Engineering Contributions Made by the Chrysler Group to the World Engine Program Result in Premium Benefits for Customers



World-class four-cylinder engines will deliver an exceptional combination of fuel efficiency, quality and performance

Chrysler Group engineers lead dual Variable Valve Timing and flow control valve intake manifold design

Chrysler Group World Engines will be the first in the U.S. to use these technologies

Auburn Hills, Mich., Dec 16, 2004 - Chrysler Group engineering leads the development of key technologies that will give its customers high-value benefits in cost-efficient engines. These technologies will debut on the Chrysler Group version of the World Engine, co-developed by DaimlerChrysler, Hyundai Motor Company and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation for the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA).

“The Chrysler Group will deliver customer benefits with this series of engines, including significant refinements in sound quality, improvements in fuel efficiency, world-class horsepower and torque and reductions in noise, vibration and harshness,” said Eric Ridenour, Executive Vice President Product Development, Chrysler Group. “Our engineers leveraged the cost savings of the GEMA program to give customers the valuable benefits they desire with these premium technologies.”

Aggressive performance and fuel economy targets are achieved through advanced cylinder head port and intake manifold design -- Chrysler Group core competencies, and technologies not typically found in engines of this class. These technologies include dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT) and intake manifold design with flow control valves, both launching in the U.S. first in Chrysler Group versions of the World Engine.

Engines of three different displacements will be produced for the Chrysler Group: 1.8-liter, 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter. The horsepower and torque targets are among the best four-cylinder engines – 170 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque for the 2.4-liter.

Fuel economy is a key factor in the four-cylinder market, and the Chrysler Group continues to find ways to offer better performance in this area. These engines are targeted to raise the efficiency by 5 percent over the engines they replace. These technologies also enable the engine to meet the ultra-clean ULEV II emissions standards.

“Just one example of giving customers benefits from high-value technology is Variable Valve Timing with continuously variable phasing on both the intake and exhaust valves,” Ridenour said. “Dual VVT is currently only found on higher cost performance and luxury engines -- the Chrysler Group will be the first to offer it in the U.S. in entry-level vehicles, giving customers better fuel economy and performance.”

Chrysler Group has a high standard for sound quality and minimal noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) in Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge vehicles. To meet these standards, even in entry-level vehicles, our engineers addressed NVH through several unique measures. An isolated valve cover and a damped oil pan reduce sound at the top and bottom of the engine. A variety of select-fit parts minimize NVH. Engine idle smoothness is improved through dual VVT technology and the flow control valve intake manifold.

This series of engines marks several firsts for the Chrysler Group:

Dual Variable Valve Timing
Intake charge-motion flow control valves
High-pressure, die-cast aluminum four-cylinder engine block
Direct-acting mechanical bucket tappet valvetrain

“In addition to these unique attributes, these engines will deliver world-class quality and durability,” Ridenour said. “These engines have benefited from the contributions and commitment of all three partners.”

Hyundai led the development of the base engine, and the Chrysler Group has made significant engineering contributions to the engine design. Through the involvement of all three automakers, durability testing for World Engine includes 15 million customer-equivalent miles. Additionally, partners have shared best practices and lessons learned from past and current experiences, resulting in improved refinement, quality and durability.

This family of engines for the Chrysler Group will be manufactured at the GEMA plants in Dundee, Mich.

DaimlerChrysler Media

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