Just weeks after telling us how it was going pretty much all-in on electric propulsion, Stellantis has unveiled a pair of gas-powered twin-turbo inline sixes, the hottest of which pumps out upwards of 500 hp (507 PS).
Called the Hurricane, the motors come in Standard and High Output versions, and even though the base engine is claimed to be optimised for fuel economy it still makes more than 400 hp (406 PS) and 450 lb-ft (610 Nm) of torque. That’s our kind of economy motor. Stellantis claims the new six delivers V8-grade performance while being 15 percent more fuel efficient than larger engines.
The HO version, on the other hand, is optimised for performance, and serves up “more than” 500 hp (507 PS) and 475 lb-ft (645 Nm) of torque. Both models measure 3.0-litres and feature an aluminium block with spray-in cylinder liners, plus forged steel crank and rods, suggesting they’ll be able to handle plenty of extra power when they hit the aftermarket tuning scene.
But while the SO uses cast aluminium pistons, runs a 10.4:1 compression ratio and prefers, but doesn’t insist on, Premium fuel, then HO gets forged pistons and has a lower 9.5:1 compression to work with turbo boost pressure that’s upped from 22 psi to 26 psi. The big guys only drinks the good stuff.
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Stellantis claims that exact performance figures will vary depending on the application, but promises that all will have a broad, flat torque curve that gives the driver access to 90 percent of peak torque from 2,350 rpm right the way through to the redline.
The new engines will be built at Stellantis’ Saltillo Engine Plant in Mexico and are referred to by the company as the “primary internal combustion power plant of the future in North America for vehicles using the STLA Large and STLA Frame platforms.” The STLA platform lineup will form the basis for the company’s new EVs, but we can expect the Hurricane engines to be mated to electric motors to create hybrids that bridge the gap between today’s gas cars and the fully electric vehicle of the next decade.
But before that happens it looks like we’ll see the Hurricane engines in much more familiar, existing vehicles. Stellantis says the engines will be available this year, and Automotive News reports that a photo of the engine appeared on the online configurator for the Grand Wagoneer on Thursday, showing the twin turbo six listed as a $2,000 option. The photo was later removed.
“As Stellantis aims to become the U.S. leader in electrification, with a 50% battery-electric vehicle (BEV) sales mix by 2030, internal combustion engines will play a key role in our portfolio for years to come,” said Micky Bly, Stellantis head of propulsion systems, at the announcement of the new engines.
“The Hurricane twin-turbo is a no-compromise engine that delivers better fuel economy and an important reduction in greenhouse gases without asking our customers to give up performance.”
Are you excited about these new inlines six-cylinder motors, or would you rather sacrifice a little economy and stick with a V8 in your Jeeps?