We just got these first look of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler (JL) 4-cylinder turbo engine, which we recently confirmed as part of the new upcoming Wrangler engine lineup!
The new 2.0-liter “Hurricane” engine is spied here in a JL Wrangler mule sporting a cam cover with oil fill cap in the center of the engine. We are able to identify it as the turbo engine due to air intake ducting which is routed over the top of the cam cover. The prototype engine also appears to have a high-mounted turbo.
The 2.0L turbo Wrangler JL is to be paired with the new 850RE 8-speed transmission for gas engines and produce upwards of close to 300-horsepower. The new Hurricane could also be the basis of a plug-in hybrid version of the Wrangler expected to arrive later.
It should be noted that the longitudinal mounting in the Wrangler will mean some parts may have to be reworked when it is applied to the Jeep Cherokee and other front-wheel drive FCA models in the future.
