In 2010, Chrysler put into production the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee and with it, an all new powerplant. Responsible for filling a lot of shoes, the Pentastar V6 took over running duty on more than a few products, eventually replacing six engines. In the 18 months that it has been in service, the 3.6 liter now finds work in 11 Chrysler products and recently accomplished a substantial milestone. At one of its homes, the Trenton, Michigan Engine Assembly Plant, the one millionth block was produced and is now being called the “most advanced” six cylinder ever produced by the company.
“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,” said Brian Harlow, Vice President, Head of Powertrain Manufacturing for Chrysler Group LLC. Matted to front wheel, rear wheel and all wheel drive vehicles, the Pentastar is a true corporate engine. Displacing 3.6 liters, using dual overhead cams with variable valve timing and producing up to 305 horsepower, the all-aluminum mill recently landed on Ward’s 10 Best Engines list. The shared use of the engine has allowed Chrysler’s Powertrain outfit to reduce major components from 189 parts to just 32. Since the company no longer has to worry about he underpowered 2.7 liter or the not-too-efficient 4.0 liter, they can concentrate on making sure each Pentastar goes out right. Efficiency and power are the name of the game as the 3.6 is not only stronger than the blocks it replaced, but lighter as well. Take the previous 3.7 liter V6 found in the last generation Grand Cherokee for instance: the Pentastar weighs 94 lbs less and produces 80 more horsepower.
“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 Harlow.
Source: Chrysler
