I'm all for the 2.8 since it's what gives the power we need and want and it's an easier move for Jeep, something that makes it easier to offer us than to bring something completely new.
JL Wrangler Powertrain Talk!
We've talked about the JL's body, chassis and potential for a pickup but now lets talk power.
First up, its safe to assume the JL will continue to offer the Pentastar V6, in all likelyhood it will remain the Wranglers standard engine. The Pentastar has undergone a rework for the 2016 Model Year with most of the work going into reducing pumping loses and internal friction. FCA claims the new V6 offers 15% better torque below 3,000 RPM, fuel economy improves 6%.
Sticking to gasoline there are also rumours that the JL could make use of oft rumoured Hurricane Turbo 4 cylinder. Its thought that the Hurricane could be built in 2 flavours 2.0 and 2.4, the 2.4 could potentially reach 300 hp and be a suitable replacement for the V6. Jeep could offer the Hurricane 2.4T as an upgrade engine over the Pentastar for those interested in fuel economy.
On the diesel front its thought that Jeep could offer up the Wrangler with an oil burner for the first time in America. The most likely candidate is the VM Motori 2.8L 4 cylinder turbo diesel. Jeep engineers would already be familiar with this engine as its offered as an option on European Wranglers. There is also potential for it to use the 2.0 MultiJet diesel from the Renegade, however that might be too underpowered for American tastes, making 103 hp and 258 lb-ft of twist. The last option could come from the UK Cherokee, the 2.2L MultiJet II makes 200 hp and 324 lb-ft of torque.
There has also been talk of Jeep considering a mild hybrid model, but few details are available from Jeep outside of a few coments about instant torque delivery. "You have the potential for hybrid powertrains in the future. For those people who use the Wrangler, the most important thing is the initial torque and the crawl ratio.”
