Fuel Economy Improvements for 73 Percent of 2009 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep Models
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- SEE ALSO: Chrysler Buyers Guide
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Auburn Hills, Mich. October 31, 2008: As 2009 model year vehicles arrive in local Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep(R) showrooms, customers will be pleased to find that fuel economy has increased on 19 of Chrysler LLC's car, truck and SUV models, representing 73 percent of the entire product lineup. American consumers could see savings of as much as 6.7 million gallons of fuel per year with the 2009 fuel economy improvements.
"Chrysler is committed to improving fuel economy for our customers, and we consistently look at viable technologies to help us achieve that goal," said Bob Lee, Vice-President - Powertrain Product Team. "With offerings such as our Multi-displacement System (MDS), Active Transfer Case and Front-axle Disconnect, we are able to deliver consumers fuel economy improvements in a majority of our 2009 models."
In total, six Chrysler brand models (Chrysler Town & Country, Chrysler Sebring, Chrysler Sebring Convertible, Chrysler 300, Chrysler 300 SRT8 and Chrysler Aspen), nine Dodge brand models (Dodge Caliber, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Challenger SRT8, Dodge Charger, Dodge Charger SRT8, Dodge Durango, Dodge Nitro, and Dodge Ram 1500) and four Jeep models (Jeep Patriot, Jeep Compass, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Commander) have better fuel economy than their 2008 predecessors.
Best-In-Class
Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles hold numerous best-in-class fuel economy claims for the 2009 model year. The 2009 Dodge Journey offers the best fuel economy in its class with 19 city and 25 highway. The 2009 Jeep Compass 4x4 and Jeep Patriot 4x4 have the best EPA estimated highway fuel economy and are the most fuel efficient four-wheel-drive vehicles in their class. The new 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango hybrids deliver best-in-class fuel economy of up to 22 miles per gallon which is an improvement of more than 53 percent in the city and 40 percent overall. The 2009 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan offer better highway fuel economy than the leading full-size crossover vehicle and hold an unsurpassed fuel economy for a minivan with 17 city and 25 highway.
Engineering Innovations Make a Difference
For the 2009 model year a more fuel efficient and more powerful version of the renowned 5.7-liter HEMI(R) V-8 engine has been introduced on various models.
The all-new 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine delivers as much as a five percent improvement in fuel economy - along with more horsepower and torque - courtesy of Variable Valve Timing, expanded four-cylinder mode in the MDS and a host of other technologies. The all-new 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine is available on the 2009 Chrysler Aspen and 300; Dodge Challenger, Charger, Durango, Ram 1500 and Ram 2500 and the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander.
New technologies on the 2009 Chrysler 300 and the 2009 Dodge Charger include Active Transfer Case and Front Axle Disconnect. Chrysler is the only manufacturer to pair these two technologies on the same vehicle. Chrysler's system seamlessly transitions between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive with no driver intervention by disconnecting the front wheels from the drivetrain to reduce friction and rotational inertia. The system provides optimal traction, performance and safety, as well as a fuel economy improvement of one mpg (combined city/highway).
