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Who makes the “Hurricane” car?

Automobili Lamborghini makes the Huracán supercar—often colloquially called the “Hurricane” because of its name. If you meant a different vehicle literally named “Hurricane,” several makers have used that badge on concepts or kit cars; details follow.

The best-known ‘Hurricane’ is the Lamborghini Huracán

The Lamborghini Huracán is an Italian mid‑engine V10 supercar produced by Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. in Sant’Agata Bolognese. Launched in 2014 as the successor to the Gallardo, the Huracán line included variants such as the LP 610‑4, EVO, Performante, STO, Tecnica, Sterrato, and the 2024 track-focused STJ. Lamborghini concluded Huracán production in 2024 as it transitions to a new, smaller supercar platform with hybrid power; the company has announced a V8 plug-in hybrid successor slated for deliveries beginning in 2025. Regardless of trim, the Huracán is the mainstream “Hurricane”-by-name car most people mean, and it is made by Lamborghini.

Other vehicles that used the ‘Hurricane’ name

While Lamborghini’s Huracán is the most widely recognized, a handful of vehicles have carried the Hurricane name in different contexts. Here are the notable examples and who made them.

  • Holden Hurricane (1969 concept) — Built by Holden, General Motors’ Australian subsidiary, this low, wedge-shaped, mid‑engine experimental prototype previewed advanced tech such as a rear-view camera and magnetic compass. It was a design and engineering showcase, not a production car.
  • Jeep Hurricane (2005 concept) — A radical Jeep concept unveiled under DaimlerChrysler. It used two 5.7‑liter HEMI V8s (combined output around 670 hp), four‑wheel steering, and a “crab” and zero‑radius turn capability. It never entered production.
  • Hurricane Motorsports 427 Roadster (kit car) — Produced by Hurricane Motorsports (U.S.), this is a high‑quality replica kit of the 1960s Cobra‑style roadster, sold as component cars to be assembled by customers or specialty shops.

These vehicles illustrate that “Hurricane” has been applied to concepts and kit cars over the decades, but none have the mainstream visibility or production footprint of Lamborghini’s Huracán.

Not to be confused with ‘Hurricane’ engines

“Hurricane” is also an engine name, not a car name, in some contexts. Willys used the “Hurricane” moniker for its F- and L-head four-cylinder engines in classic Jeeps. More recently, Stellantis brands (e.g., Jeep, Ram) market the 3.0‑liter twin‑turbo inline‑six as the “Hurricane” engine family (and a related 2.0‑liter turbo four in some materials), powering models like the Wagoneer and select Ram 1500 trims. These are powertrains, not standalone “Hurricane” cars.

How to identify which ‘Hurricane’ you mean

If you saw a low, exotic two‑door supercar on the road, it’s almost certainly a Lamborghini Huracán made by Automobili Lamborghini. A futuristic open off‑roader with twin engines and party‑trick steering evokes the 2005 Jeep concept. A vintage wedge-shaped orange prototype in a museum likely refers to the 1969 Holden concept. A Cobra‑style roadster kit built by enthusiasts points to Hurricane Motorsports.

Summary

The widely recognized “Hurricane car” is the Lamborghini Huracán, produced by Automobili Lamborghini. Beyond that, “Hurricane” has appeared on notable concepts like the 1969 Holden Hurricane and the 2005 Jeep Hurricane, and as a brand name for kit cars by Hurricane Motorsports. The term is also used for engines, which can add to the confusion, but the mainstream car associated with the name is made by Lamborghini.

Is a Hurricane engine better than a HEMI?

The Ram Hurricane engine is generally considered “better” than the Hemi for many truck buyers because it offers significantly more power and torque from its twin-turbocharged inline-six design, along with improved fuel efficiency in most configurations, compared to the outgoing V8. However, the beloved V8 rumble of the Hemi is lost, and the High-Output Hurricane can have lower fuel economy than the standard output and even the Hemi in some cases, so the best choice depends on a buyer’s specific priorities.
 
