesn't angry eye it to death with stupid bro dozer mods or bash the crap out of it on the trails.

 

[Yaak392]

You know what......this is just a shame.....I'm all for fuel efficiency and reducing energy usage, but electrification is just not there yet. We don't have an electric grid that can handle a bunch of people charging cars. Plus where I live, our power comes from a coal/oil fired steam turbine generator. Unless you live in a place where you get your energy from nuclear, wind, solar, hydro or geothermal, then you are still burning fossil fuels to drive your car.. Only now you are burning fuel to spin a turbine, make electricity, transmit power to point of use, drop voltage with transformer, charge batteries, and finally use that stored electricity to drive motors to make car go. I bet you burn just as much, if not more fossil fuel in this process considering losses at every point of the way of electrical transmission/conversion. Especially if you consider energy spent to make batteries.

There is no way on this earth that a 500hp 3.0 6cyl will be as durable as a 6.4 v8. Way higher stresses across the board. Nor will it sound as cool.

I am thrilled with the performance of my 392. Love the way it sounds. Getting 14.6 mpg right now which is better than my 2007 tundra at 13.9. I hope I get to drive it for many years to come. Even though I have tried to modify almost every vehicle I've ever had for more power, I don't feel the need to do that in this Jeep. It is such a beast just the way it is. Strongly considering getting the 7y/unlimited miles warranty and just driving the wheels off of it...

If this is the final hoorah for v8's, then it is a good one, but killing the hellcat sucks.

Great piece, All Things Considered... and we don't take into account the disposal of the EV batteries and all the heavy metals and toxic chemicals that are in the batteries. I can't even fathom the expense of disposing of all those heavy metals in landfills? That will never happen. What are they going to do with all the expired batteries, dump them in the ocean? No, the answer will be an extra charge to the EV consumer, a special fee to cover the recycling of the batteries.
Batteries are not the answer yet.

 

[333_Oahu392]

One of the main reasons I bought my 392 was the fact that it felt like a swan song vehicle. It was clear that the days of fire breathing V8s are numbered and to have one in a wrangler made it special enough to jump in. As soon as ford announced the bronco raptor was to have a V6 instead of a V8 it was game over for the 392. It'll be fascinating to see how many in total get produced.

I, for one, sincerely hope they limit production but we all know the name of the game with Chrysler is to make money. They will continue to make as many as they think they can sell.

 

[HearHear]

I’m an honest to God hypocrite. I hate fossil fuels, wish they’d disappear. But I love my 392. Love the V8 sound, the power on demand, etc.. and the reason I bought this was sentimental really. My first car back in the ‘80’s was a used early 1970’s V8 Buick. Great car with lots of power. And I never had a V8 since, just boring V6’s that sounded dull in comparison. My wife moved on to hybrid electric/gas recently. I thought I’d be moving to hybrids myself. When this V8 Wrangler came out, though, I knew I had to have it. My last hurrah. Came full circle with my first V8 car. Although I now hate being part of the “problem”, I’ll just enjoy my last V8 I’ll ever own, for a while.

 

[The Judge]

Waiting 6 weeks so far and working 7 days per week. This toy is expensive!!. After obsessing over my last jku I had to pull the trigger. I ordered a 2.0 but canceled as it was eating away at me that I didnt get the 392. So I took 2x days of work. The wait has me thinking if I should have gotten an xr. But it was an xtra 6k cause it was fully loaded. At the end, I keep going back to liking the hard top and the black paint.

 

[JeepnJam]

I agree, all they are doing is shifting where the nasty stuff is.... you still need to mine lithium and other rare minerals, plus produce more electricity to charge the cars. The only difference is that air may be cleaner in a city since you won't have as many individual cars producing emissions which I guess is a benefit, but at what cost?

I am not convinced there is a true net gain across the entire system. I like electric cars but in no way do I think they are environmentally friendlier.

Rare metals are mostly controlled by China by either owning the mines, shipping routes or a combination of both.

 

[Uncommon Sense]

Rare metals are mostly controlled by China by either owning the mines, shipping routes or a combination of both.

I know which from a national security standpoint is not a good position to be in for something so critical.

 

[Jeepstin392]

We at least had time on this orb to truly appreciate the experience of modified V8’s.

 

[hardhat]

We at least had time on this orb to truly appreciate the experience of modified V8’s.

We drove to a nearby town yesterday so got to do some highway and city driving. Got to pass some folks, do some cruising, leave some people at stoplights and just enjoy the rest of the ride. My wife asked me if I like the Jeep as much as I did my Mustang convertible..

I told her that this is my favorite vehicle I have ever had...and it really is. Everything else feels like a compromise. The 392 has great performance, awesome sound, utility, offroad capability.............Just checks so many boxes. It also seems like a happy, low stress vehicle. Like it could keep on delivering the goods forever. Feels so solid and never feels like it is working hard... Time will tell, but I would almost bet that the 6.4 will hold up longer than the other engine options.
The 3.6 engine was great, but sometimes I felt like I was really cracking the whip on it to get it to go. The 6.4 is just a big throbbing mass the delivers its awesome power with seemingly no effort.

My poor daughter just got her learner's permit and she is going to be completely ruined after learning to drive in our vehicles. Will be in for a rude awakening when she has to get a "regular" car.......

 

[redrubi]

Great piece, All Things Considered... and we don't take into account the disposal of the EV batteries and all the heavy metals and toxic chemicals that are in the batteries. I can't even fathom the expense of disposing of all those heavy metals in landfills? That will never happen. What are they going to do with all the expired batteries, dump them in the ocean? No, the answer will be an extra charge to the EV consumer, a special fee to cover the recycling of the batteries.
Batteries are not the answer yet.

Just like Catalytic Converters getting hacked off for scrap, I would bet that there is a high value for recycling the batteries. Not to mention that every manufacture has different warranties

 

[redrubi]

We at least had time on this orb to truly appreciate the experience of modified V8’s.

Not to mention several variations from single cylinders all the way up to V-16`s plus the radial engines and at 58 years old I understand the benefit of electric cars/trucks. It is not new technology, the first electric cars were from the 1890`s and some of us have had the ability to play around with them. People still think that a train that ruins on diesel it is used for the propulsion, when it actually powers a electric generator to provide power to the "trucks" wheel assemblies and most mining equipment is electric and the Azipod`s for ships that can allow them to turn within their overall length