How Jeep jimmied the Pentastar V6 into the 2012 Wrangler

We can quit wondering why it took so long for Jeep to drop the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 behind the round headlights of the 2012 Wrangler. According to Wards Auto, the engine had to undergo more than a few tweaks in order to be fit for duty in the trail-rated Wrangler. Engineers had to start by moving the alternator up and away from the middle of the engine to provide for greater water-fording capability. A new intake was also fitted to increase the kind of low-end torque buyers demand on the trail. Meanwhile, on-road civility was increased by changing the intake to draw from the engine's left side instead of its right along with a unique acoustic cover.

While those changes took a little research and development, they've obviously paid dividends in the Wrangler. Chrysler may apply a similar approach when the company moves to offer the 3.6-liter V6 in the Ram line soon.