[FlameRedJK]

Some might balk at four-cylinders, but with 300hp and a modern transmission, this will probably be the powertrain option to choose. Maybe we'll see 30 MPG and 300hp from a Wrangler very soon?!?!

http://www.autonews.com/article/201...-0-liter-turbo-4-banger-to-make-nearly-300-hp

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.

 

[JeepFan]

As nice as that will be I just hope these powerplants are reliable since it's a lot of power to come out of a 4 banger. All that power is cool but being unreliable can be a deal breaker. Almost rather buy something with a bigger displacement engine instead.

 

[gladiator]

It's a 2.0 Liter engine that's probably good for just over 200hp without turbo, and being an engine engineered with turbos in mind we're dealing with the best case scenario here. Might be little room to push for ECU tuning to extract more, might not even be worth it, but anything more might start to impact reliability.

 

[geezer1]

Reliability seems to be spotty with the turbocharged 4 bangers out there right now, but nothing we can draw an absolute conclusion from. Everybody is going to them to satisfy the regulations regarding MPG. Maybe that's a good thing... the more testing/improvements along the way, the better. Longevity has to be an issue with these little guys producing 300 HP, for sure. I'm inclined, right now anyway, to go for an naturally aspirated V6 ahead of the turbocharged 4 cylinder based on what I suspect will be be a short life for the latter. But that's right now. Let's see how these engines do in the vehicles all the makers are currently putting them in. Another year or so should give us a pretty good idea as to how they'll do in the Wrangler and maybe give us a clue as to expected longevity. The Europeans have been turbocharging their 4 cyl diesels for years, but of course the diesel is a much beefier built engine than gas and uses a slower turbo, etc. Gas to diesel is pretty much apples to oranges. Any other thoughts on this?

 

[Johnson]

The turbo 4 bangers are definitely going to be getting pushed more than ever. Like you said, satisfies the MPG but also produces v6 power capabilities. Before, we would be more able to say that reliability has to be compromised, but now, I don't think so. The technology that we have now is getting quite ridiculous. We have variable displacement engines which was pretty much unheard of or even thought about. I think this should work very well, especially in the Wranglers. Should be good with the torque, and depending on size we could hit peak torque around 3-4k easy.

 

[geezer1]

The turbo 4 bangers are definitely going to be getting pushed more than ever. Like you said, satisfies the MPG but also produces v6 power capabilities. Before, we would be more able to say that reliability has to be compromised, but now, I don't think so. The technology that we have now is getting quite ridiculous. We have variable displacement engines which was pretty much unheard of or even thought about. I think this should work very well, especially in the Wranglers. Should be good with the torque, and depending on size we could hit peak torque around 3-4k easy.

I hope you're right, Johnson. I would sure like to feel better about reliability. As you stated, technology is growing leaps and bounds in this regard. I'm sure you and I will be watching it pretty close for the next year.

 

[Johnson]

I hope you're right, Johnson. I would sure like to feel better about reliability. As you stated, technology is growing leaps and bounds in this regard. I'm sure you and I will be watching it pretty close for the next year.

Extremely closely. It's gonna be real interesting lol, just gotta stay optimistic.

 

[Jeepernator]

Won't be surprised is most of the torque is delivered at low RPMs for off road driving and 300 hp is substantial. Reliability should be fine as long as you aren't trying to squeeze out too much more power from the four cylinders, that could reduce the vehicle's reliability.

 

[Johnson]

Peak torque should be able to be delivered by 3-4k rpm. That's when you'll really need it and especially for going off-roading, thats the ideal range there.

 

[Jeepernator]

Maybe even a bit lower at around 2,500rpm? Depending on where you go, the wrangler could be crawling at very low RPMs.

 

[gladiator]

Worst case scenario you get a tune that brings more power to the lower end as well as areas of the power band that blend into that. Also they can in ways with the proper application of a transmission make it feel like this thing makes better power in the low end.

 

[Johnson]

2,500rpm is kinda low to hit peak torque I think. By the time you get to third gear, you're rpm is already beyond 2500rpm if not extremely close so it doesn't really make sense.