Leftlane first reported months ago that Chrysler was hard at work developing a new V6 – first codenamed the Phoenix, later changed to the Pentastar – some months ago. Now, Chrysler makes it official with the announcement of the first application, production site and official specifications.
Although it is no surprise by now that Chrysler planned to bring a new V6 to market to replace seven existing V6 engines, Chrysler officially celebrated the launch of the new V6 today at the Trenton, Michigan, South Engine Plant, one of the locations where it will be produced.
Aside from the obvious competitive advantages of having a newer, more powerful and more efficient V6 offering, Chrysler will also see substantial savings by reducing production and support costs from seven different V6 engines, to a single V6 engine in their New Pentastar 3.6-liter V6. The economies of scale savings will help to improve Chrysler’s bottom line, allowing for greater profit margins and expanded development budgets.
“The Pentastar engine is a cornerstone of Chrysler’s efforts to re-invent its business model with strong, brand-focused, world-class quality products,” said Scott Garberding, head of manufacturing, Chrysler Group LLC.
The all-new Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 is flex-fuel capable, utilizes direct-injection and Fiat-sourced Multiair technology – making it the most advanced engine in the company’s history. The Pentastar will also be utilized in combination with turbocharging for added output, allowing for the replacement of larger displacement engines that are less fuel-efficient. Chrysler says that across the Chrysler, Ram , Jeep and Dodge lines the automaker will see a fuel-economy increase of over 25 percent.
Chrysler had previously suggested that the Pentastar would result in gains of 8-11 percent in fuel economy compared to their existing and comparable V6 engines, suggesting that in order to achieve the 25 percent increase they must be intending to replace V8 engines as well – likely with a turbocharged Pentastar. Expect to see the turbocharged unit appear in large trucks or SUVs.
The first application of this engine will be in the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee , producing 280 horsepower and 260 lb-ft in that application. The all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee is due out in the second quarter of 2010.
