Ford's "Hurricane" to battle Hemi

Ford insiders have revealed plans to revive the 6.2-liter V-8 engine program, dubbed the Hurricane, according to a report in the Detroit News. The engine is a response to Chrysler’s immensly popular 6.1-liter Hemi engine that produces 425 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, as well as General Motors’ 403-horsepower 6.2-liter Vortec engine that powers the 2007 Cadillac Escalade.

Ford had nixed the Hurricane project a year ago due to percieved high-costs of development. However it is speculated that Ford decided to revive the engine program three months ago to help maintain the company’s leadership in the truck market. Dodge and GM have both been chipping away at Ford’s market share with their larger displacement non-diesel engines. Analysts say Ford’s Cleveland casting plant has received orders for a new 6.2-liter engine block, with work to begin next year. The speculation is that the Ford engine will outgun the Hemi and may be used in other company platforms. It is unclear whether the new engine will keep the Hurricane nickname.