As a premium extension of the Jeep® brand, the Grand Wagoneer marks the return of a premium American icon. So what better vehicle to introduce one of the most anticipated new propulsion systems in recent decades from the Chrysler Group.
The all-new turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder, known internally as the “GME-T6” will make its world debut this month at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). The new GME-T6 is part of the Stellantis Global Medium Engine family and is the first inline-six-cylinder to find itself under the hood of a Jeep product since the discontinuation of the legendary 4.0-liter inline-six-cylinder.
Thanks to our well-placed sources, we know there will be three variants of the GME-T6 available for future Stellantis products. The first version to make it into the mix and that will debut on the Wagoneer lineup next month at NYIAS, will be the High-Output (H.O.).
We do know for sure that the H.O. version will debut at NYIAS. Our keen eye spy photographers caught one of the new H.O. models out testing on public roads around the Metro Detroit area. While the spy photographs don’t show a lot of change from the HEMI-powered models, we can see that the GME-T6 H.O. models will feature dual-exhaust and will require Premium Unleaded fuel (according to the decals above the fuel door). With gas prices on the rise, hopefully, the new GME-T6 H.O. can achieve a good enough fuel economy rating to justify the requirement of premium fuel.
Of course, Jeep currently recommends 91 octane premium fuel for the 6.4-liter HEMI V8-powered Grand Wagoneer models.
The 3.0-liter GME-T6 H.O. inline-six-cylinder will be followed up by a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model in 2023.
The GME-T6 PHEV is coming just in time, as gas prices continue to rise across the United States and Canada. The PHEV should run a similar system, to the recently launched Grand Cherokee 4xe.
We expect the ZF-sourced 8P75PH 8-speed automatic transmission will be fitted to the GME-T6 PHEV. The ZF unit features a high-voltage motor-generator rated at 134 horsepower (100 kW) and 181 lb.-ft. (245 Nm) of torque, is mounted at the front of the transmission case, replacing the conventional torque converter of an automatic transmission. Two clutches work to manage power and torque from the e-motor and engine. A binary clutch (on/off) is mounted between the engine and the motor. When this clutch is open there is no mechanical linkage between the engine and the e-motor, which enables it to propel the vehicle in electric-only mode.
We also think the GME-T6 PHEV will be fitted with an eTorque high-voltage, liquid-cooled motor generator unit mounts at the front of the engine, replacing the conventional alternator. A robust belt connects the motor-generator to the engine crankshaft pulley. The motor-generator spins the engine for nearly seamless, fuel-saving, start-stop operation and generates electricity for the battery pack. Currently, the Jeep 4xe models do not use a conventional 12-volt starter motor. Instead, they are equipped with a 12-volt battery to run accessories.
Nothing has been confirmed about the introduction of the GME-T6 PHEV model at this year’s NYIAS.
There is an expectation that the long-wheelbase (LWB) variants of the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer (WS) will also be introduced at the NYIAS event. Press conferences are scheduled to be held on Wednesday, April 13th, and Thursday, April 14th. You can expect us to cover the entire event on whichever day it happens.
For those who are current Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer owners or who are looking at purchasing one, be sure to visit our dedicated owner’s website, WagoneerForums.org. There you can talk about the latest news, information, and rumors, as well as, connect to other owners and even Wagoneer Client Services.
2023 Jeep® Grand Wagoneer Series II GME-T6 Tester Image Gallery:
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