As well as Chrysler Group models from the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge ranges, the Pentastar V6 engine is also an option on Lancia's rebadged Chrysler brand models.

“The Pentastar engine is a cornerstone of Chrysler Group’s effort to reinvent its business model with world class quality products. This award-winning engine is proof that the Company is transforming it products to meet the needs of our customers,” said Brian Harlow, Vice President, Head of Powertrain Manufacturing, Chrysler Group. “To build one million of anything, and in an impressively short amount of time, is a significant achievement. But to do it with such a high degree of quality is a testament to our skilled and dedicated workforce at both Trenton South and Saltillo engine plants.”

The 60-degree, V6 engine, the most advanced six-cylinder ever produced by Chrysler, is now available in 11 vehicles across the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep lineup and available in front-, rear-, and all-wheel-drive configurations. Depending on the vehicle, engines are tuned for specific applications with horsepower ranging from 283 on front-wheel-drive models and up to 305 horsepower on the sporty Dodge Challenger. The all-aluminum engine is standard or available on the Chrysler, 200, 300 and Town and Country; Dodge Avenger, Challenger, Charger, Durango, Journey and Caravan.

For 2012, the 3.6-liter engine also is standard with Jeep Wrangler and provides 285 horsepower – an increase of 40 percent over last year’s model. Torque is up 10 percent to 260 lb. ft. and highway fuel efficiency is improved to 21 miles per gallon (mpg) on the 2012 model.

Engineered to meet a variety of requirements, the Pentastar V6 engine also is the exclusive engine used with the new eight-speed automatic transmission on the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 models. The new engine and transmission combination deliver a claimed 31 mpg on the highway. Despite the gains in power, the engine is designed to run on regular 87 octane gasoline. It also is capable of running on alternate fuels including E85.

Designed for the future

Since its introduction, the new engine has replaced six legacy V6 engines ranging from 2.7-liter up to 4.0-liters in the Chrysler Group product portfolio. Overall, the new Pentastar has enabled Chrysler’s Powertrain organization to reduce major engine components from 189 parts to just 32, greatly simplifying the build process and improving quality. Some parts, including exhaust manifolds, have completely disappeared by virtue of being cast directly into the cylinder head. Previously, 32 different exhaust manifolds were used on a variety of V6 engines. Upper- and lower- intake assemblies, which accounted for 21 and 11 different part numbers (respectively), have been reduced to two upper and two lower assemblies. Camshaft variations have dropped from 14 to four and just two fuel -rail assemblies are now required rather than the previous 14.

Fully dressed, the new Pentastar V6 is 94 pounds lighter than the 3.7-liter engine it replaced on the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Similarly, while larger in displacement, the Pentastar is 42 pounds lighter than the 3.5-liter it replaced in the Chrysler 300.

The engine also is more efficient than the units it replaced with advanced emission technology. The V6 requires no Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) which helps reduce the mass and complexity of the engine. The engine meets Federal Tier 2 BIN 5 emission requirements and Ultra-low Emissions Vehicle II (ULEV II) standards, and was designed to meet all known future worldwide standards including LEV III and PZEV Californian standards. For export, the engine is capable of meeting Euro6 emission standards.

In addition to Trenton South, the Pentastar V6 also is produced in Saltillo, Mexico. More than 1,300 workers are employed at the two engine assembly plants with two shifts at each location. The Trenton Engine Plant, one of Chrysler group’s most modern plants, was the first engine manufacturing facility to receive the U.S. Green Building Council LEED Gold Certificate for environmental excellence in building design.

ItaliaspeedTV: Pentastar V6 Engine Production @ Trenton Engine Assembly Plant