2007 Dodge Caliber Powertrain is a New Slant in One of the World's Most Competitive Segments
08 Août 2005 - 4:35PM
PR Newswire (US)
Firsts for the Chrysler Group include the use of a continuously
variable transmission, application of the World Engines and
all-wheel drive availability in the C segment AUBURN HILLS, Mich.,
Aug. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Confirming production of the
all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber, the Chrysler Group today announced that
the powertrain choices for the vehicle will be engineered to meet
the demands of global customers. The Dodge Caliber will feature
innovative engines and transmissions to deliver world-class
performance, fuel economy and refinement. "We focused on customer
benefits during the selection and development of the Dodge Caliber
engines and transmissions, targeting the hottest issues in the C
segment: fuel economy, reliability, performance and value," said
Eric Ridenour, Executive Vice President - Product Development,
Chrysler Group. "The 2007 Dodge Caliber will be the first Chrysler
Group vehicle to offer a continuously variable transmission, the
World Engine family of four-cylinder gasoline engines, a new
2.0-liter diesel engine and all-wheel drive." New Generation
Continuously Variable Transmission - CVT2 The all-new Dodge Caliber
will use the newest generation of continuously variable
transmissions, CVT2, offering several advantages compared with
previous CVTs. "Chrysler Group's CVT2 has been calibrated to
delight customers with pleasing engine response, precise ratio
control and an AutoStick(R) feature that allows for manual control
and the simulation of six stepped gears," said Ridenour. Through
the use of electronic controls, the Chrysler Group CVT2 provides a
familiar feel while delivering improved fuel economy. For example,
drivers will experience an appropriate rise in engine RPM during
acceleration rather than an instant rise to the maximum engine RPM.
Chrysler Group's CVT2 contributes a 6-8 percent improvement in fuel
economy compared with a traditional four-speed automatic
transmission. Eliminating upshifts allows the transmission to
engage the torque converter clutch almost immediately when
accelerating and to keep it engaged throughout speed changes. This
eliminates torque converter slippage common in stepped
transmissions and results in more efficient operation, especially
during city driving. Customers will notice that CVT2 also improves
vehicle performance compared with a traditional automatic
transmission. Optimized gear ratios, especially in the 30-60 mph
range, improve passing maneuvers and contribute to a responsive
feel. Chrysler Group's CVT2 makes it possible to continuously vary
the transmission ratio, providing an infinite number of gear
ratios. This allows the engine to stay in its most efficient
operating range. The transmission uses two V pulleys and a steel
push belt to vary the input speed to output speed ratio instead of
traditional discrete gear ratios activated by clutches or bands.
All-Wheel Drive "In addition to being the first all-wheel-drive
C-segment vehicle from the Chrysler Group, Dodge Caliber will also
use the first electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system with
variable torque output ever offered on any Chrysler Group passenger
car," said Ridenour. "An electronically controlled coupling manages
torque split from front to rear with no driver input needed for
smooth and automatic performance." The system works on demand,
driving only the front wheels until power to the rear wheels is
needed, which optimizes fuel economy. All-wheel drive is also used
between speeds of 25 and 65 mph to ensure precise handling during
performance driving. All-wheel drive will be available on vehicles
sold in North America. World Engine Fuel economy is a key factor in
the four-cylinder market. The Chrysler Group World Engine family is
targeted to improve fuel efficiency by five percent compared with
the engines they replace -- rivaling the best four- cylinder
engines in the world. "The engines will be built through a joint
venture and, simply stated, the World Engine program allows us to
build premium features into our engines without a premium price,"
said Ridenour. "We set and met high standards in key customer
attributes: fuel economy, refinements, durability, quality and
performance for our gasoline engine offerings." Chrysler Group
brought its engineering expertise to the World Engine program in
the areas of cylinder port and intake manifold design using
advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics tools. Chrysler Group
engineers led the development work on dual Variable Valve Timing
(VVT), as well as an integrated 2:1 oil pump/balance shaft
assembly. Chrysler Group also refined the engines for exceptional
smoothness and sound quality, resulting in a pleasant engine feel
and sound for the customer. The 2007 Dodge Caliber will be
available with all three displacements in the World Engine family:
1.8-liter, 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter. Performance objectives are
targeted to match the best in the segment -- 140, 150 and 170 hp,
respectively. 2.0-liter Turbo Diesel For Europe and other key
diesel markets, the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber will also be
available with an advanced 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine. "The
advanced diesel engine is technology readily available today that
can dramatically reduce the amount of crude oil consumed
worldwide," said Ridenour. "This is well known in Europe where, in
today's competitive environment, customers are looking for modern
diesel engines with outstanding performance and efficiency. Nearly
50 percent of all passenger vehicles sold in Europe are powered by
diesel engines. For the Chrysler Group, approximately 60 percent of
vehicles sold in Europe are diesel powered." The 2.0-liter engine
is a state-of-the-art, direct-injection turbo diesel with
high-pressure fuel injection, a variable geometry turbocharger and
four valves per cylinder. The injectors are electronically
controlled, allowing precise management of each combustion cycle
with the optimum quantity of fuel. This system can operate at
pressures up to 2000 bar, leading to finer atomization of fuel,
high power and torque and optimal fuel efficiency. The turbo diesel
engine is expected to position the Dodge Caliber sold in Europe
among the best in its class for power, torque and towing capacity.
Maximum power is estimated at 134 hp DIN (100 kW), and peak torque
is estimated at 229 lb.-ft. (310 N m). DATASOURCE: Chrysler Group
CONTACT: Cole Quinnell, +1-248-512-0315, , or Kristin Starnes,
+1-248-512-0889, , both of Chrysler Group Web site:
http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/
http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/
Copyright