Car and Truck News

Onslaught of New Initiatives to Result in Significantly Improved Fuel Efficiency

- Mild-hybrid technology to debut in future Chrysler Group vehicle

- Chrysler two-mode hybrid program to expand

- 2009 Jeep(R) 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(R) 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

Chrysler Group’s 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(R) and Dodge vehicles.
Among the fuel-efficient initiatives are a commitment to developing mild- hybrid technology and expanding the company’s 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 (more…)