Stellantis, the world’s fourth-largest automaker, is developing new internal combustion engines that will power its trucks and SUVs for years to come. One of the most exciting products of this effort is the Hurricane engine, a twin-turbocharged inline-six that promises to deliver impressive performance and efficiency.

What Is The Hurricane Engine?

The Hurricane engine is a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine that Stellantis introduced in March 2022 as a future replacement for the venerable HEMI V8. The engine is designed for longitudinal applications and will fit in current vehicles that have a V6 or V8. It debuted with two versions, one of standard output (SO,) and one of high output (HO), both featuring a start-stop system but designed for more extensive electrification in the future.

The standard output Hurricane engine produces more than 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque at a maximum of 5,800 rpm. The high-output variant delivers more than 500 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque at up to 6,100 rpm in their initial configurations.

These are HEMI horsepower figures, so fans of the current V8 may start to sweat. Especially when considering the potential to offer hybrid variants, which are planned, though the engine will not launch with a hybrid configuration. Engineers say the new engines maintain at least 90 percent of peak torque from 2,350 rpm all the way to redline.

What Are The Specs Of The Hurricane?

The Hurricane engine is a clean-sheet design that incorporates several advanced technologies to achieve its high performance and efficiency. Some of these features include:

• A dual-scroll turbocharger for each cylinder bank, with electronically controlled wastegates and variable geometry turbines. The turbos are integrated into the exhaust manifold and feature water-cooled bearings for durability.
• An injection system that operates at up to 35 MPa (5,076 psi) of pressure, with six-hole injectors and dual fuel pumps. The system also uses cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) on the SO version to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy.
• The dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain has four valves per cylinder and variable valve timing (VVT) on both intake and exhaust sides. The cams are driven by a silent chain and feature hydraulic lash adjusters for low maintenance.
• An aluminum cylinder block and head with a closed-deck design and an integrated bedplate for strength and rigidity. The block also features oil squirters for piston cooling and friction reduction.
• A forged steel crankshaft with six counterweights and four main bearings. The crankshaft is balanced by a dual-mass flywheel and a torsional vibration damper.
• A forged steel connecting rod with a cracked cap design for precise fitment and reduced weight. The rod also features a diamond-like coating (DLC) on the pin bore for durability and friction reduction.
• A cast aluminum piston with a low-friction skirt coating and an optimized crown shape for high compression ratio and low knock tendency. The piston also features a cooling gallery and an oil scraper ring for thermal management and oil consumption control.

Why Is The Hurricane Engine Matter?

The Hurricane engine is important for several reasons. First, it shows that Stellantis is committed to providing the best possible propulsion solutions for its customers and the environment, even as it aims to become the U.S. leader in electrification. The Hurricane engine is expected to be up to 15 percent more efficient than larger engines and will meet all current, and future emissions standards in North America.

Second, it demonstrates that Stellantis is capable of innovating and competing in the global automotive market, especially against rivals like Ford and GM, who have also introduced new V8 engines. The Hurricane engine is claimed to be superior to its competitors in terms of power density, torque delivery, responsiveness, refinement, and packaging.

Third, it opens up new possibilities for Stellantis’ brands and models, especially Jeep, Ram, Dodge, and Chrysler, who have been relying on aging engines for too long. The Hurricane engine will offer a new level of performance and efficiency for vehicles like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Ram 1500, as well as future products based on the STLA Large and STLA Frame platforms. Stellantis is also offering its use to other automakers who may be interested in adopting it.

When Will We See The Hurricane Engine?

The Hurricane engine has already entered production in November 2021 at Stellantis’ plant in Saltillo,  The engine will be available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations, as well as with various transmission options.

The Hurricane engine is a storm that’s just about to hit land in the automotive industry, and it will soon unleash its power and efficiency on the roads. Stellantis is confident that its new engine will satisfy its customers and the environment, as well as challenge its competitors and attract new partners. The Hurricane engine is not just a new engine, but a new era for Stellantis.