Chrysler Technological Gadgetry, 2009
New technologies, based on patent searches and Chrysler releases | Alternative fuels and such
Flexible manufacturing | Empowered work teams
New technologies for Chrysler LLC in 2009 include an in-vehicle wireless Internet connectivity system, Rear Cross Path and Blind Spot Monitoring systems, engine redesigns, and some features we cannot talk about until September.
uconnect is being respelled (without capital letters) and rebadged into studios (satellite TV and radio), tunes (the former MyGIG 30 gigabyte hard drive), phone (with voice commands, phone book downloads, BlueTooth™ connectivity, and more), gps (GPS with real time traffic and integrated phone and tunes control), and iPod control.
New Hemi and Hemi Hybrid
For the 2009 model year, Chrysler will debut a more fuel efficient and more powerful version of its renowned 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine. The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine delivers up to five percent improvement in fuel economy – along with more horsepower and torque – courtesy of Variable Valve Timing (VVT) delivered through variable cam timing (VCT), expanded four-cylinder mode in the Multi-displacement System (MDS), higher compression, an active intake manifold with long runners for low-end torque and short runners for high-rpm power, better cylinder-head port flow, and reduced-restriction exhaust and induction systems. Other hardware upgrades include crankshaft structural upgrades, a dual-mass crankshaft damper, floating pin piston design, valve spring design and oil pump capacity increase for VVT.
A fuel saver mode lets drivers of HEMI®-powered vehicles know when they are in four-cylinder mode (a lower power mode automatically entered and exited in fractions of a second to save fuel), allowing them to modify their driving habits for improved fuel efficiency (it is in all Hemi powered vehicles with an Electronic Vehicle Information Center).
The new HEMI® Hybrid is expected to deliver an overall fuel economy improvement of more than 25%, including an improvement of nearly 40% in the city on the Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and Dodge Durango Hybrid. The two-mode HEMI® Hybrid is a full hybrid system with regenerative braking and electric-drive capability. Using two electric motors and four fixed gears, the system works with Chrysler’s Multi-displacement System (MDS) technology by enabling the 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 to operate in four-cylinder mode more often through electric-assist.
Other upgraded engines and transmissions
Chrysler’s 4.7-liter V-8 offers better fuel economy, power and torque than the previous 4.7-liter engine, while improving in refinement. The 4.7-liter V-8 has two spark plugs per cylinder, an increased compression ratio, an improved cylinder-head port flow and a new combustion system (versus the previous generation 4.7-liter V-8 engine). The new engine is also capable of operating on E85 ethanol fuel.
The 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine produces 350 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of low-end torque. An electronically controlled Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) precisely matches boost pressure with the engine’s needs. The VGT produces optimum combustion control, reduced emissions and a quiet, lag-free response. A Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) virtually eliminates particulate matter emissions and an absorber catalyst reduces oxides of nitrogen (NOx) by as much as 90 percent, making Dodge the only manufacturer to meet stringent 2010 emissions standards today. In addition to being more powerful and cleaner, this engine is 50 percent quieter than the 5.9-liter version it replaced.
A wide-range automatic six-speed gear train available on Ram heavy duty trucks provides up to 40% greater launch capability in first gear and 10% lower engine speed in sixth gear than the four-speed transmission it replaces. This reduces highway fuel consumption and reduces overall noise levels (available only with the new 6.7-liter diesel).
Blind spot monitoring and Rear Cross Path
Blind Spot Monitoring, available on the Dodge and Chrysler minivans, uses dual ultra-wideband radar sensors to aid the driver when changing lanes or if being passed by or passing unseen vehicles. It requires no driver input; it is active any time the vehicle is moving forward. The driver is notified of vehicle(s) in their blind spot via illuminated icons on the sideview mirror and/or with a driver-selected audible chime.
Rear Cross Path is a Chrysler exclusive feature. In parking lot situations RCP warns drivers who are backing out of parking spaces of traffic moving toward their vehicle. RCP activates any time the vehicle is in Reverse. The driver is notified of vehicle(s) crossing behind the vehicle via an illuminated icon on the sideview mirror, and with an audible chime. RCP is included with the Blind Spot Monitoring System.
Active transfer case and Front Axle Disconnect (300 and Charger)
These independent technologies are not offered together by any other manufacturer. The system seamlessly transitions between RWD and AWD with no driver intervention by disconnecting the front wheels from the drivetrain to reduce friction and rotational inertia. The system provides optimal traction, performance, safety and a fuel economy improvement of one mpg (combined city/highway).
