FCA planning new inline-six to replace Pentastar V6?

FCA might be doing away with its V6 engine.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles could be planning to replace its Pentastar V6 with an all-new inline-six engine design, a new report claims.

The Pentastar is still a relatively new engine, but fan site Allpar says FCA will soon ditch its V6 in favor of a new straight-six design. The new inline-six could debut beneath the hood of the upcoming Jeep Wagoneer or possibly the next-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee.

According to the report, the new engine will displace less than 3.0L and develop at least 370 horsepower thanks to turbocharging technology. The Pentastar-replacement will be a totally new design rather than a modified version of FCA's current inline-four cylinder engine. One of the design parameters for the project is a total engine length within three inches of today's 2.4L four-cylinder.

The inline-six would likely spread throughout the FCA portfolio. A version of the engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger could eventually power the Challenger, Charger and even the Ram 1500 pickup truck. FCA's Alfa Romeo and Maserati brands might even get a version of the engine, albeit with a twin-turbocharged setup.

The Jeep Wagoneer is expected to debut sometime in 2020, so we could see FCA's new six-cylinder engine as soon as next year.