Just saw a commercial saying the new 2013 Wrangler is pumping out 285hp!! And it's got a 3.6L as opposed to a 3.8L.
I have a 2010 with the 3.8L, how is this smaller engine putting out 80hp more than the older ones?!
Does anyone know?? This is interesting stuff

 

There are many ways they raise the hp ratings on motors. Improve the efficiency of the fuel burn, raise the operating rpm range that the motor runs at and forcing more mixture through the motor are just a few ways. The numbers are nice on paper but are not always indicative to the real world. Look at the rpm that the numbers are quoted at and ask yourself 'how many times do I rev it that high'?

 

285HP at 6400RPM - 260 TQs 4800 (apparently)

I haven't driven the older model wranglers, but my 2013 gets up and goes pretty quickly. I can easily chirp the wheels coming out of 1st if I rev it above 5000, so I don't see why not. Obviously this isn't a daily thing but sometimes merging with quick traffic you need that little extra get up and go!

It is weird that the larger engine is less efficient but really it's just not built the same, the motors are completely different designed very differently. But I can say for a fact, the new 3.6L is ALOT faster then the older 3.8L. Especially as a 2 door and 3.73 rear axle gearing like I have

 

bigger doesnt always equate to more power look at the 3.5l ecoboost ford 365 hp 420 ftlbs of torque in a little tiny motor

 

I believe that motor is a forced induction motor is it not? I know that we are starting to realize we can get better fuel economy and power out of forced induction motor (turbo mainly). I know the 1.6L Nissan Juke put out almost 200HP because it has a tiny turbo charger and still gets 41mpg. Chrysler just hasn't put that technology into there systems yet. I'm sure putting a small turbo on a wrangler would improve it's performance and fuel mileage.

 

it is forced induction just illustrating the point and whats happening is that american car makers are finally starting to realize that european automotive technology in most ways motors especially is just plain old better are there things we do better yes a few but they make simpler smaller more powerful more efficient engines and thats finally starting to happen here and i for one am glad for it

 

since this thread seems to be turning into a small blown verses larger na discussion you have to remember one thing about turbos, you can get good fuel consumption or you can get good power, you won't get both. It depends how you drive, as soon as the turbo hits the fuel consumption goes down the toilet, and anyone who says "no problem, I'll stay off the turbo" has never driven one. The first time you feel the rush when the turbo hits you just want to do it again and again.

 

Vey true oldfart, Isn't technology great, I don't think the JK would handle forced induction but anything can be built!
My GT500 went from a stock pulley to a smaller one due to the craving of Boost!
Now the Viper is a whole other can of worms... Twin turbo's are desired, one small to get rid of the lag one large to snap necks! Prius owners need not apply LOL