Fiat Chrysler Reportedly Plans Turbo Four-Cylinder for Next Jeep Wrangler
Jeep is considering a range of new powertrain options for the next-generation Wrangler, from a gas V-6 (like the one it uses today) to a plug-in-hybrid setup and even?finally!?a diesel. Apparently, there’s yet another possibility for what’s under the hood of the development mule seen in this spy photo: a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Fiat Chrysler insiders told Automotive News as much, even going so far as to give up the engine’s code name, “Hurricane.”
The Jeep fanboys out there might recognize the Hurricane name, as it was applied to a Willys four-cylinder engine that powered early Jeep CJ models starting in the 1950s. Beyond its name association to a classic Jeep engine, however, the new FCA Hurricane four is said to be completely modern. Following industry trends toward 0.5-liter-per-cylinder engine displacements, the four-pot Hurricane will be a 2.0-liter aluminum engine with twin-scroll turbocharging and direct fuel injection. It is reportedly capable of making up to 300 horsepower. Apparently, Fiat Chrysler will look to the turbo four?in conjunction with the eight-speed automatic it builds under license from ZF?to be the “efficient” Wrangler engine option. (We reached out to Jeep for comment but, as with all things New Wrangler, the automaker is keeping tight-lipped.) It’s a logical step, given how many automakers are working to “downsize” their powertrains with smaller-displacement engines boosted...
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