I sent an email to Jeep about modifying the new Patriot...to which they directed me to send an email to my local dealer. Thus following their directions, this is what transpired:

My email:

I recently sent a question to Jeep.com and they told me to ask my local dealer. I'd like to know what is the maximum horsepower that the new CVT2 (Compass and Patriot) can withstand? Can it be modified with a turbocharger, post-factory? I hope to purchase a Patriot in the future...I think it is the perfect vehicle, but it has sub-par power and I'd only consider purchasing it if it could be modified.

Their response:

Hello Mr. **** , yes you will be able to modify the engine to increase hp the only question is if mopar will have accessories available as soon as the patriot is ready for sale.

That looks pretty good to me. I've read on other sites that it was questionable how much power a CVT can actually handle, but Jeep's new system must have a limit that 172 HP hasn't reached.

Further, doesn't Mopar also sell off-roading gear? It would seem that we can expect some enhancements for off-road performance as well.

I was reading that I guess Toyota has a Mopar-like company (I forget the name of it) where you can get off-road mods for a Toyoya without voiding the warranty.

Anyways, it doesn't surprise me that it is capable of more horsepower. Engineers usually have a high factor of safety and reliability (usually 3x for bridges, etc and 10x for roller coasters), so upping the horsepower shouldn't be an issue. So the horsepower was probably set to a reasonable level to ensure a high statistical level of reliability.

It'll be just like when the government buys a new fighter plane. Refinements and upgrades are already planned, and then it will be marketed as 'new and improved' to make the public realize that they need to upgrade. Not a bad thing, just the way it works. If they brought out the top of the line right away, there wouldn't be anywhere to go but down.

I'm very much in the dark when it comes to modifications. How much would a turbo-charger cost (as well as having it installed)?

Be glad that they replied your email. I have sent a couple over the past couple months... nothing... zip... other than an automated reply stating that my email was recieved and someone would be getting back to me.

Just when are the updates supposed to get emailed? Signed up for them... nothing... :( :( :( :(