Reserved for the American market and currently ignored by the group's European brands, the Hurricane in-line 6-cylinder from Stellantis is proving that its potential is far more impressive than expected. And this time, it's not a manufacturer who's proving it... but a driver.
A promising engine... never exploited in Europe
When this 3.0L L6 engine was introduced in the early 2020s, it already embodied a certain modernity. Heir to the 4-cylinder GME, this engine develops over 500 hp in its original version, with an architecture designed for hybridization and the Group's modern platforms.
But despite its qualities, it remained confined to a few American models, notably Jeep and RAM. In Europe, neither Alfa Romeo nor Maserati will use it. A strategic choice dictated by electrification, but one that leaves a taste of unfinished business. After all, on paper, this in-line 6-cylinder engine had everything it took to replace and even surpass some existing V6s.
A preparation... on an original base
That's where Morgan Evans comes in, an American driver who has decided to push this engine well beyond its original limits. Her playground? An old Dodge Ram pick-up equipped with the new Hurricane 3.0L L6 engine... and a completely original ZF 8HP75 automatic transmission.
What's most impressive is not just the result, but the method. The engine retains everything from the factory: forged crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons and timing remain unchanged. A direct demonstration of the robustness of this modern powertrain. The transformation is based primarily on a technical choice: abandoning the original twin-turbo for a single large turbo.
800 horsepower... without opening the engine
By installing a Precision 68/70 turbo and optimizing the electronic management, Morgan Evans achieves around 800 horsepower. Power obtained with a boost pressure of between 29 and 35 psi, while retaining the rest of the original engine. Work has focused on calibration, notably via variable camshaft timing to improve turbo boost. Recent engines, at least this one, designed from the outset with reinforced components, can withstand considerable power gains without internal modification.
On the track, the pickup proves to be formidable. Too much, in fact. The driver explains that she has to voluntarily limit its performance to meet the safety standards of her vehicle. Without this, the potential is clearly greater.
Another surprise: the ZF 8HP75 automatic gearbox has not been modified. Only a specific torque converter has been added to improve starting behavior. The result is a transmission capable of handling 800 hp without flinching.
“I want to set the first record”.”
Beyond pure performance, Morgan Evans now has a clear objective: to write his name in history. His ambition is simple, but powerful: to set the very first record with this Hurricane L6 engine. With an estimated potential quarter-mile time of around 9 seconds, his project could well become a benchmark for all tuners.
While Stellantis envisages to massively increase production of this engine in the United States, This demonstration proves that it's not just a transition engine... but an extremely powerful foundation for the future.
This in-line 6-cylinder might well have found its place under the hood of an Alfa Romeo or Lancia. Today, however, it's an independent driver who's revealing its true potential.
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