Chrysler Chrysler Starts Production Of Pentastar V-6, Releases Final Specs

[HighestOfHigh]

Chrysler is revamping its powertrain lineup with technology the automaker claims will help contribute to an overall fuel efficiency improvement of more than 25 percent during the 2010-2014 period. In fact, by 2014, more than 80 percent of Chrysler’s current powertrain lineup will undergo a complete makeover.

One of the highlights of Chrysler's future high efficiency powertrain lineup is the all-new Pentastar V-6 engine, which officially started production this week. Soon-to-be available on certain models from the Chrysler, Ram Truck, Jeep and Dodge families, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 is rated at 290 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque--an increase of 38 percent in horsepower and 11 percent in torque over its predecessor, plus a claimed 11 percent fuel economy improvement as well. The new mill is also fully flex-fuel ready, which means it can run on E85 fuel.

While the numbers may not appear as impressive as some competitor V-6 engines of similar displacement, or in some cases lower displacement, Chrysler will eventually add its Multiair valve technology as well as direct injection and turbocharging to boost performance further down the track.

Current highlights of the Pentastar V-6 include its double-overhead camshafts, aluminum cylinder block design and 7,200 rpm redline. The first model to be equipped with a Pentastar V-6 will be the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which is tipped to go on sale in the second quarter of the year.

Production of the new V-6 is taking place at Chrysler’s Trenton engine plant in Michigan, which has an annual manufacturing capacity of more than 400,000 engines.

- Chrysler Starts Production Of Pentastar V-6, Releases Final Specs - MotorAuthority

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Oh wow. Those specs are terrible! A result of abandonment by MB?

I wonder how much the new generation of MB engines and the Chrysler unit will have in common. Not a lot I hope.

 

[Merc1]

I think that is the question on every MB fan's mind right now. Is this engine related to what we'll see this summer from Mercedes-Benz? God I hope not.


M

 

[bum-man]

I hope both of you are joking. Sounds like they only gave information on the base V6. Others will get VVT, DI, and/or turboed. And show me a BMW 6 cylinder that revs to 7200 rpm.
So expect around a 10% increase in performance alone when DI and VVT is added.

 

[Merc1]

Well I don't have a problem with the stats, I just want to know if this motor is related to the new Benz MoVe engines.


M

 

[bum-man]

Who knows (atm except the people at Mercedes and Chrysler) but if it is I'm sure it will be to Mercedes-Benz's current standards and Chrysler will have a gem in their hands.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Bum-man. 3.6 Litres and all theyre getting is 290HP? C'mon for that displacement that's week, even for a base engine no?

 

[bum-man]

Well without any of the features such as direct injection and variable valve timing I would say they are pretty much in line with everyone else. It's only .1L larger in capacity which is really no difference at all. Keep in mind this is also Chrysler and they cannot charge a premium like Mercedes or BMW can do. Like I said if they had DI and VVT like everyone else you could probably expect around a 30hp increase which puts them right around the output of Infiniti's 3.7L.

 

[NarutoRamen]

I think they will be able to work out the DI into this, otherwise it's a freakin dud.