Back in April 2015, former chief executive Sergio Marchionne announced with pomp and circumstance that Termoli, Italy will produce two new turbocharged engines for Alfa Romeo. The six-cylinder is a Ferrari-derived V6 currently unique to the Quadrifoglio while the four-cylinder is also known as the Hurricane in Jeep products such as the Wrangler, Cherokee, and Grand Commander.
Also known as the GME-T4, the 2.0-liter powerplant will be produced in Kokomo, Indiana from the second quarter of 2021. The transmission plant will be repurposed into an engine plant as part of a $400-million investment, and the revamped facility will add close to 200 jobs for a total of more than 8,300 employees.
“While the 2.0-liter is a current engine option in the Jeep Wrangler and Cherokee models, a significant number of new technologies can be applied to this engine, making it relevant for the future,” said chief operating officer Mark Stewart. More to the point, the four-cylinder “will play an important role in our plans to offer electric engine options across 30 nameplates” by calendar year 2022.
While on the subject of electrification, the GME-T4 is already available as a mild hybrid. eTorque is how Fiat Chrysler Automobiles calls this technology, consisting of a belt-driven motor generator that runs on 48 volts. In addition to seamless start and stop in stop-and-go traffic conditions, the eTorque can harvest brake energy and add short bursts of torque to the crankshaft for additional performance.
Also worthy of mention, the 12-volt traditional starter motor has been retained because it’s better suited for cold starts and the initial start on any given day. Both the 2.0-liter Hurricane and 3.6-liter Pentastar are available with this fuel-saving technology, but Jeep and Alfa Romeo have bigger plans going forward.
Plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles are of utmost necessity for both brands as well as the remainder of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, including Dodge. While the Durango is confirmed to add a mild-hybrid option, the Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer, and Grand Wagoneer will go plug-in hybrid under the 4xe nameplate.
“While the 2.0-liter is a current engine option in the Jeep Wrangler and Cherokee models, a significant number of new technologies can be applied to this engine, making it relevant for the future,” said chief operating officer Mark Stewart. More to the point, the four-cylinder “will play an important role in our plans to offer electric engine options across 30 nameplates” by calendar year 2022.
While on the subject of electrification, the GME-T4 is already available as a mild hybrid. eTorque is how Fiat Chrysler Automobiles calls this technology, consisting of a belt-driven motor generator that runs on 48 volts. In addition to seamless start and stop in stop-and-go traffic conditions, the eTorque can harvest brake energy and add short bursts of torque to the crankshaft for additional performance.
Also worthy of mention, the 12-volt traditional starter motor has been retained because it’s better suited for cold starts and the initial start on any given day. Both the 2.0-liter Hurricane and 3.6-liter Pentastar are available with this fuel-saving technology, but Jeep and Alfa Romeo have bigger plans going forward.
Plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles are of utmost necessity for both brands as well as the remainder of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, including Dodge. While the Durango is confirmed to add a mild-hybrid option, the Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer, and Grand Wagoneer will go plug-in hybrid under the 4xe nameplate.