Inside the Stellantis Hurricane Engines

The tubocharged offerings from Stellantis follow a common theme in the automotive industry over the last 15 years, whereby gasoline powertrains have become smaller and more efficient yet still deliver the power figures of a larger displacement engine (one could argue Ford started this trend for trucks when it debuted the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 for the 2011 F-150).

In the case of the Hurricane engines, both are 3.0-liter (183 cubic inches) inline six-cylinder twin-turbo units with direct injection, dual overhead camshafts, and independent variable valve timing. Launched under the Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan in 2022, Stellantis revealed its proprietary propulsion system that underpinned the Hurricane would be split between two dedicated versions of each engine: one for efficiency and fuel economy (Standard Output) and the other for performance and heavier use cases, including towing (High Output).

Although the 2026 Ram 1500 still features its flagship Hemi V8, both the Standard and High Output versions of the Hurricane are available, with the monster RHO having a 540-horsepower High Output mill shoehorned under its hood. 

Standard and High Output Specifications 

The Hurricane engines are versatile for Stellantis as the automaker uses them for luxurious family vehicles like the Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Mopar Muscle cars like the Dodge Charger, in addition to the Ram 1500.  

While it depends on the application, the Standard Output will generate more than 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft. of torque, solid numbers for something designed with fuel efficiency in mind. 

High Output versions deliver in excess of 500 horsepower and 475 lb-ft. of torque, with the most potent example being the turbo SIXPACK High Output found in the 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack (550 horsepower, 531 lb-ft. torque, and a 177 mph top speed). 

Standard and High Output Hurricane Engines: Differences 

Both versions have the same essential architecture, with a difference being the die-cast aluminum alloy pistons of the Standard Output versus the forged aluminum alloy pistons of the High Output engine (although both leverage diamond-like carbon coating for the piston pins).

The compression ratio differs at 10.4:1 for the Standard Output versus 9.5:1 for the High Output.

Here are other differences between the two Hurricane engines:

• Peak Turbo Boost: 22.4 PSI for Standard Output; 26 PSI for High Output.

• Engine Oil: Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 0W-20 GF6+ for Standard Output; Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 0W-40 for High Output (both engines have a 7.5-quart capacity).

• Max Engine Speed: 5,800 rpm for the Standard Output; 6,100 rpm for the High Output.   

Standard and High Output Hurricane Engines: Similarities

Both engines share a deep-skirt cast-aluminum block with cross-bolted steel main bearing caps, a die-cast aluminum alloy oil pan, and a continuously variable displacement oil pump. Likewise, both share an aluminum alloy head with pent-roof combustion chambers, forged and twisted steel crankshafts, forged steel connecting rods, and a high-flow ball-valve thermostat to prevent mechanical loss and increase overall efficiency.  

Here are other similarities between the two Hurricane engines:

• Two high-flow turbochargers, each feeding three cylinders to increase throttle response.

• Plasma Transfer Wire Arc (PTWA) coating in the cylinder bores for an ultra-thin, low-friction wear surface. Applied to the block during manufacturing at the Saltillo Engine Plant. The PTWA spray process, co-developed by Ford Motor Company and Flame Spray Industries, leaves more aluminum between the cylinders for better cooling and heat transfer.

• High-pressure (5,075 psi/350 bar) direct fuel injection with pumps (single for the Standard Output/dual for High Output) actuated by a dedicated chain-driven shaft.

• Engine-mounted water-to-air charge cooler with a dedicated cooling circuit (single inlet for the Standard Output/dual inlet for High Output).

• Dual water-cooled exhaust manifolds integrated into the cylinder head.

• Built-in electric pump circulates coolant after the engine is turned off to continue cooling the turbochargers.

• Six pressure-activated piston cooling jets.

• Firing order of 1 - 5 - 3 - 6 - 2 - 4.

• Premium 91 octane fuel recommended. 

Hurricane Engine Reliability 

On that same thread, a service technician from a Ram dealership mentioned that half of the trucks with the Hurricane engine that come off the transport require some type of repair. This same user explained that quality control at Stellantis is lacking and that training for technicians around emerging and ongoing issues has also decreased. As a result, if customers have problems with the new Hurricane engines, they may not be addressed in a timely fashion.

As far as industry awards, the Hurricane engine of the Ram 1500 Tungsten was named one of Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems for 2024.