January 08, 2010

Chrysler Revamps Powertrains for 25% More Fuel Efficiency

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AUBURN HILLS, MI - Chrysler Group LLC is revamping its powertrain lineup with technology that will contribute to an overall fuel-efficiency improvement of more than 25 percent during the 2010-2014 period, according to the automaker.

By 2014, more than 80 percent of Chrysler Group's current powertrain lineup will undergo a complete makeover, said Paolo Ferrero, senior vice president, Chrysler Powertrain. Fiat Powertrain technologies, such as Multiair, direct injection, turbocharging and transmission systems will be added to the powertrain portfolio.

Changes/updates include:

FIRE. Fiat Powertrain's 1.4L, in-line four-cylinder Fully Integrated Robotized Engine (FIRE) featuring Multiair. Two variations of the engine will be available, naturally aspirated and turbo.

WGE. The new 2.4L, in-line four-cylinder World Gas Engine (WGE) with Multiair features Fiat's Multiair technology to improve fuel economy and specific-power output.

Pentastar. Chrysler Powertrain will streamline its V-6 gas engine offerings from six options to the new fuel-efficient, 3.6L V-6 Pentastar engine, launching on the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, due out in the second quarter this year. The all-new Pentastar V-6 delivers a fuel efficiency improvement of up to 8 percent on average when compared with previous Chrysler Group V-6 engines and delivers 90 percent of its available torque from 1,800-6,400 rpm. In the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the 3.6L Pentastar V-6 engine offers an increase of 33 percent in horsepower and an 11 percent improvement in torque over its predecessor. The Pentastar V-6 is designed to use technologies such as Multiair, direct-injection, and turbocharging for future applications.

DDCT. Beginning with mid-size D-segment cars in 2010, Chrysler Powertrain will migrate Fiat's six-speed Dual Dry Clutch Transmission (DDCT) to Chrysler Group vehicles. The DDCT delivers a 10 percent improvement in fuel efficiency while enhancing performance. It transitions seamlessly from economy to sport mode when desired and can handle up to 260 ft.-lb. of torque. The DDCT combines characteristics from both a manual transmission and an automatic transmission, delivering the efficient performance of a locked gear mechanical path, while maintaining the drivability and comfort of an automatic transmission, according to the automaker.