Listen as Frank Klegon, Chrysler Group’s Executive Vice President of Product Development announces new Powertrains.
From Chrysler: Chrysler Group Broadens Powertrain Offensive |
Onslaught of New Initiatives to Result in Significantly Improved Fuel Efficiency
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Chelsea, Mich, Jun 21, 2007 – Chrysler Groups Powertrain Offensive took a major leap forward today when Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President “ Product Development, announced a barrage of new initiatives targeted solely at improving the fuel efficiency of future Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge vehicles.
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 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 New 4.7-liter V-8 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 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 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. |
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