A new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that Fiat Chrysler will build starting next year will likely debut as an option on the next-generation Jeep Wrangler -- to the tune of almost 300 hp.
FCA announced in late April that it would invest $75 million in its Trenton Engine Complex south of Detroit to produce a new four-cylinder engine on a flexible line at the plant. The line had been producing FCA's 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6.
The new 2.0-liter, code-named Hurricane, is a high-output, direct-injected inline-four with variable valve timing and a twin-scroll turbocharger, according to sources. The aluminum block engine is expected to make almost 300 hp, a source with knowledge of the project told Automotive News.
Details of FCA's next-generation inline-four were previewed in May 2014 by Bob Lee, FCA's global head of powertrain, during a presentation to investors.
FCA produces another, less powerful, 2.0-liter inline-four at its Dundee Engine Plant that is used in the Dodge Dart and Jeep Compass and Patriot. That naturally aspirated engine produces about 160 hp.
The Hurricane is likely to debut as a fuel-saving option on the next-generation Jeep Wrangler, due next year.
CEO Sergio Marchionne has hinted that the next-generation Wrangler would have an optional four-cylinder to go with its new eight-speed automatic transmission. That would provide a significant fuel economy increase over the current Wrangler's six-cylinder/five-speed automatic combination that yields just 17 mpg city/21 highway.
