Stellantis aftermarket division Mopar has expanded its lineup of crate engines with the new Hurricane inline-6.
The Hurricane is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 that’s slowly making its way into Stellantis vehicles as a replacement for the automaker’s V-8 lineup, including eventually in the redesigned Dodge Charger where it will be offered as an alternative to car’s electric powertrains.
In crate form, the Hurricane is referred to as the HurriCrate, and there are two options currently available: a Cat 1 rated at 420 hp and a Cat 3 rated at 550 hp. Long-block versions are priced at $7,995 for the Cat 1 and $11,715 for the Cat 3. Short-block versions are more expensive here, priced at $10,495 for the Cat 1 and $13,745 for the Cat 3.
Short-block versions are ideal for buyers looking to build custom setups, as they only include basics like the the engine block, the crank, and the pistons. Long-block versions have a longer list of parts, hence the name, and include items like the cylinder heads, camshafts, and valve-train components on top.
Mopar Direct Connection HurriCrate Engine
Considering real-life hurricane scaling goes up to Category 5, we may possibly see at least two more versions of the HurriCrates with even more power. When first previewing the HurriCrate at the 2022 SEMA show, Mopar said it’s developing a version with a targeted output in the mid-1,000-hp range. This version will be for competition use and feature bespoke designs for the block and head, as well as the turbo system, Mopar said at the time.
The HurriCrate engines are available through Mopar’s Direct Connection performance parts brand which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. As part of the celebrations, an incentive program offering savings of up to $300 on select crate engines is being offered.
Mopar is also offering a half-scale version of Dodge’s NHRA Funny Car body as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations for Direct Connection. Known as the Dodge Charger Junior Roadster, the body weighs less than 30 pounds and is designed to fit an 85.5-inch wheelbase. Mopar said it’s aimed at children aged from 5-17 looking to learn the ropes of drag racing via events like the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League. It’s priced from $3,765.
