New Chrysler V6 debuts: arriving 2011 Down Under

Chrysler's all-new V6 powerplant was officially launched in the USA on the weekend. Dubbed the 'Pentastar V-6', the new engine is a naturally-aspirated 60-degree DOHC 3.6-litre V6 and features multiport electronic fuel-injection. Chrysler Group says direct-injection and turbocharged versions are penciled in for future applications.

The Pentastar V6 will become the base engine for a range of Chrysler Group vehicles including models from Jeep and Dodge, as well as Chryslers themselves. Variants of the powerplant will also feature Fiat's Multiair variable combustion system, says the carmaker.

The new V6 survived the bankruptcy of the Chrysler group and will debut in the 2011MY Jeep Grand Cherokee in the USA in May. The new Jeep flagship luxury SUV will also herald the arrival of the powerplant Down Under when it is launched in January 2011.

No details on the roll out of the Pentastar engines into other models have been given.

"Locally the al-new 2011 model Grand Cherokee will be the first vehicle to feature the new-generation powerplant," Chrysler Australia spokesperson, Jerry Stamoulis, told the Carsales Network.

"Details on the roll out of the engine into other models will be clearer after the Grand Cherokee arrives. There are no immediate plans to change the [engine line-up] in the Wrangler or other models," Stamoulis said.

According to Chrysler's press material, the new V6 will pump out around 216kW and 353Nm. It's not clear whether this output is for a Multiair/direct-injected version of the V6 or a variable cam-timed multipoint injection version. Previously Chrysler has quoted 209kW/353Nm for the powerplant.

By way of comparison Holden's latest direct-injected 3.6 SIDI V6 pumps out 210kW/350Nm. The 3.5-litre SOHC Chrysler V6 the Pentastar replaces produced 183kW/340Nm.

As you'd expect the company is also championing the new engine's improved efficiency. Chrysler claims an 11 per cent fuel economy improvement.

"Our all-new Pentastar V-6 engine allows increased flexibility to apply new technologies and enables significant cost savings for the company by substituting previous generation V6 engines," said Paolo Ferrero, Senior Vice President Powertrain, Chrysler Group.

"By 2014, the new V6 will account for more than a third of our total engine output and contribute to an overall fuel economy improvement of more than 25 per cent," Ferrero claimed.

The new engine develops peak power at 6350rpm and revs through to 7200rpm. Top torque is at 4300, but the company says 90 per cent of torque is available from 1800 to 6350rpm. It features a high-pressure die-cast aluminium cylinder block, narrow-included valve angle cylinder-head and high-flow intake and exhaust ports. Dual independent variable cam timing is standard.

The engine is optimized to run on 87RON standard petrol. It's also E85 compatible.

Local Chrysler connection Stamoulis says specification for the Australia market powerplant are still to be finalized. He would not comment on whether the Grand Cherokee's V6 would arrive with Fiat's Multiair adjustable valve phasing system as standard.

"We'll be in a better position to quote definitive outputs and fuel economy improvements when the specifications for the 2011 Grand Cherokee are nailed down," he told the Carsales Network.

"We don't expect the final power and torque figures to be a long way from the US engine's, but we'll know for sure closer to the launch," he said.

Pentastar specifications
Type and Description: 60-degree V-type, liquid-cooled  
Displacement: 3604cc
Bore and stroke: 96.0 x 83.0mm
Valve System: Chain-driven DOHC, 24 valves and hydraulic end-pivot roller rockers
Fuel Injection: Electronic, sequential, multiport
Construction: Aluminum deep-skirt block, aluminum alloy heads
Compression Ratio: 10.2:1
Power: 209/216kW at 6400/6350rpm
Torque: 353/353Nm 4800/4300rpm
Redline/Max Engine Speed: 6400/7200rpm
Fuel Requirement: Unleaded RON 87 octane
Oil Capacity: 5.7L
Coolant Capacity: 13.25L
Emission Controls: Dual three-way catalytic converters, heated oxygen sensors and internal engine features
Estimated EPA Fuel Economy USmpg (City/Hwy): 2WD -- 16/23; AWD -- 16/22
Assembly Plant: Trenton South Engine Plant, Trenton, Michigan

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