Chrysler CEO Talks Trucks, Engines and Europe

[nadepalma]

Chrysler CEO Talks Trucks, Engines and Europe
Craig Cole | Nov 15, 2012

Following the presentation, which included comments from Mayor Dave Bing, company Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne answered journalists’ questions on a wide variety of topics ranging from the economic situation in Europe to the new RAM pickup truck.

Part of today’s announcement centered on Chrysler’s award-winning Pentastar V6 engine. The company is investing nearly $200 million to produce them at Mack I. Right now they’re manufactured at Chrysler’s plant in Trenton, Mich. and at another facility in Mexico.

To build even more of these in-demand engines it is expanding operations in Trenton. Chrysler is spending some $40 million to add a flexible line that can do double duty making both the Pentastar V6 and the company’s new Tigershark four-cylinder.

CONTINUE AT: http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2...nd-europe.html

[bobojay]

I know we've got the 3.6 Pentastar in our Jeep Wrangler, and it sure is a smooth and very quiet, along with powerful engine. I believe you could stand a quarter on end on it's engine cover, and it wouldn't fall over while idling

[fakeout]

Smaller V6? That sounds interesting for someone who wants a smooth, quiet ride with 200 hp (instead of 283).

[A Clue]

The smaller Pentastar is a 3.2L and dont forget this expansion news coming on the heels of them saying the new Maserati Quattroporte is getting a new 3.0L V6 (twin turbo 410 HP) that could be a Pentastar variation itself.

[CJH]

The 13' RAM is very good w/ the upgraded interior and the addition of the 8-speed. The air suspension is pretty sweet as well, surprised we don't see it on more trucks.

[88Fiero]

The 13' RAM is very good w/ the upgraded interior and the addition of the 8-speed. The air suspension is pretty sweet as well, surprised we don't see it on more trucks.

The air bag systems dont hold up. Look at all the old lincolns that look like low riders. their air ride system failed.

[69gtsdart]

The air bag systems dont hold up. Look at all the old lincolns that look like low riders. their air ride system failed.

This isnt 1990.............

[CJH]

Alot of trucks/suv's have been using air bags for load leveling for a long time w/out any major problems, including GM's offerings. I've always thought it would be a great fit for the full size SUV's + trucks. If it can lower the truck on the highway, decreasing drag (increasing MPG"s) and making it more stable, while having the ability to lift and give you more ground clearance off-roading, I see that as a win/win.

[KingElvis]

The air bag systems dont hold up. Look at all the old lincolns that look like low riders. their air ride system failed.

Lots of attempts at it over the years - the '58 Chevy even had it as an option. Perhaps these will work better but...

[Tre-Tre]

All in all its great news for Chrysler, lets face it they've been on a pretty good roll.

[richmond2000]

The air bag systems dont hold up. Look at all the old lincolns that look like low riders. their air ride system failed.

almost EVERY class 9 hi way tractor and trailer ride on airbags with a VERY low failure rate and most of the "car" air ride systems used air shock assemblies not a proper "air bag"
Attachment 11942

[bmwboy2007]

I knew the 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham rode on air, I wasn't aware of it being offered in the 1958 Chevrolet.. Impala maybe?

[AdmiralViscen]

The air bag systems dont hold up. Look at all the old lincolns that look like low riders. their air ride system failed.

Cylinder deactivation can't work, just look at the old Cadillacs with the V-8-6-4. Don't even get me started on the Oldsmobile deisel! That could never work!

[osbornk]

Lots of attempts at it over the years - the '58 Chevy even had it as an option. Perhaps these will work better but...

And GM made a package for the 58 Chevy that replaced the air suspension with conventional springs and shocks. The worse possible car to buy at that time was a 58 Chevolet with air suspension with a 348 engine and a turboglide transmission. They also made a kit to replace the turboglide transmission with a powerglide. 1958 was a low period for all American manufacturers and it stood out more with GM because they were much larger than all of the others combined.

[skylark68]

This isnt 1990.............

That's basically what they said in 1990. "It isn't 1959."