2012 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger to Get 31 MPG Highway
There have been many developments coming out of Chrysler over the past few weeks: The automaker paid off its government loans, launched a stand-alone SRT8 brand and are now majority owned by Italian carmaker Fiat.
In a presentation discussing these recent developments, Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne spilled the beans on another tidbit: The company’s large rear-wheel-drive sedans will top the previously stated 30 mpg highway figure.
Both the upcoming 2012 Chrysler 300 and the 2012 Dodge Charger are estimated to get 31 mpg on the highway when mated with the new eight-speed automatic transmission. The 31 mpg figure will be for the rear-wheel-drive 300 and Charger with the 3.6-liter V-6 Pentastar engine, Marchionne said.
Chrysler’s CEO says the new transmission is “very advanced,” and includes a total of five clutches, with only two open in any gear for low parasitic losses. The transmission will be able to handle a maximum engine speed of 7,200 rpm.
Marchionne reiterated that a nine-speed automatic transmission will follow for front-wheel-drive cars in 2013.
We'll have a full report on the new eight-speeds and how they perform next month.
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31 mpg seems like they left the axle ratio the same at 2.65:1 instead of reverting to the correct 3.06.
But it is only 'estimated'. Genesis 3.8 / 8 speed is 19/29
I was expecting 20/30 with 3.06 rear axle, we will see.
In another news,
Future cost of transmission maintenance on the 2012 300/Charger have shot up astronomically, which starts around $27K. Potential used cars buyer from the 2012 model beware...
Dont know why they cant use a 4/5 speed auto and add an extra electronic overdrive device to the tailshaft giving effectively a 5th/6th gear,and keeping the tranny simpler.Cars in the 50s were very popular with external overdives.
Oh boy. They think that consumer is looking for as many gears as possible. The number one reason I wouldn't buy this thing is because Chrysler and Fiat are low quality cars. And now they becoming low quality and complex. Recently I spent some time in the 2010 Charger. Terrible interior design.
31 mpg. Other websites said they heard Marchionne confirmed it. And Tony, this car has got awarded for it's interior. Yea i know, the last generation of 300 and Charger were sh_t. You said you spent time with it, but i doubt it. The interior may not look good, but it feels great. Chrylser's biggest critics have been praising the feel and quality of the Material. ZF has one of thy best transmissions out there. Go to youtube.com and check it out.
May be I shouldn't say "Interior". In 2010 I didn't like ergonomics, switchgear. Look at the doors, this is 1980s. Cheap cheap. BTW, mother proof on this site also didn't like the interior.
Chrysler has best transmission?... I am dealing with amateurs here.
I guess what is happening is Chysler is outsourcing is tranny department to euro tranny makers since it just now finally made a six speed. I have not heard to many positive comments from auto reviews of high geared trannies, hunt to much. I think at a certain point unless it is really done right more gears are a hindrance. I would wait a year too for the tranny to be in service before buying.
Tony: The transmission is made by ZF, a German company, which caters to luxury automakers such as Audi, Bentley, BMW, Range Rover and Rolls-Royce. If you don't know, then I'm dealing with an amateur or an idiot.
Concerned about $4 & $5 Gas, I'm looking for something likened to my 2001 Buick Lesabre, now with 2oo,ooo miles. Since new I and several friends with the same in 2000-2004 models of the 3.8 V-6 leSabre have always had MPGs of 30 to 33 on Hwy and 20 to 23 in town. What's going on, that all model with simular claimed mpg are much smaller and reality mpg is less, Is this some kind of EPA conspiracy against American comsumers?? I've looked for used model LeSabres with less mileage but they seem to be keepers. Displeased shopper.