Topic: Return of the 4Banger?

[Jeffy]

Next-gen Jeep Wrangler to pack 300-hp Hurricane turbo four - http://www.autoblog.com/2016/05/09/jeep-wrangler-hurricane-turbo-four-report/?ncid=edlinkusauto00000016

Fiat Chrysler has been working for some time now on a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Dubbed "Hurricane," the engine is now said to produce nearly 300 horsepower. And its first application could be in the next-generation Jeep Wrangler.

With that much power coming from such a small engine, the Hurricane would offer an even higher level of specific output than the 1.75-liter engine in the Alfa Romeo 4C – one of FCA's highest-stressed engines – far eclipsing the 4C's 120 horsepower per liter with 150 hp/l. By way of comparison, the latest 2.0-liter, four-cylinder version of Ford's EcoBoost engine produces "only" 245 hp (122.5 hp/l). The 2.0-liter turbo four in the latest Mercedes-AMG CLA45 and GLA45, however, produces 375 hp.

To get so much out of so little an engine, FCA will utilize a twin-scroll turbocharger and variable valve timing. That could make it ideally suited towards a compact performance model, but according to Automotive News, its first application could be in the new the Wrangler. The larger 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 produces 285 hp, nearly as much as the Hurricane will. But with a smaller engine, an eight-speed transmission, and aluminum construction, the new Jeep will likely benefit from dramatically-improved fuel consumption.

[chardrc]

The question is will it have any low end torque. Will be interesting to find out how it works in the new wrangler...

[sharpxmen]

The question is will it have any low end torque. Will be interesting to find out how it works in the new wrangler...

i think that's why it comes with an 8 spd, pentastar is probably better in that respect (although you never know with the technology these days what they get out of it)

[jfrabat]

With the 8-speed, I figure the will not be much problem in the low end...  If they take the first few gears a bit lower than normal, it should be just fine.

[Jeffy]

I suspect the engine is going to have a flat torque band.  There are a lot of 2.0L's that are turbo'ed that currently have pretty flat torque bands.  The only problem with many of them is that people feel they have no life to them since there's no peak but that's not a problem for Jeep owners.  They want a turbo engine that's more like a N/A.

[dwtaylorpdx]

Wasn't the Hurricane what they called one of the original Willy's motors?

[chardrc]

Hurricane was the F head 4 banger (replaced the original L head go-devil engine).