Two Chrysler Group powertrains are winners of the “2022 Wards 10-Best Engines and Propulsion Systems” award: the all-new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter (Hurricane) inline-six-cylinder engine and turbocharged 2.0-liter (GME-T4) inline-four-cylinder combined with two electric motors. The news marks the 12th consecutive year that a Chrysler Group product has been among the winners on the list.
Hurricane Twin-Turbo: More Power, Fewer Emissions –
The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter (Hurricane) inline-six-cylinder wins the Wards award in its first year of eligibility. It delivers more horsepower, more torque, and fewer emissions than many competitors’ naturally aspirated V8 and boosted six-cylinder engines.
The inherently smooth running inline-six engine employs state-of-the-art engineering and technologies that include two low-inertia, high-flow turbochargers for rapid response to throttle inputs, plasma transfer wire arc (spray bore) coating in the cylinder bores for an ultra-thin, low-friction wear surface and high-pressure (5,075 psi/350 bar) direct fuel injection.
“As the evident heir apparent to the HEMI® V8, this is a huge leap forward for Stellantis, providing the basis for full-size truck and SUV propulsion for years to come. Electrified versions are likely to come, giving it even better numbers in the future,” WardsAuto judge Bob Gritzinger said.
The all-aluminum “Hurricane Twin-Turbo 510” or High-Output debuted recently in the 2022 Jeep® Grand Wagoneer (WS) delivering 510 horsepower and 500 lb.-ft. of torque. It will be joined by a Standard-Output model on the 2023 Jeep Wagoneer, rated at 420 horsepower and 468 lb.-ft. of torque.
4xe: Nearly Silent Propulsion Without Range Anxiety –
The 4xe plug-in hybrid propulsion system that delivers nearly silent driving and enhanced off-road capability is a Wards 10 Best winner for the second year in a row. This year, Wards editors named the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe (WL74) to the top-10 list after honoring the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4xe (JL), the best-selling plug-in hybrid in the United States, in 2021.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe delivers 25 miles of all-electric range and 56 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) from its technologically advanced propulsion system rated at 375 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. The Grand Cherokee 4xe can tow a maximum of 6,000 lbs.
“Spectacular – the back and forth between the internal combustion engine and electrics is imperceptible and the stop/start is ultra smooth. It’s really a bit of an engineering marvel,” WardsAuto judge Dave Zoia said.
The 4xe propulsion system in the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler combines two electric motors, a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and a 17-kilowatt-hour battery pack. E Selec modes let the driver tailor the 4xe propulsion system to the trip: Hybrid, Electric, and eSave, which conserves the battery pack charge for later use and can send power to the battery pack while driving with the inline-four-cylinder engine. Regenerative braking also adds power to the battery pack.
“Our customers are very clear about what they expect from our vehicles and they don’t look to make compromises. The 4xe and Hurricane Twin Turbo powertrains deliver performance that enhances the driving experience on road, off-road, and when towing. Just as importantly, they reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. The strong demand for Jeep brand 4xe PHEVs and the Hurricane Twin Turbo-equipped Grand Wagoneer demonstrates we are delivering what our customers desire,” said Micky Bly, Stellantis Senior Vice President, Global Propulsion Systems Engineering.
A History of Winning –
This is the 12th consecutive time a Stellantis product is a winner of the Wards 10-Best Engines and Propulsion Systems award. In the 29-year history of the award, 11 engines/systems produced by Chrysler Group have accounted for 23 winners, including (engine/latest vehicles tested/years listed) in reverse chronological order:
- 3.0-liter Hurricane Twin Turbo I6 (Grand Wagoneer): 2022
- 2.0-liter I4 plug-in hybrid (Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, Jeep Wrangler 4xe): 2021-2022
- 3.6-liter Pentastar Upgrade with eTorque (Ram 1500): 2019-2020
- 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 hybrid (Chrysler Pacifica): 2017-2018
- 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 (Ram 1500):2014-2016
- 6.2-liter Hellcat supercharged HEMI V8 (Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat): 2015
- 83-kW electric motor (Fiat 500e): 2014
- 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 (Dodge Avenger, Chrysler 300S, Ram 1500): 2011-2013
- 5.7-liter HEMI V8 (Dodge Charger R/T, Chrysler 300C, Dodge Challenger R/T, Ram 1500): 2003-2007, 2009
- 5.9-liter Cummins turbodiesel I6 (Ram HD): 2004
- 4.7-liter SOHC V8 (Jeep Grand Cherokee): 1999
Source: Stellantis
