What can we expect from the Pentastar V6 upgrade?

Earlier rumors had the 3.2 liter V6 essentially taking over from the 3.6 in all but the most severe duty. This plan seems to have changed, with rumors of the 3.6 being restored due to its better low-end torque, and perhaps to increases in its efficiency after the update.

Pentastar V6 engines

Numerous changes were made to the 3.2 between the 2014 and 2015 model years, along with a preliminary stop-start system. These increased its efficiency, by lowering parasitic losses,  but not its rated power.

One trick to be applied to the Pentastar upgrade (PUG) will be water-cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), which is borrowed from diesel engine technology, where Fiat has a great deal of expertise.

The engines will have roller cams, and a stainless steel pipe going into the intake. We don't know the reason for the latter quite yet.

Chrysler will no doubt have learned some tricks from Ferrari, which based the new Maserati engines on the Pentastar design, and from Fiat, which has had to focus on efficiency to meet European needs.

We find it likely that the 3.6 liter version of the PUG will adopt numerous tricks from the 3.2; in the end, it may save enough fuel to make dropping down to the 3.2 in minivans and Wranglers unnecessary.

Another trick which Chrysler is likely to pursue comes straight from their 1980s strategy — and for that matter, Ford’s current strategy — namely, using a four-cylinder turbocharged engine as an option or base engine to increase overall gas mileage, while still having the V6 for those who demand it. More on this will be reported later, at least with regards to the Wrangler.