I am basically a realist, so I have to ask: What possible reason would the manufacturer have to put in a better engine when they already have more orders then they can fill? PLEASE, give me a good reason. I would love to be able to see a ray of hope that I will be able to trade in my 2003 rubicon for a new one. I honestly feel that it is the best car I have ever owned. However, when the AC kicks in and I loose all abilty to accelerate I really crave for about 100 more horse power.

Your 100% right, BUT the 3.8's life is over and it will be replaced by 2009

Jason

tmedlock-
I read you, and I am a realist, too. First, let's backtrack... it seems DCX swapped to the 3.8L-V6 for a few reasons:

1) Reportedly, the 4.0L-I6 could no longer meet emisisions req'ts and the architecture (and tooling) was getting old.
2) The 3.8L-V6 minivan transplant was considered to be a good, dependable choice for an upgrade with slightly higher HP/ft-lbs numbers (but less lower end grunt...) and was expected to be "good enough" for the JKs... without having to spend a lot of $$$ on a completely new powertrain redesign, in addition to the $$$ for the redesign of the rest of the vehicle. And they thought we wouldn't notice or care. So far, the sales numbers prove their case.
3) Based on preliminary MPG numbers DCX was publishing on their corporate website, they initially expected MUCH improved mileage... but it seems as though the added weight of the JKs made that a wash... (Watch for those numbers to dip further when the new EPA rules come into effect!)

After all that, the JK sales have been exceptional. Bravo, DCX! But, rather than "bad" news, it may be good news for those of us who want more power/torque. With the profits from huge JK sales, there is sufficient (boardroom) justification to add variants & special editions to the successful JK platform, regardless how (poorly) the rest of the company may be doing. That is, the tendency is to "expand on the success" of a profitable platform. That's just how the auto industry thinks.

And it would also remedy all the bad reviews citing "lacking power/grunt".

So, as to the glimmer of hope we have... Remember when the PT Cruiser came out & the sales went through the roof? Consider how many variants have been added since! I'm expecting the same strategy for the JK platform.

So, it's very possible that --even PRIOR to the Phoenix V6 engines coming in a few years-- we may see the 4.0L-V6 aluminum block (Nitro R/T) in the JKs, as an option, and soon! We may also see the retro-Scrambler soon, which would be a nice surprise, especially with the 4.0L-V6.

Of course, I'd LIKE to see the 4.7L-V8-HO, but I know I'm dreaming there. (You can get one here, though: [url=http://www.burnsvilleoffroad.com/] at Burnsville Offroad!

Or, if you'd like to upgrade your existing 4.0L-I6, you can always transplant a Golen 4.6L stroker, or install a supercharger... but it'll cost ya...

. . . but you left out of your comments that many professional reviewers of the new engine say it is adequate. What they do say is that the driver will have to adapt their driving skills/habits to the new engine.

Also, will that 4.0 V-6 provide the low end torque you are so adamant about?

Who cares about competitior's engines. If you are that concerned, than I would say you need to look into buying a Suzuki.