Analysis. A great deal has happened since the last time we looked at the future of FCA US engines — mostly, we have learned about the new straight six.

The GSE four-cylinders , already being produced for Fiat, will replace FCA engines under around two liters in displacement, adding efficiency and drivability.

Firefly GSE engines

The GME four-cylinders , replacing the current 2.0 and 2.4, will have two paths — one developed for Alfa Romeo, and the “Hurricane” engines to be used by Dodge, Jeep, Fiat, and Chrysler.  With two turbocharged versions expected — a fuel-sipping 240-260 hp TigerShark and a thirstier 300 hp or so model expected to debut in the new Wrangler — this will replace both the current former-Chrysler fours and the Pentastar V6.

The Hurricane engine has been delayed quite a bit, partly because the second-generation Dart and 200 were dropped. The date of arrival for the standard, non-turbocharged version is still unknown, but given current critical reviews of the 2.4 engine, it can’t come quickly enough.


The GME six-cylinder “Tornado” engine may be closer to production than we had thought — perhaps four or five years out.  A straight six, it is reportedly be engineered to be relatively compact so it might fit into places designed for a four-cylinder. This engine is to replace the Pentastar 3.6 V6 in many applications, including (long-term) the Jeep Wrangler and Ram pickups. With a turbocharger or supercharger, it is likely also going to replace the 5.7 liter Hemi V8 — the true target.

The highly successful Pentastar itself is likely to wind down slowly and be phased out over the next six to ten years.

The Hemi V8 series is reportedly to live on in SRT form; the 5.7 is to be slowly phased out in favor of the forced-induction sixes. Whether the SRT V8 is downsized from its current 6.2 and 6.4 liter sizes is still up in the air.

The Viper V10, derived (with many changes) from the LA-series V8s which debuted over half a century ago, ceases production with the Viper.

The GME and GSE engines are both “full FCA” projects, with engineers from both sides of the company involved — and both Chrysler and Fiat design characteristics.