Chrysler 2011 Annual Report Download - page 61

Report on
Operations
60
Research and
Innovation
if successful, can be applied on new products. As is typical in the industry, Chrysler also collaborates with
suppliers, government agencies and higher educational institutions on R&D.
R&D spending encompasses a number of activities that support the development of new and existing vehicle
and powertrain technologies, including creating three-dimensional models, virtual simulation, prototype building
and testing (including integration of safety and powertrain technologies) and assembly of pre-production pilot
models. In 2011, investment in R&D was significantly expanded and priority given to development of vehicles
with increased fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. These efforts culminated in the development of the 2012
Chrysler 300 and 2012 Dodge Charger, both with a fuel economy of 31 miles per gallon on the highway, 15%
better than their predecessor 2011 models. It also led to the development of the all-new Dodge Dart, a small
fuel-efficient vehicle with a verified unadjusted combined fuel economy of 40 miles per gallon.
Fuel-Efficiency and Reduced Emissions
Chrysler has made development of more fuel-efficient vehicles a priority to satisfy retail customer preferences,
comply with future regulation and reinforce its commitment to sustainability. As a result, research efforts are
focused on five areas centered around reducing fuel consumption and emissions: vehicle energy use, engines,
transmissions and axles, as well as hybrid propulsion and alternative fuel technologies.
Vehicle Energy Use
This area of research activity examines ways to optimize vehicle weight, aerodynamic drag, tire performance,
braking drag and driveline loss, such as for example, increasing the use of high-strength steel and other
lightweight materials to reduce vehicle weight, and improve fuel efficiency, while maintaining vehicle safety
standards. Approximately 70% of the body structure in the new CUSW platform, co-developed with Fiat and
introduced in the new Dodge Dart, will consist of high-strength steel. Technologies are also being developed to
reduce electrical loads through application of higher efficiency fans and fuel pumps.
Research activities also include applications for thermal management, which optimize the way energy is utilized,
extracted and re-utilized to reduce total energy consumption. Thermal management technologies will not only
help reduce fuel consumption, but will also be a critical factor in extending battery range for hybrid electric
and all-electric vehicle models in the future. Current research efforts include strategies to warm engines and
transmissions faster, to enable vehicles to run at an ideal set point, and to recapture waste heat.
The new Dodge Dart incorporates many of the technologies developed to manage energy use, including active
grille shutters to improve aerodynamic drag and to moderate temperature. In addition, its electric power steering
and increased use of LED lighting reduces the vehicle’s overall energy consumption.
To further reduce fuel consumption, Start&Stop technology was incorporated on the diesel version of the Jeep
Wrangler for the European market. Stop/start technology turns off the engine and fuel flow when the vehicle
comes to a full stop and re-starts the engine automatically when the driver accelerates. Chrysler plans to initiate
fleet-wide integration of this fuel-saving start/stop technology on a global basis and also aims to apply this
technology on 90% of models in North America by 2017.
Powertrain
Engines. In 2010, Chrysler introduced the new Pentastar V-6 engine, which features a lighter weight aluminum
block with variable valve timing that improved fuel efficiency an average 7% over predecessor engines. Ward’s
Auto has recognized the Pentastar engine among the “10 Best Engines for 2011” and as one of the “10 Best
Engines for 2012” for its refinement, power, fuel-efficiency and low emissions.
The Pentastar V-6 was introduced on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and has since been launched on 11
other vehicles. Because of the engine’s flexible architecture, it can be used on a wide range of models and
with a variety of advanced technologies, such as the Fiat MultiAir, direct injection and turbo-chargers. The
Pentastar V-6 engine is manufactured at the Trenton (Michigan, U.S.) and Saltillo (Mexico) plants. Despite its
“Pentastar
named one
of the Ten Best
Engines for 2011
and 2012”