Stellantis has just launched an all-new inline-six engine that's capable of producing over 500 hp. More important than that power figure these days, the automaker says, is its ability to burn less fuel than the V8s and turbo sixes of the competition.
The 3.0L twin-turbo I6 engine is called Hurricane, and is set to arrive at dealers this year.
An inline layout is an inherently smooth design, thanks to having the cylinders all acting on the same plane. It's why BMW and Mercedes-Benz continue to produce I6 engines, despite it requiring a longer engine bay than a V6 or V8. The engine will also share some key dimensions with the 2.0L four-cylinder the automaker already uses in its PHEV models, hinting strongly that there is a shared architecture to help lower costs.
The Hurricane will be offered in two main flavours, though each will be slightly tweaked for the vehicles where they're installed. The standard-output (SO) Hurricane is aimed at fuel economy. It will make 400 hp and 450 lb-ft and has features like cooled exhaust gas recirculation and the ability to run on 87 octane. High-output (HO) versions of the engine are said to make more than 500 hp and 450 lb-ft with larger turbochargers and stronger pistons.
As both Hurricane engines are set to become the primary power choice in body-on-frame models like the Ram 1500 and Jeep Wagoneer as well as other large Stellantis group vehicles, the automaker emphasizes that the engine should still deliver improved fuel economy when towing. Fuel economy in demanding applications has long been an Achilles heel of small turbo engines in large vehicles.
Stellantis said that vehicles with this engine will be on sale by the end of the year, but did not specify which vehicles would be first. Expect an announcement to come later in the year, closer to the launch of those models.
