Chrysler Introduces Pentastar V-6 Engine

The fact that Chrysler refers to the new Pentastar V-6 as “the most advanced six-cylinder engine in the history of Chrysler” is a testament to the importance of this new engine. The all-new Pentastar V-6 is the culmination of Chrysler’s $3 billion investment in revamping its powertrains to offer smoother, more fuel-efficient and flexible engines for use in Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles. Chrysler says that the Pentastar engine will offer an average increase of eight percent in fuel economy estimates over past Chrysler V-6 engines including the antiquated 3.3-liter derivatives and the even relatively new 3.7-liter PowerTech V-6 (that debuted in 2002) and will contribute a 2 mile per gallon increase toward the stricter CAFE standards by 2015. Compared to the 3.7-liter V-6 used in the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 found under the hood of the 2011 Grand Cherokee will improve fuel economy by 11 percent and increase horsepower and torque by 33 percent and 11 percent, respectively.

With initial production taking place at Chrysler’s Trenton South Engine plant, additional engine production will take place Kenosha, Wisc. and a new plant in Mexico. Narrowing down the V-6 engine options will help reduce production costs. Future Pentastar engines will be equipped with direct injection and Chrsyler’s Multi-Displacement System cylinder deactivation to further increase power and fuel economy. The direct injected version will most likely be limited to the Dodge Ram and Jeep Wrangler since Chrysler is also trying to make sure that the engine’s noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) are all minimized.

In addition to reduced production costs to the manufacturer, the all-new Pentastar V-6 will also reduce maintenance and ownership costs to the vehicle’s operator. The new engine is capable of running on either E85 biofuel or regular unleaded gasoline without any negative affect on performance or emissions, but one of the best new features will make do-it-yourself oil changers even happier. Instead of a conventional twist-on type filter, the new Pentastar V-6 will use an advanced oil filtration system that features an incinerable filter element located on top of the engine. This not only makes performing an oil change easier, but it also reduces both oil spillage and landfill waste. Other helpful features include the use of long-life spark plugs and a high-energy, coil-on-plug ignition system.

Eventually, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 will be used in almost all Chrysler vehicles from the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger up to the Dodge Ram, while future displacements are expected to include a 3.0-liter V-6, 3.3-liter V-6 and a 4.7-liter V-8. All Pentastar engines will use variable valve timing (VVT).