The old saying that there’s “no replacement for displacement” isn’t quite as accurate as it once was. Turbochargers and the latest engine designs have made it possible to extract major power from smaller, more efficient power plants. Stellantis‘ latest announcement proves this point, as its new Hurricane inline-six-cylinder engine will generate big power numbers from a relatively modest 3.0 liters and two turbos.
Stellantis says two variants will be available. The standard output version produces more than 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, while a high output variant delivers more than 500 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. The twin-turbo inline-six delivers that power with up to 15 percent better fuel efficiency.
It’s not yet clear which vehicles will get the engine.Stellantis
The new engine comes as Stellantis works to position itself for an electrified future. The automaker stated a goal of 50 percent a 50 percent battery electric vehicle mix by 2030, but notes that gas engines will still play a major role in its vehicle line for years to come. “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,” said Micky Bly, Stellantis head of propulsion systems.
At this point, it’s unclear which vehicles will get the new engine, but Stellantis’ brands are packed with opportunities. Dodge, whose Hellcat-powered muscle cars could be a good candidate, and then there’s Jeep, with a line of off-road-ready SUVs that could greatly benefit from such an engine. The Hurricane’s projected high output of 500 horsepower puts it behind the Hellcat engines power output, but it’s still strong enough to make a seriously quick vehicle.
