New Chrysler 300 Luxury Series sedan mates 8-speed automatic to V6 Pentastar; up to 17% improvement in fuel economy
29 December 2011
Designed to be the most fuel-efficient Chrysler flagship sedan yet, the new 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series combines an eight-speed automatic transmission with the 292 hp (218 kW) 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine to deliver 31 mpg US highway (7.6 L/100 km). The new model delivers up to a 17% fuel economy improvement compared with the previous generation six-cylinder Chrysler 300 AWD models equipped with 5-speed transmissions.
The 2012 Chrysler 300 is the first domestic luxury sedan to feature an eight-speed automatic transmission. This new segment-exclusive ZF 8HP45 transmission helps deliver class-leading fuel efficiency with respect to:
Best-in-class highway fuel economy (31 highway mpg)
Best-in-class V-6 AWD fuel economy (18 mpg city, 27 mpg highway / 13.0 and 8.7 L/100 km, respectively)
Best-in-class combined fuel economy (23 mpg with RWD, 21 mpg with AWD / 10.2 and 1.2 L/100 km respectively)
Leading city fuel economy (19 city mpg RWD, 18 mpg AWD / 12.4 and 13.0 L/100 km, respectively)
Compact and lightweight, the all-aluminum, 60-degree V-6 features double-overhead camshafts (DOHC) with dual-independent cam phasers, integrated exhaust manifolds, polymer-coated piston skirts, forged connecting rods and a high-pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block in a 60-degree configuration. The engine delivers 292 horsepower (218 kW) at 6,350 rpm and 260 lb-ft (353 N·m) of torque at 4,800 rpm.
Dual-overhead cam (DOHC) cylinder heads with high-flow intake and exhaust ports, in combination with variable-valve timing (VVT), allow optimum volumetric and combustion efficiency over the full speed and load range. This results in an exceptional, flat torque curve along with high specific power. The engine’s peak torque is delivered across a broad range with 90% achieved from 1,800 to 6,350 rpm.
The addition of three more gear ratios in the proven ZF eight-speed automatic transmission design helps reduce the gaps normally associated with upshifting and downshifting.
The new model joins the top-of-the-range Chrysler 300C Luxury Series sedan with a 363 hp (271 kW) 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with Fuel Saver Technology.
Chrysler 300’s AWD system (both V-6 and V-8 engines) features a segment-exclusive active transfer case and front-axle-disconnect system to improve real-world fuel economy. No other major automotive manufacturer offers the combination of these two independent technologies, according to Chrysler. Chrysler 300’s AWD system seamlessly transitions between RWD and AWD with no driver intervention. When AWD is not required, the system automatically disconnects the front axle to maximize fuel economy while still providing the performance and handling inherent in RWD sedans.
Not bad but it is still a gas guzzler.
Posted by: HarveyD | 29 December 2011 at 07:19 AM
I wonder why an automaker can't make similar advances with a truck? Whoever is able to make a 30 mpg full-size truck will own the market.
Posted by: joewilder | 30 December 2011 at 10:54 AM