Frank Klegon, Executive VP,Chrysler powertrains and engines

• Mild-hybrid technology to debut in future Chrysler Group vehicle
• Chrysler two-mode hybrid program to expand
• 2009 Jeep_® Grand Cherokee BLUETEC: another 50-state clean diesel from Chrysler Group
• Company to explore development of 4-cylinder diesel for North American market, and expansion of 3.0-liter V-6 diesel
• New V-6 family of engines to include Multi-displacement System (MDS), resulting in fuel economy gain of 6 to 8 percent
• Significantly upgraded 5.7-liter HEMI^® V-8
• New 4.7-liter V-8 delivers 5-percent fuel economy improvement
• Dual-clutch transmission to result in fuel economy improvement of up to 6 percent
• Common axle program to improve fuel economy, axle efficiency and costs
• Weight reduction, aerodynamic and drivetrain improvements to raise fuel economy 5 percent

Among the fuel-efficient initiatives are a commitment to developing mild-hybrid technology and expanding the companys two-mode hybrid program; new six- and eight-cylinder gasoline engines ” including cylinder-deactivation in a V-6; dual-clutch transmission technology; a common axle program; weight reduction, aerodynamic and drivetrain initiatives; and another BLUETEC clean-diesel vehicle.

Additionally, the company announced it is exploring the development of a 4-cylinder diesel engine for the North American market, and the expansion of it’s 3.0-liter V-6 diesel engine.

“Chrysler Group is focused directly on improving fuel efficiency across our vehicle lineup,” Klegon said. “We have developed and are implementing a series of major initiatives ” including a bigger push in hybrid and clean-diesel technology ” to meet the needs of American consumers.

“Many of these fuel-efficiency initiatives will be incorporated simultaneously into a single vehicle family ” our new V-6 with Multi-displacement System (MDS) mated to a dual-clutch transmission, for example ” ultimately resulting in double-digit-percentage fuel-economy gains.”

V-6 Engine Family With Cylinder Deactivation
In February, Chrysler Group announced that an all-new family of engines ” known as “Phoenix” ” will join the Chrysler Group lineup in 2010. Since then, the company has broken ground on new plants in Trenton, Mich., Kenosha, Wis., and Mexico ” all of which will produce this family of engines.

The company announced today that this new family of V-6 engines will feature cylinder deactivation (MDS). Specifically, this means the engine will operate efficiently on three cylinders when less power is needed, and in V-6 mode when more power is needed. This optimizes fuel economy when V-6 power is not required ” without sacrificing vehicle performance or capability.

The new family of V-6 engines will feature an aluminum die cast block, dual variable valve timing (VVT) and a two-stage oil pump, among other technologies. The end result is an expected across-the-board V-6 fuel efficiency improvement of 6 to 8 percent ” in addition to new levels of V-6 power, performance and refinement.

Significantly Upgraded 5.7-liter HEMI V-8
For 2009, Chrysler Group will deliver a significantly upgraded version of it’s renowned 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, resulting in notable gains in fuel efficiency, refinement, power and torque.

New 4.7-liter V-8
The new 4.7-liter V-8 offers up to 5 percent better fuel economy than the previous 4.7-liter engine.

At the same time, this E85 flex-fuel engine delivers increased performance and improved refinement. These improvements come from the 4.7-lter V-8s two spark plugs per cylinder (the only Chrysler Group engine to do so, other than the 5.7-liter HEMI), increased compression ratio, improved cylinder-head port flow and new combustion system.

In addition to improved fuel economy, the result is a 30-percent increase in horsepower and a 10-percent increase in torque (up to 75 additional horsepower and 35 more lb.-ft. of torque, depending on application) compared with the previous 4.7-liter V-8 engine.

Dual-clutch Transmission Technology
A new dual-clutch transmission ” developed in partnership with Getrag ” joins the Chrysler Group lineup in significant volumes in 2010 model-year vehicles.

The new dual-clutch transmission is expected to deliver a fuel economy improvement of up to six percent, based on preliminary testing.

The new transmission is equipped with two independent lay-shaft style gear sets with separate clutches, using manual transmission-based components. During shifts, the next gear is anticipated and pre-selected. Then one clutch is opened while the other is closed, allowing shifting without torque interruption. The result is quicker acceleration and refined shift quality.

Common Axle Program
New common axle technology will result in fuel-economy and axle-efficiency gains, while providing weight savings, cost reduction, increased refinement and less complexity. New advanced materials increase overall axle strength and reduce package size.

Already featured in the Chrysler 300C SRT8, this axle will soon move to other Chrysler Group vehicles.

Aerodynamic, weight reduction and drivetrain improvements Chrysler Group announced today that a new set of initiatives are in place to improve fuel efficiency across it’s vehicle lineup by at least five percent. These initiatives include weight reduction, aerodynamic drag improvements, reduced rolling resistance and brake drag, optimized accessory loads, and minimized drivetrain losses.