Could FCA Be Working On A Straight-Six Engine?
 

<p align="justify"><img src="https://cdn.motor1.com/images/mgl/jOXEk/s1/2018-jeep-wrangler-first-drive.jpg" alt="
Could FCA Be Working On A Straight-Six Engine?
" width="325" height="175" hspace="10" border="0" align="left"/><strong>Chrysler has been known to use inline six-cylinder engines since 1964, which could be found in a lot of its vehicles from sedans to Jeeps to pickups. Sadly, the long run of the straight-six power plants was killed off in 2007 with the introduction of the Jeep Wrangler JK generation.
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Everything might change, however, as rumors about a brand-new, inline six-cylinder engine resurfaced at FCA. The news about bringing back the straight-six isn’t really new – Allpar has reported the same speculations last year, but to no concrete development as of date. This time, Allpar reports the same, so it’s up to you digest it as gospel, but we strongly suggest to take this with a grain of salt.

According to Allpar’s undisclosed “reliable” sources, the new straight-six engine would be based on the FCA’s four-pot Global Medium Engine (GME) engine found in the Jeep Wrangler JL and Alfa Romeo Guilia. FCA might not even change the architecture of the engine; it will just add two more cylinders.

Allpar also added that FCA’s original plan was to boost the Pentastar V6, but the size and power constraints made the company look away from that direction. It’s also speculated that the displacement will be kept at 2.99 liters for lower taxes in European countries.

So, could an inline six-cylinder power plant really be the future for FCA? The current state of its rivals points to that direction, with Ford leading the way with its EcoBoost technology. Force-inducting small engines have been proven effective by the Blue Oval, so maybe, just maybe, FCA could take a piece of that pie with a turbocharged straight-six 3.0L counterpart. After all, the birth of the 2.0L GME T4 was the start, and it could very well be the basis of everything, moving forward.

But then again, let’s take everything with a grain of salt until FCA confirms so.

Why doesn't FCA resurrect the 4.0L I6 Powertech engine instead?

Add a turbo charger.

This engine has proven itself beyond anything else.

Most engine developments are likely to be alloy block. Straight 6 engines dont suit modern car design as the engine bay needs to be longer. I think we will see a 3ltr (2.99) V6 alloy block with cast in place steel liners & bearing housings.

Mercedes have gone back to straight 6 engines, with electric turbo and valve train etc. I guess it all comes down to how they package the chassis.


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Layback, for the life of me, I had both engine bays open today of my Xj and jk with the cars side by side. The wrangler engine bay is deceptively small. For an inline engine, it would have to be 3L capacity with a turbo or two, it may even need to be transverse mounted. But then, why not stick with the 2L turbo and the existing 3.6L pentastar? Until the 2L t proves itself in sales, I would not be making plans to ditch the Pentastar. In the end, why have a 2L t and 3L t engine offering for the same car?

FWIW, you can fit a truck engine in the Xj.... almost....