Chrysler Group has claimed that its version of the world engine being jointly developed with Hyundai and Mitsubishi through the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) will feature top technology and be cost-efficient but a company statement provided no figures to justify the claim.
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However, the new engine will see features like dual variable valve timing and inlet manifold flow control migrate down a class in the US market whose domestic makers are not usually renowned for really innovative four-cylinder engines.
“The Chrysler Group will deliver customer benefits with this series of engines, including significant refinements in sound quality, improvements in fuel efficiency, world-class horsepower and torque and reductions in noise, vibration and harshness,” said Eric Ridenour, product development head at Chrysler Group. “Our engineers leveraged the cost savings of the GEMA programme to give customers the valuable benefits they desire with these premium technologies.”
So-called ‘aggressive’ performance and fuel economy targets are achieved through advanced cylinder head port and intake manifold design plus dual variable valve timing (VVT) and intake manifold design with flow control valves, both launching first in the US in Chrysler versions of the engine.
Chrysler will use 1.8- 2.0- and 2.4-liter variants developing up to 170 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque. The automaker is also after a 5% fuel economy improvement over the engines they replace as well as compliance with US ULEV II emissions standards.
Ridenour noted: “Dual VVT is currently only found on higher cost performance and luxury engines — the Chrysler Group will be the first to offer it in the US in entry-level vehicles, giving customers better fuel economy and performance.”
NVH control measures include an isolated valve cover and a dampened oil pan to reduce sound at the top and bottom of the engine while a variety of select-fit parts also minimise NVH. Engine idle smoothness is claimed to be improved through dual VVT technology and the flow control valve intake manifold.
Hyundai led the development of the base engine, and the Chrysler Group claims to have made “significant” engineering contributions to the engine design. Durability testing includes 15 million customer-equivalent miles.
Chrysler Group will make its engines at plants in Dundee, Michigan.
