New Drivetrains, Hybrids Coming From Chrysler

Long criticized for its truck-heavy lineup and low gas mileage, Chrysler says fuel-efficient engines and transmissions, including a few hybrids, are in store. In addition to the hybrids, there will be a new family of V-6 engines, a dual-clutch transmission and more diesels, product development executive Frank Klegon said at a media event in Michigan today. Details include:

More-efficient V-6 engines. Chrysler’s upcoming “Phoenix” V-6 engines will feature cylinder deactivation and variable valve timing. Expect gas mileage improvements of 6 to 8 percent. They’ll likely replace the current 3.5-liter and 4.0-liter V-6s, whose fuel efficiency isn’t exactly at the head of the pack. The 2008 Dodge Avenger gets 16/26 mpg with the current engine.

More Hemi power. The automaker’s 5.7-liter Hemi, which powers everything from the Chrysler 300 to the Dodge Ram, will receive a significant upgrade for the 2009 model year. Klegon said to expect better gas mileage, refinement and power. Given the automaker’s work on its 4.7-liter V-8, whose power jumped from 260 to 302 hp in the 2008 Dakota pickup, we’re excited to see what the Hemi will cook up next.

Dual-clutch transmissions. A dual-clutch transmission, similar to Audi’s DSG, will arrive “in significant volumes” for 2010. It promises quicker, more refined shifts and a 6 percent improvement in gas mileage, Klegon said.

5 percent overall gas mileage improvement. Chrysler aims to increase its overall fleet gas mileage 5 percent thanks to broad initiatives with aerodynamics, friction and the like. Given that the Chrysler Group’s lineup includes boxy SUVs like the Dodge Nitro and Jeep Commander, we couldn’t be happier.

More hybrids. The 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango Hybrids were available today for test drives, and Chrysler says the SUVs’ two-mode hybrid system will expand to other vehicles. It’s a “full” hybrid system that allows electric-only propulsion. So-called “mild” hybrids that use the electric motor only to assist the engine are also on the way, Klegon said. Mild hybrids include the 2008 Saturn Vue; they don’t yield as much improvement in gas mileage as full hybrids, but they’re cheaper to produce — and buy.

-Kelsey Mays reporting from Michigan