It’s now literally been years since we first talked about PUG, the Pentastar engine UpGrade. It’s still coming, even after an initial set of improvements to Chrysler’s sole V6 — which is also, heavily modified, used by Maserati.

Pentastar V6

The Pentastar is competitive as is, with up to 305 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque coupled with good economy, but there are still improvements to make, including adding direct injection. The company apparently also has plans to use a double-roller cam, better cam phasing, and forced induction.

Sources within Auburn Hills have told us that the Saltillo plant will be dedicated to PUG production, while Trenton and/or Mack Avenue will make the “legacy” Pentastar until they switch over as well.

We don’t know which car or truck will be first to get the upgraded V6, but we have heard that the next Ram 1500, coded DT,  is due for a twin-turbo V6, which will do battle with Ford’s turbocharged sixes.  Truck powertrains are increasingly competitive, with Ram’s eight-speeds being challenged now by nine and ten speed Ford and Chevy transmissions, and the VM diesel finally seeing domestic competition.