Advantages of the Hurricane Engine

  • More Power and Torque: The Hurricane engine provides higher horsepower and torque figures than the 5.7L Hemi, especially the High-Output version, leading to quicker acceleration and stronger pulling power. 
  • Improved Fuel Economy: The Standard Output Hurricane offers better fuel economy, particularly on the highway, helping meet stricter federal regulations. 
  • Smoother Operation: The inline-six design naturally provides a more balanced and smoother driving experience with less vibration than the V8. 
  • Compact Design: The inline-six is more compact front-to-back, which can offer design advantages and potentially save weight. 

This video compares the driving experience of the Hurricane and Hemi engines: 58sCTech-reviewYouTube · Mar 1, 2025
Considerations and Downsides of the Hurricane

  • Loss of V8 Sound: The quiet operation and lack of the traditional Hemi V8 rumble is a significant drawback for some buyers. 
  • Fuel Economy Trade-off: While the Standard Output Hurricane is more efficient, the High-Output version has lower fuel economy than the Hemi, sacrificing efficiency for maximum performance. 
  • Unknown Durability: As a newer engine design, some buyers express concern about its long-term durability compared to the proven Hemi V8. 
  • Towing Differences: While the Hurricane provides more low-end torque and engine braking, the Hemi might be preferred by some for its powerful, traditional towing feel. 

When to Choose Which Engine

  • Choose the Hurricane if: Opens in new tabYou prioritize raw power, modern technology, improved fuel efficiency (especially with the standard output), and a smooth, quiet ride. 
  • Choose the Hemi if: Opens in new tabYou prefer the classic V8 sound, robust power for heavy-duty towing where fuel efficiency isn’t the main concern, and a proven, long-standing engine design. 

What cars have the 3.0 Hurricane engine?

The 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo I-6 engine is found in Stellantis vehicles, including the 2025 Ram 1500, the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, and the Dodge Charger. It is offered in both standard output and high-output versions, providing a balance of power and fuel efficiency as a replacement for older Hemi V8 engines in these models.
 
This video provides a detailed review of the Ram 1500 with the 3.0L Hurricane engine: 25sGetty’s GarageYouTube · Oct 27, 2024
Vehicles featuring the 3.0L Hurricane engine:

  • Ram 1500 (2025 model year and later): Opens in new tabAvailable in both standard and high-output configurations to replace the previous Hemi engine options. 
  • Jeep Grand Wagoneer (starting 2022): Opens in new tabThe Hurricane engine debuted in the Grand Wagoneer, offering significant power and efficiency. 
  • Dodge Charger (gas models): Opens in new tabThe Hurricane engine was later introduced to gas-powered models of the Dodge Charger. 

Key characteristics of the Hurricane engine:

  • Engine Type: It is a turbocharged inline-six cylinder engine, designed for both power and efficiency. 
  • Technology: It features modern technologies like two low-inertia turbochargers, direct fuel injection, and spray bore cylinder coatings to enhance performance and reduce emissions. 
  • Purpose: The engine serves as a powerful and efficient alternative to larger, older V8 engines. 

You can watch this video to see a comparison of the Ram 1500’s 3.0L Hurricane engine with Ford’s EcoBoost engine: 59sGetty’s GarageYouTube · Nov 3, 2024

Is Stellantis owned by Ford?

No, Stellantis does not own Ford. Stellantis is a separate automaker formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and the French PSA Group. Ford is an independent company, Ford Motor Company, that was founded by Henry Ford and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
 
Key differences

  • Ford . Opens in new tabis an American multinational automobile manufacturer, and the Ford family holds a controlling interest in the company. 
  • Stellantis . Opens in new tabis a Dutch-registered automotive group formed in 2021 from a merger between FCA and PSA. It owns brands such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, and Vauxhall. 

Brands owned by each company

  • Ford: Owns the Ford and Lincoln brands. 
  • Stellantis: Owns brands including Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Maserati, Peugeot, and Ram, among others. 

Where is the Hurricane engine manufactured?

The Stellantis Hurricane engine is manufactured at the Saltillo Engine Plant in Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, Mexico. This plant is a Stellantis (formerly Chrysler) facility and is responsible for producing both the new Hurricane engines and the HEMI engines they are replacing. 
Key details about the manufacturing location: 

  • Location: Saltillo, Mexico.
  • Plant Name: Saltillo Engine Plant.
  • Manufacturer: Stellantis, which produces the engine for its brands like Jeep, Dodge, and Ram.

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