Future Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep Powertrain: Engines and Transmissions
Eight speed and nine speed automatics
ZF’s sophisticated eight speed automatic transmission for rear wheel drive cars and trucks has a maximum torque rating of 650 pound-feet (in 8HP90 form). It uses several planetary gearsets, each of which may cost about as much as a light duty transmission. A nine speed ZF is used in front wheel drive crossovers, and is slated for cars and minivans as well.
Both ZF transmissions are designed to be used with transfer cases for 4x4 or all wheel drive, with stop-start systems, and with hybrid setups. Both have shift times below the limit of human perception, so that shifting can take place extremely rapidly, going up a few gears in the time a normal transmission would take for part of a single shift; the large number of gears and quick shifting will raise gas mileage and responsiveness, and can allow engine tuners to optimize more for particular rpms. Stop-start systems are confirmed for the 2013 Ram.
Chrysler is buying some eight speed transmissions from ZF while ITP (Kokomo) builds others; the ZF is used by Audi, Maserati, Rolls-Royce, and others as well.
The Fiat dual-clutch will also be used on select models. Transmissions.
The Chrysler versions of the transmissions have many differences, with most of the internal parts reportedly not being interchangeable. These will be made by Chrysler in Kokomo, where the old four-speed automatics were made; the first to be built will be the 845RFE, then the 928TE.
Pentastar V6 engines (Phoenix)
Pentastar V6 engines (née Phoenix). Coming up are a higher-mileage (lower internal friction) 3.2 powerplant, a supercharged 3.2, and possibly MultiAir, direct injection, and possibly turbo and twin turbo 3-liter engines. A 4.8 liter V8 was rumored back in 2006, and may yet appear but not until 2014 at best. A new four-cylinder that draws on Pentastar principles might be on the drawing boards for 2017 or later.
A 3.0 liter engine for Europe is coming soon, for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, and Lancia Thema/Chrysler 300. Likely to sacrifice more torque than horsepower, the engine might be equipped with direct injection and/or MultiAir, though we think buyers will have to wait for either one.
MultiAir
MultiAir is a valve control system providing separate intake valve timing and lift for each cylinder using solenoids and oil. It will be used on all Chrysler four cylinder gasoline engines, and possibly diesels and the V6 line. MultiAir improves low end torque and gas mileage. (MultiAir on the Hemi.) The new MultiAir II system goes even further, adjusting both intake and exhaust valves.
World Engines (four cylinders): Tiger Shark
MultiAir, direct injection, and turbocharging will be added to the World Gas Engines. The Tiger Shark version of the 2.4 liter “WGE” is still set to be upgraded to an estimated 200 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 175 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm; gas mileage is to rise, as well [the Dart’s 184 hp might be for an early version or for compacts only]. The 2.0 sticks with the old Mercedes dual-VVT system. Direct injection is still a ways off.
Tiger Shark cost more to make than the standard (inexpensive) WGE and includes revised VVT tuning (sacrificing top end for better overall performance and economy) on the 2.0, MultiAir on the 2.4, roller cams, and swapping intake and exhaust positions.
Other gas engines
The 4.7 liter V8 will be dropped once the current run is finished.
Expect a 6.2 liter supercharged Hemi engine. We expect anywhere from 500 to 640 horsepower, with several sources claiming nearly 700 gross (with no accessories) horsepower. A supercharger for the 6.4 Hemi (which is rated at around 470-475 hp, stock) is said to be on the way, as a Mopar aftermarket kit, once the 6.2 is out. This engine will debut in model-year 2015 with the revised Challenger; it will be shown in March 2014, and production is set to start around July 2014.
A revised, naturally aspirated 392 Hemi with higher power ratings is under wraps for 2014-2015, according to one source, along with a 5.7 Hemi upgrade slated for 2014.
There has been talk of fitting the 6.4 Hemi into the various Rams; in the Ram 1500, it could be a sport engine, and in the heavier duty Rams, it would match “the best of the rest.” One source said that there would be a 6.4 Hemi option for the Ram heavy duty trucks, along with a new transmission to compete with the GM’s Allisons. (We expect an Aisin, which Dodge already uses.)
Side notes: the upcoming Alfa 1.8 will not be based on the World Engine. RVC wrote, “The new Alfa Romeo engine being developed at Pratola Serra is not derived from the WGE at all. It is a new design, starting from the Alfa Romeo 1750, with a redesigned block, cast in aluminum.” Likewise, Maserati representatives said that the 3.0 V6 in the Levante, Ghibli, and Quattroporte is not based on the Pentastar V6, but is a fresh Maserati engine. Some sources say it shares a block with the Pentastar while others say it does not.
Diesels
The Cummins straight-six diesel is still planned for future Rams; power was boosted to 800 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed automatic once said to be slated for this engine is a while off, if it's still in the cards at all, given the Cummins’ high torque. For 2013, gas mileage is said to go up around 5% due to internal changes.
VM powers Chrysler/Jeep in Europe. A Fiat diesel is being tested for US certification in the 2012 Wrangler, and a VM diesel is definitely going into North American Grand Cherokees and Rams for the 2014 and 2013 model year, respectively — starting in Grand Cherokee, despite the later model year — coupled with the eight speed automatic as we predicted two years in advance. Some believe the VM diesel will end up in Wranglers as well, the main question being “when” — before or after the redesign.
Hybrid cars, electric cars
The Ram 1500 hybrid has changed to a limited production plug-in Ram hybrid; a hybrid minivan may still be made. Other cars might use Fiat's start-stop system which shuts off the engine when the car is stopped. Chrysler will be Fiat’s headquarters for electric and hybrid car development, with an electric Fiat 500 first. Some projects are likely to be held until 2016 as the company works on regaining its market share. CNG is available on Ram Hemis for fleet use.