7 SLOT MUSCLE

BACK in the day, and we are talking about the ’60s, Detroit was churning out high-output big-displacement V8s like burgers from a McDonalds’ drive-through. But the energy crisis of the ’70s gave pause, and the added burden of the 1980s’ emissions requirements choked the life blood out of any dreams of hot-rodding around with a HEMI behind a seven-slot grille. Yes, the Grand Cherokee made impressive strides with the SRT8, but it has been nearly four decades since a CJ-7 rolled out of Auburn Hills (Michigan) with the 5.0-litre (304cid) engine. But what about the Wrangler? It has led the brand for 35 years but has been relegated to six and four-cylinder engines … until now. Enter the Wrangler Rubicon 392.

We were near Moab, Utah, for the Easter Jeep Safari and I slowed down to 40mph (64km/h) at the