Chrysler’s Trenton, Michigan, engine plant has produced its millionth ‘Pentastar’ V6 engine 18 months after it entered production as the standard engine for the 2010 model year Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The all-aluminium, 60-degree V6, described as the most advanced six ever produced by Chrysler, has now, in various states of tune from 283 to 305hp, replaced six 2.7-4.0-litre V6s in various Chrysler model lines. A reduction in major engine components from 189 to just 32 greatly simplified the build process and improved quality, the automaker said.
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Some parts, including exhaust manifolds, have completely disappeared by virtue of being cast directly into the cylinder head. Previously, 32 different exhaust manifolds were used on a variety of V6 engines. Upper- and lower- intake assemblies, which accounted for 21 and 11 different part numbers (respectively), have been reduced to two upper and two lower assemblies.
Camshaft variations have dropped from 14 to four and just two fuel-rail assemblies are now required rather than the previous 14.
Fully dressed, the Pentastar V6 is 94 pounds lighter than the 3.7-litre engine it replaced in the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Similarly, while larger in displacement, it is 42 pounds lighter than the 3.5-litre it replaced in the Chrysler 300.
The engine meets Federal Tier 2 BIN 5 emission requirements and Ultra-low Emissions Vehicle II (ULEV II) standards, and was designed to meet all known future worldwide standards including LEV III and PZEV Californian standards. For export, the engine is capable of meeting Euro 6. It is designed to run on ‘regular’ US 87 octane petrol and alternate fuels including E85.
The V6 also is produced in Saltillo, Mexico.
Over 1,300 workers are employed at the two engine assembly plants with two shifts at each location.
