I could care less about HP numbers. What are the torque numbers and at what RPM are they delivered at. That is what truly matters.

RUBICON-

First of all, your posts are great and always informative.

But, a pet peeve of mine is that phrase. The correct statement is "I couldn't care less..." because if you "could" care less, then you're saying it matters to you... Get it? (You aren't the only one; half the country is getting that phrase wrong lately... including Howard Stern... )

Anyway, I DO agree with you, and I should have also mentioned the increased TORQUE with the Phoenix engines over the current grocery-getter engine. I am a TORQUE fanatic, too. GENERALLY, for modern engines --and of course I do mean within the same engine class, size, fuel, etc.-- the torque & HP go hand-in-hand... So, if Jeep gets a new Phoenix V6 with 50HP+ more, we should expect a lot more torque, too.

Hopefully the numbers will be comparable to the Nitro R/T's 4.0L-V6.

__MarkH

Now this has got me really excited....09 model year or in 09 as an 2010 model?

I don't even think Chrysler can narrow that down to a specific year for the change to the JK engine, yet!

The Phoenix engines are slated for production sometime in 2009. I assume that means for MY10 for --at least-- some Chrysler vehicles.

For the JK, who knows? If they keep selling like hotcakes with a Caravan transplant, they'll probably keep pushing out the date for a base engine change. Hopefully, it will be offered --at least as an option-- sooner rather than later!

Here's a previous article from Allpar with some details: ALLPAR-Phoenix Engine Article

If they started offerering a CRD or Hemi engine in a Wrangler that would really be something to talk about.

You can get a HEMI from American Expedition Vehicles , if U have the dough!

I don't think we'll ever see a Wrangler HEMI from JEEP... But the new 4.7L-V8 H.O. would do!

A diesel is NOT a great option, just yet, since the new ULSD (a.k.a. S15) rules went into effect this year. That's also why a lot of OEMs have backed off on diesels for a year or two. There's some extra PC plumbling in the exhaust and some unknowns (reliability?) that need to be ironed out before I'll be comfortable with a new S15 diesel. Sure, I want the diesel's torque & MPGs, but I don't want to have to deal with a urea cartidge.

MarkH....I have been stating for months now (here on mike's web page) that the next engines (Phoenix) for Jeep will make its way into the line-up come 2010 to 2014.

Maybe come diesels engines will also show up....but I wouldn't cross your fingers for any other new engines. Period. sorry