Chrysler has introduced an all-new line of V-6 engines that will improve fuel efficiency across the Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge line-up by 8 percent on average compared with previous Chrysler V-6 engines. This more refined and fuel-efficient V-6 engine will ultimately replace seven current Chrysler V-6 engines.

The new 3.6-litre V-6 engine—named Pentastar—is part of the company’s overall $3 billion powertrain offensive. It will first be offered in the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, unveiled last week at the New York International Auto Show.


“Chrysler’s all-new 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 engine will offer our customers improved fuel economy, refinement and increased performance across the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicle line-up,” said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President—Product Development, Chrysler LLC. “At the same time, replacing seven current engines with one engine will result in increased flexibility, more efficient operations and significant cost savings to the company.”

The Pentastar is an all-new design, featuring double-overhead camshafts (DOHC) and a high-pressure die-cast aluminium cylinder block in a 60-degree configuration.

In the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the all-new 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 engine will deliver 209 kW at 6,400 rpm and 353 N•m of torque at 4,800 rpm—an increase of 11 percent in torque over its predecessor—while providing an 11 percent fuel economy improvement.

“The all-new Pentastar is the most advanced six-cylinder engine Chrysler has ever offered,” said Bob Lee, Vice President—Powertrain Product Team. “This new family of engines uses an architecture conceived with future technology growth and integration in mind.”

During the initial goal setting for the Pentastar program, Chrysler engineers benchmarked the industry’s leading engines to set functional targets. The result is an all-new engine that delivers truly world-class customer attributes.

Chrysler’s all-new 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 engine design features a double-overhead cam (DOHC), narrow included valve angle, cylinder head and high-flow intake and exhaust ports.

This design, combined with dual independent cam phasing, allows optimum volumetric and combustion efficiency over the full speed and load range, resulting in an exceptional, flat torque curve along with high specific power—the engine’s torque exceeds 90 percent of its peak value from 1,600 to 6,400 rpm—which will provide customers with outstanding drivability and responsiveness, without the need for premium fuel.