Quick review: AutoNet mobile Internet
The newest feature on our van was the mobile Internet. We were already familiar with cell-based Internet adapters, having a Verizon 3G USB adapter that provides us with a signal when we’re far from home (or when FIOS gives up), so we had a basis of comparison. Chrysler’s system is much pricier to start with, at nearly $500, but the monthly fees are much lower than Verizon’s, at around $30 per month (vs. $60 for a similar plan), so they should work out even if you keep them for two years — the length of Verizon’s contract. There are also differences in operation; the Chrysler AutoNet system can support multiple users at once, though not with a great deal of speed, and is designed for quick handoffs between access points. Systems like the Verizon card we normally use are designed for staying in one place.
The details of the AutoNet system are rather interesting, and somewhat irrelevant to most users. In essence, the system uses three radios, two of them EVDO systems and one 1xRTT system, to try to get a signal no matter where it is; it includes Ethernet and USB ports, so you can plug directly into the system, and a wireless router, which seemed a little slow to announce itself. We found it very easy to connect to the twin-antenna wireless network, which provided a strong signal within the van and (we’re told) for around 100 yards outside the van, as well; the system quickly brought us to a signal strength screen, which gave us a reading of 37%, the exact number given by our Verizon EVDO system.
Performance of the system was a little slow for EVDO, in our experience, but not intolerably so. When you’re within reach of an EVDO transmitter, and most people will be as long as they’re in moderately populated areas, you get a connection somewhere between modem and DSL, enough to get your work done, and just good enough to really frustrate younger kids (but why are you letting them surf without supervision, anyway?)
When you’re out of reach of EVDO, you will often be within a 1xRTT antenna, which provides roughly the same access speed as a land-line modem but with a bit more convenience (not to mention that it’s hard to use a land-line modem from inside a moving vehicle). Mobile warriors will most likely find that to be far better than the alternative, which is no signal at all. For normal browsing and e-mail, it’s enough. (Details: 3G download speeds are between 400-800 Kbps/sec; upload speeds average 400 Kbps).
Security for the system is the easily-cracked WEP protocol, but if you mainly use it while driving, that’s probably no problem unless there’s a cracker in the car next to yours. The system shuts off when your car does, so you don’t have to worry about people taking advantage of your car hot-spot while it sits in your driveway. On the downside, cars were just about the only haven some people had from the Internet... not to mention the pervasive wi-fi signals.
A representative of AutoNet answered our questions regarding the system:
Our main network is backed by Verizon [but customers don’t have to deal with Verizon personnel]. We are the service providers and deliver a turnkey and hands off solution for Mopar. We have a few other network partners and we work constantly on ways to make our service more efficient.
The key selling point to our service is the Tru Manager. It allows us to provide you a seamless connection while you are in motion. We eliminated the "dropped call syndrome."
In short, for the true road warrior, AutoNet should be superior to current EVDO cards while in motion — for passengers.
Other
The heated steering wheel is is activated either by a switch on the lower switch bank or by the remote start function. A sensor in the steering wheel measures the wheel temperature and when the temperature attains a preset level, the heat function shuts off. For safety and comfort purposes, based on the sensor’s heat reading, once a maximum level is reached the heated steering wheel turns itself off.
Hill descent control allows a smooth and controlled hill descent on rough or slippery terrain without the driver needing to touch the brake pedal. This system applies the brakes to each wheel individually when needed to reduce forward motion while negotiating down steep grades.
Hill start assist (now moving on to the Ram) is used when starting a vehicle from a stop on a hill by maintaining the same level of brake pressure the driver applied for a short period of time after the foot has been removed from the brake pedal. The system will release the brake pedal in proportion to the amount of throttle applied. If the throttle is not applied within a short period of time after the foot has been removed from the brake pedal, Hill Start Assist will release brake pressure.
Keyless go (Challenger only) allows the driver to start the vehicle with the simple push of a button on the instrument panel as long as the key is in the cabin.
ParkView provides a wide-angle view of the area immediately behind the vehicle, for backing up. It aids in lining up a trailer with the vehicle’s towing hitch, when so equipped. The image is automatically displayed on the navigation screen when the transmission is shifted into Reverse.
Stain repel fabric appears to be a less silly name for the fabric used last year. It repels stains, controls odor, and reducing static electricity. This technology also allows the upholstery surface to dry quickly.
Supplemental signal mirrors alert other drivers using LEDs within the side mirrors.
Trailer sway control reduces trailer sway and improves handling in adverse towing conditions caused by crosswinds, traffic and improper weight distribution on the trailer. The system monitors the vehicle’s movement relative to the driver’s intended path and the vehicle yaw sensor recognizes sway. Trailer Sway Control applies brake pressure to one front wheel to counteract the yaw induced by the trailer and applies brake pressure to all four wheels to slow the vehicle. As the trailer sways to the other side of the vehicle, Trailer Sway Control will increase pressure to the opposite side of the vehicle. The system will continue to apply alternating brake pressure and reduce engine torque until the trailer is under control.