Recent reports suggesting that FCA will launch a new four-cylinder turbo-charged engine appear to be true, as we’ve recently uncovered images of this new power plant. Referred to as the “Hurricane,” the four-cylinder engine is said to help the new Wrangler meet more stringent fuel economy standards for the next-generation JL Wrangler.

Photographs were captured of the engine in a Wrangler test mule, possibly the same one we posted earlier today. The photographer was able to identify the inline four-cylinder engine due its cam cover with oil fill cap in center of engine. The air intake ducting helps ID the fact that it’s a turbo-charged engine as it is routed over the top of cam cover. There also looks to be a turbo mounted high in the engine compartment.

Since the engine is mounted in a longitudinal fashion in this 2018 Wrangler test mule   parts would likely need to be rearranged or redesigned if it is also used (which is likely) in the Cherokee or other front-drive FCA models; but this layout also suggested the powertrain would be ideal for future rear-drive models in the family such as Alfa Romeo, Dodge and Maserati vehicles.

The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is expected to make up to 300 horsepower in the Wrangler, which could offer a more fuel-efficient option to the 3.6-liter Pentastar  V6 engine. We expect the engine will be paired to the ZF 8-speed automatic for the JL Wrangler. The Hurricane is also likely the base power plant if a plug-in hybrid version of the Wrangler is released, as has been reported.

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