Fiat Chrysler patents inline six engine
New turbo-six could replace HEMI V8 for Jeep, RAM, Chrysler models; Alfa Romeo applications also likelyHow long does the rumbling, emotive V8 have left in it?
Emissions regulations are making life increasingly difficult for larger, more powerful V8 engines right across the globe and the illustration can been seen in an FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) patent for a new straight six-cylinder engine.
The engine plans were uncovered by MoparInsiders.com and the new inline six is tipped to replace the brand's 5.7-litre HEMI V8, which is currently available in Australia in models like the Chrysler 300 and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Expected to displace just under 3.0-litres, the new engine patent is very technical and doesn't reveal tech specs but if the new inline six does indeed replace the FCA's ageing V8, it'll need to crank out at least 300kW of twist.
FCA released a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol GME-T4 (global medium engine turbo-four) engine in 2016 that slotted under the bonnet of the Alfa Romeo Giulia, worth 206kW/400Nm in Veloce form, and the new engine could be an extension of that engine architecture and take the GME-T6 codename.
There's talk the new engine would make use of an E-booster system designed to eliminate turbo lag, and depending on the state of tune and number of turbochargers, the new engine could feasibly develop between 250kW and 400kW.
Alfa Romeo revealed plans for its e-booster tech in its recent five-year strategy plan, claiming the system will completely eradicate turbo lag and increase engine power by 25 per cent.
There's no detail of whether the new engine or its tech tricks will cut CO2 emissions but the new power unit will be less polluting than current V8 engines.
As well as replacing some V8 engines in the FCA range, the new inline six-cylinder petrol engine could spell the end for some of the brand's older V6 engines too, powering vehicles such as the Jeep Wrangler – and potentially the Jeep Gladiator dual-cab ute due in Australia in 2020.
Timing on the new engine is not clear but it could make its debut in the next-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee, due to break cover in 2021.
Other applications for the new inline six are expected to include Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, RAM, and possibly even Maserati models.
What the six-cylinder engine means for French car-maker Peugeot, which intends to merge with FCA, remains to be seen.
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