When it was unveiled this summer in the USA under the hood of the new Jeep Cherokee 2026, Stellantis presented its "new" 1.6L hybrid engine as a great novelty for the American market. In fact, specialists will have recognized it: it's the PSA EP6 engine, already familiar in Europe in plug-in hybrid (PHEV) form in models such as the Peugeot 3008. This time, however, the engine has been adapted into a simple hybrid (HEV) version, and may soon be arriving in Europe, including in Italian models.
A more powerful 1.6L hybrid engine
Produced at Chrysler's Dundee plant in Michigan, this 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, combined with a hybrid gearbox and two electric motors, now delivers 177 hp from the internal combustion engine and 210 hp from the hybrid engine. This is a significant increase in power compared with the current European plug-in version, which is limited to 150 hp internal combustion and 195 hp hybrid (and 225 hp in the Peugeot 408).
From Europe to the USA and back to Europe
After the Cherokee, Stellantis has confirmed that the new European Jeep Compass will also adopt this 1.6L HEV. The idea is clear: to offer a simple, no-recharge alternative to customers who don't want to switch to the 100 % electric, but who expect gains in efficiency.
And the story doesn't end there. As Jean-Philippe Imparato, Director of Stellantis Europe, explained at the IAA Mobility show in Munich, full hybrid technology (HEV) will be gradually introduced in Europe over the coming months, before being extended to the Group's medium and large models. Stellantis also anticipates the arrival of new generations of longer-range MHEV, HEV and PHEV in the next 24 to 36 months. REEVs (range-extending hybrids) are even mentioned as a "promising" technology.
Italian brands in the firing line
In Europe, with the necessary adjustments, this 1.6L hybrid could replace the already well-known 1.6L PHEV engine. As for the Italian brands, several projects are on the table:
- The future Lancia Gamma, due next year, could well benefit from this.
- The future Alfa Romeo SUV (A4U), scheduled for unveiling in late 2026, is also an ideal candidate.
- There are even rumours that the engine may be used on the Alfa Romeo Junior, although nothing has yet been confirmed.
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Of course they sell so many Italian cars that after the 1.2 puretoc, we're entitled to the 1.6 l😡😡😡.
It's all very well to release an HEV. But will they manage to produce it before 10ans😀? Given the level of industrial production skills lately at Stellantis...
Original PSA EP6 1.6L HEV engine!
And it's this engine that Stellantis wants to put in Alfa Romeo? Dismaying.
It makes you wonder if Tavares has really left?