American manufacturers have been lagging behind in powertrain development compared to their European counterparts, but as we just read about Ford’s aggresive catch up plans, US automakers realise that they need to deliver more efficient and economical drivetrains, or face seeing customers looking to Japan and Korea for their new cars.
The Chrysler Group is also on the same boat, but doesn’t need to self-develop thanks to its alliance with Fiat. The Pentastar has announced a powertrain revamp that will see overall fuel-efficiency improvement of over 25% from now till 2014. “Chrysler will attain leadership by rapidly applying Fiat Powertrain tech, such as Multiair, direct injection, turbocharging and transmission systems to its powertrain portfolio,” said Paolo Ferrero, Senior VP, Chrysler Powertrain.
Fiat will donate its 1.4-litre FIRE engine with Multiair, available in naturally aspirated and turbo form. Multiair emplys electro-hydraulic variable-valve actuation to deliver increase in power of up to 10%, improvement in low rpm torque of up to 15% and reduction in fuel consumption and emissions by 10%. The system has full control of the lift and timing of engine valves, independently on each cylinder and during each single engine stroke. The N/A engine has 100 bhp and 129 Nm while the turbo comes with 170 bhp/231 Nm.
Chrysler has also integrated Multiair into its 2.4-litre GEMA World Engine, boosting figures to 190 bhp and 237 Nm from the previous 172 bhp/223 Nm. A turbo version is under development.
Beginning with its D-segment cars, Chrysler will use Fiat’s six-speed Dual Dry Clutch Transmission, which delivers 10% better fuel efficiency. The ‘box can handle up to 350 Nm of torque.
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Chrysler was once the leader in engine technology. People still fondly remember their Hemi 426.
so much for american made technology anymore….
I'm not surprised.
Ironically, they completely missed the boat when the SUV market boomed, came in too late just before it collapsed.
Chrysler has always been the more flexible of the big three. They have historically had long relationships with other manufacturers. They had sold a number of rebadged Mitsubishis (Galant, Lancers – Sedan, hatchbacks and coupes, the 3000GTO) and also had a factory doing the Avenger/Sebring Coupes, and the nothing short of legenday Eclipse/DSM triplets.
In the mid 2000, they attemped a revival with a very japanese like Turbo 4 from the PT Cruiser GT and the Dodge Neon SRT4. 2.4L with a special Mitsu TD05HL-16G turbo.
Chrysler if anyone, would probably be the least aversive to new technology. The question is, and will continue to be, will Chryslers' customer accept that.
One must not forget that the Americans are actually a very conservative market.
4G63tDSM said,
True. The last Chrysler I've driven, the 300 is awesome!
I still can recall the days when there was an ad by Chrysler. The farther was holding his son on his arm, looking into the engine bay while saying.. "Boy, this is a HEMI!"
correction: The father.. *.*
Chrysler is nothing like it once was. I don't think it will ever be near what it is.
To be fair: Chrysler always bought engines from other manufacturers in the past.
In i.e. 2007 they bought 40.000 TDI's from VW, 43.000 CDI's from Mercedes and 55.000 Diesel engines from VM Motori, a italian subsidiary of GM.
And Chrysler is not the only one in the industry doing that: Mercedes are using VW's TDI in their 'Vito' van, VW is using Mercedes engines in their 'Crafter' lorry, BMW is using Peugeot engines in their Mini, Mercedes is using Mitsubishi engines in their Smart car.
And even Toyota, the biggest car company in the world, is using Peugeot Diesel engines in their european 'Aygo'…
Right….
And there is one perticular car manufacturer insisting in making thier own engines…..
…Chrysler has always been going after new designs and technology. From the 36' Air Stream, the 60s muscle Hemis, the big wing Dodge Charger Daytona/Plymouth Superbirds and its 80's turbocharged madness the Omni GLH (Goes Like Hell) to the late 80s adoption of Japanese technogy, and its string of close to production concepts (Viper, PT Cruiser etc) and fusion of German DNA (300, Magnum, Crossfire) with its last "partner"…they will always be remembered for being different from Ford and GM.
Unfortunately "being different" doesn't always work.