Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, To Get 8-Speed Automatic, 31 MPG
As every automaker looks for ways to save fuel in order to meet the upcoming CAFE targets, Chrysler is proving that thrifty doesn’t necessarily have to mean small.
The company’s two full-size sedans, the rear-drive Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger are mostly recognized for their stature and performance (especially in SRT-8 form). But an eight-speed automatic transmission, which is scheduled for introduction this fall, both cars have a chance to deliver some surprising fuel economy numbers.
According to CEO Sergio Marchionne, the 3.6-liter V-6 versions of both sedans are expected to deliver around 31 miles per gallon on the highway, significantly improved from the current car (around 4 mpg better) and even thriftier than Japanese offerings such as the Honda Accord.
However, start adding V-8 engines and all-wheel drive into the mix and it’s likely such numbers will be harder to achieve (though Chrysler remains fairly buoyant on V-8 mpg estimates, stating the 5.7-liter Hemi engined cars are likely to get around 29 mpg on the open road). Technology such as more advanced cylinder deactivation and a front-wheel decoupling feature on AWD models, could mean that within a few years, there’s every chance these cars could return even higher numbers.
Source: [ Automotive News]
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This 8-speed transmission is a vast improvement from the previous 5-speed one. But I wonder that the 5-speed mated 2011 Charger SE V6would do 0-60mph in 6.4sec according to a major American media, this time could be calculated as 14.5-15.0sec bracket for 0-400m acceleration figures. These data are somewhat too fast for a woolly 5-speed equipped version, I suspect.