Stellantis’ commitment is more than clear, full-fledged electrification and at all possible levels. A decision that has already had the immediate consequence of destroying the imposing V8 blocks that will be replaced by a new six-cylinder engine named Hurricane, of which we give you all the keys.
The vast majority of manufacturers are dispensing with brutal gasoline or diesel engines with V8 architecture. The only chance for them to stay on the market is for them to succumb to different levels of electrification in new models. While some bet on the 48 Volt MHEV technologymore limited in terms of performance and somewhat less in terms of efficiency, the most advanced go for the addition of an electric motor to achieve high-performance hybrids.
Other manufacturers have also realized that the same returns can be obtained by betting on six cylinder blocks, also reducing the weight of the propellant. And this is the approach new gasoline engine «Hurricane» developed by Stellantis specialist engineers. Intended, initially, for American Jeep, RAM and Dodge, its future models, including the exclusive “muscle-cars”, they will do without one of the true symbols that have been housed under the hood until now, the powerful naturally aspirated 5.7-liter HEMI V8.
Stellantis’ new Hurricane engine follows the line of competitors
The new Hurricane block follows the same path as other manufacturers, leaving aside the V and opposite bed layouts and developing a inline six-cylinder with 3.0 liters and two turbochargers, one for each three cylinders. These are the main qualities, and those responsible have already pointed out that the tests carried out have generated less fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, being even 15 per cent more efficient despite lower power and torque figures they are equivalent to those of a V8, thanks to less internal friction and heat loss, in addition to an “EGR” gas recirculation valve that is cooled.
For now, the initial performance yields high specifications, with a maximum power of 405 hp and a maximum torque of 610 Nmvalues that increase up to 507 hp and 646 Nm in the “High Output” variant. The arrangement of the turbochargers allows the delivery of the 90 percent of peak torque is fully available from as low as 2,350 rpm. In addition, compared to the different versions of the V8 Hemi, the specific power is also higher, at 133 hp/litre compared to 116 hp/litre for the Hellcat or 130 hp/l for the Demon.
This new engine is based on Alfa Romeo’s 2.0-litre turbo, having nothing to do with the Trident’s 3.0-liter Nettuno V6. In fact, the specifications for bore, spacing and stroke of the cylinders are exactly the same between the four-cylinder and the new six-cylinder, and adding two more cylinders, the displacement does not exceed 3,000 cc. Despite this, there are differences between the Hurricane and its «High Output» variant, which are notable enough: in the latter the pistons are forged, cooled by oil, and the turbo pressures also vary: from 1.52 bar in the former and from 1.8 bar in the second. The million dollar question is whether it will be limited to American brands or will Maserati also use the new “Hurricane”, instead of the “Nettuno” variant that the Grecale has released.
Source: At the wheel