Agree. If FCA wants to improve its CAFE numbers, the 2.0L turbo should be the base engine.
The updated version of the Pentastar is not in the RAM yet, it is expected next year also, when it launched in the 1500 it had 305/269 without all the new tweaks like VVL/EGR/new injectors;
I would think they'd launch with the "base" engine first (in this case the 3.6L like the timeline states) no? Would be weird to not offer a base engine until several months after the JL launches, like what would be happening with the Hurricane 2.0T not starting production until Feb-March 2018.
Most new vehicles do not launch with the most basic trims. Typically well equipped models are pushed out first, early adopters are willing to pay whatever to have the first models. Look at any "launch edition" product put out in the last 5 years. I also believe that the 2.0t in a wrangler tune is going to make way less power than even the current pentastar forget about he revamped engine. I just can't see mopar putting out a ~300 hp 2.0t in a wrangler. How many 300+hp 2.0t exist in in any vehicle? At any price? I believe the 2.0t will be the base engine with around 250hp and the 3.6 will be "optional", meaning it's the required motor on many trims and configurations. The 2.0t will help hit CAFE as previously mentioned meanwhile upcharging for the "corporate" 3.6 allows for insane profit margins.
There are actually quite a few 2.0t providing such hp figures. Mercedes, Audi, even VW have such tiny turbo 4's. All Volvo t6 and t8 engines in their new xc90's and xc60's are 2.0t with 300-400hp. I think over here in Europe we are much more used to the concept of tiny turbocharged engines because they have been around for so long and proven themselves whereas you guys in NA still like your larger displacement and I'm not sure if most of these power trains are even offered in NA versions. I mean, even Merc AMG's which are all about performance are now coming out with 2.0t and over 400hp. Granted, it doesn't mean that this will be the case with the wrangler hurricane but such figures are certainly not out of reach and they could easily do it. Don't forget that this similar engine already provides 280 hp and 295 ft lb in the stelvio/giulia. But yes it does seem logical that there should be a substantial difference in power between the 2.0t and the pentastar if one is to be base and the other optional, eager to see what they decide upon.
Smaller turbo engines are not as popular in the United States, they are becoming more common. Not denying that at all. All the engines you mentioned are in top trim levels or sports cars though anywhere in the known universe. Hell in Volvo's case the t6 is supercharged AND turbocharged. The only VAG or Mercedes 2.0t engines exceeding pentastar power figures are R or AMG models. The notion that the Alfa makes 280hp meaning the wrangler can too is a bit short-sighted. The Alfa isn't pushing 32-35 inch tires through a transfer case and solid axles. Let's say FCA hits the crack pipe and pushes out the 2.0t with the same tune as it has in the Alfa....it would be rated at 250hp with a wranglers drivetrain.
What do tires have to do with an engines HP numbers? When marketing an engines HP/Torque numbers, 99% of the time manufactures are giving numbers measured at the fly wheel.
