Chrysler LLC has unveiled its new line of V-6 engines that it reports will improve fuel efficiency across the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge lineup by 8 percent on average compared with previous Chrysler V-6 engines. This more refined and fuel-efficient V-6 engine will ultimately replace seven current Chrysler V-6 engines.
The new 3.6-liter V-6 engine -- named Pentastar -- is part of the company's overall $3 billion powertrain offensive. It will first be offered in the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, unveiled today at the New York International Auto Show and at the Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah.
"Chrysler's all-new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine will offer our customers improved fuel economy, refinement and increased performance across the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicle lineup," says Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President - Product Development, Chrysler LLC. "At the same time, replacing seven current engines with one engine will result in increased flexibility, more efficient operations and significant cost savings to the company."
The Pentastar is an all-new design, featuring double-overhead camshafts (DOHC) and a high-pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block in a 60-degree configuration.
In the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the all-new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine will deliver 280 hp (209 kW) at 6,400 rpm and 260 foot-pounds (353 N*m) of torque at 4,800 rpm -- an increase of 33 percent in horsepower and 11 percent in torque over its predecessor -- while providing an 11 percent fuel economy improvement.
"The all-new Pentastar is the most advanced six-cylinder engine Chrysler has ever offered," says Bob Lee, Vice President - Powertrain Product Team. "This new family of engines uses an architecture conceived with future technology growth and integration in mind."
The new Pentastar V6 also will contribute a 2 mpg increase to Chrysler's CAFE by 2015, resulting in fewer greenhouse gas emissions and a reduction in oil dependence.
The Pentastar V6 is designed to run on regular gasoline, offering a 10 percent reduction in fuel cost compared with premium fueled engines. The engine also is fully flex fuel capable, offering consumers the choice of gasoline or E85 fuel without any degradation in performance or emissions.
All-new Chrysler 3.6-liter, DOHC, 24-valve Pentastar V-6 Technical Specifications:
Displacement: 3.6 liters
Bore x stroke: 96 x 83 mm
Valve train system: Double-overhead cam with roller finger followers and hydraulic lash adjusters. Dual independent cam-torque actuated phasers
Fuel injection: Multi-point port fuel injection
Construction: High-pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block and semi-permanent mold aluminum cylinder head
Maximum engine speed: 7200 rpm
Fuel requirement: E85 (Ethanol) or unleaded regular, 87 octane (R+M)/2
Emission capability: PZEV
