Stellantis debuts Hurricane twin-turbo straight-six engine that rivals V8s

DETROIT: Stellantis has revealed its new, 3.0-litre, twin-turbo, inline, six-cylinder engine, named Hurricane, that delivers better fuel economy and fewer emissions than larger engines while at the same time generates more horsepower and torque than many competitors’ naturally aspirated V8 and boosted six-cylinder powerplants.

Designed with an inherently smooth-running I-6 configuration and state-of-the-art technology, the Hurricane twin-turbo’s architecture enables Stellantis propulsion systems engineers to create two distinct variants:

> Standard Output (SO): Optimised for fuel economy, including the use of cooled exhaust gas circulation (EGR), while delivering enhanced power and torque (more than 400hp/612Nm of torque)

> High Output (HO): Optimised for great performance (more than 500hp/644Nm) while maintaining significant fuel economy during heavy use, such as towing.

The Hurricane twin-turbo achieves this V8-rivalling performance while being up to 15% more efficient than larger engines.

“As Stellantis aims to become the US leader in electrification, with a 50% battery-electric vehicle (BEV) sales mix by 2030, internal combustion engines will play a key role in our portfolio for years to come and we owe it to our customers and the environment to provide the cleanest, most efficient propulsion possible,” said Micky Bly, Stellantis head of propulsion systems.

“The Hurricane twin-turbo is a no-compromise engine that delivers better fuel economy and an important reduction in greenhouse gases without asking our customers to give up performance.”

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is part of Stellantis’ commitment to cut its carbon footprint by 50% by 2030 and to lead the transportation industry by achieving Net Carbon Zero by 2038. Those goals are key elements of the Stellantis Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan.

The Hurricane twin-turbo flexes its muscle with a broad, flat torque band that sees the engine maintain at least 90% of peak torque from 2,350 rpm all the way to its red line.

Specific horsepower and torque ratings will vary based on vehicle. The first vehicles powered by the Hurricane twin-turbo I-6 reach dealership showrooms this year.

The 3.0-litre Hurricane twin-turbo I-6 shares design features, including bore and stroke and cylinder spacing, with the globally produced turbocharged 2.0-litre I-4.

In North America, the 2.0-litre engine is currently available in the Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler 4xe, Cherokee and recently launched Grand Cherokee 4xe.

The Hurricane twin-turbo I-6 is the primary internal combustion power plant of the future in North America for vehicles using the STLA Large and STLA Frame platforms.

The 3.0-litre Hurricane twin-turbo I-6 is produced at Stellantis’ Saltillo engine plant in Mexico.