Chrysler Pledges Major Powertrain Updates

With the majority of Daimler's stake in Chrysler approved for sale to Cerberus,focus has shifted away from the financial state of the Auburn Hill's based domestic company and more towards the future. Recently, Frank Klegon, Chrysler's Vice President of Product Development spoke to journalists at the brand's proving grounds in Chelsea, Michigan about the automaker's outlook on powertrains.

First the new stuff. Chrysler had its thoroughly reworked 4.7-liter V8 on hand to test out (driving impressions are embargoed until September, so stay tuned), and has announced that it is going to be building its brand new "Phoenix" series V6 engines in three different locations. These engines will possess variable valve timing, cylinder deactivation and an aluminum block for lighter weight, which should net a 6- to 8-percent improvement in fuel economy compared to the existing V6 engines. Chrysler also confirmed that a new twin-clutch gearbox will debut with the engines, which could make it the only brand besides VW and Audi to feature such an advanced sequential manual transmission. The combinationof twin-clutch and new motor could see improvements in the double-digits, percentage wise.

Peering deeper into the looking glass, Chrysler has plans to improve its other two major engine lines, the “World Engine” 2.4-liter unit, which Klegon states is capable of gaining direct-injection. This should not only give the popular engines extra power, but should also reduce consumption and emissions. Further down the road, with an expected unveil date of 2009, Chrysler is expected to pull the wraps off the next-generation HEMI V8, which will feature similar economy and performance gains as the new 4.7-liter V8. In addition to the Two-Mode hybrid system which was developed with BMW and GM, slated for release in the near future on the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen, Chrysler has also committed resources to developing mild hybrid technologiesas a fuel consumption reducing measure.

And what about diesels? Where General Motors and Ford seem to be limiting diesel to their light trucks and sport utility vehicles, Chrysler is developing diesel engines with Mercedes-Benz for passenger car use, predicting that diesels will eventually have a 15-percent penetration rate on purchases. Unlike Ford or GM, every new car that Chrysler introduces is built for global markets, all of which are designed to accommodate diesel powertrains.

The 3.0-liter V6 CRD engine found in the Grand Cherokee is expected to gain Bluetec technology shortly, enabling it to be 50-state legal, while RandD is underway on a new, small 2.2-liter inline-four that we first saw in the Vision C220 Bluetec Concept. This little oil burner should make its way under the hood of various other Chryslers, Dodges and Jeeps.