The introductions, which span multiple model lines, send a clear message to the world.
“We are steadfast in our commitment to innovate for the benefit of our customers,” said Mircea Gradu, Vice President — Powertrain Transmission and Driveline Engineering and Head of Virtual Analysis. “Nowhere is this more evident than on the all-new 2014 Jeep® Cherokee.”
The all-new Cherokee’s stylish appearance belies the rugged capability delivered by its unique 4x4 system.
It is the first mid-size sport-utility (SUV) to feature a front-wheel-drive-based rear-axle disconnect system. It delivers four-wheel traction whenever it’s needed, without driver intervention.
A fully variable wet clutch housed in the rear drive module supplies the proper amount of torque for any traction condition. This capability also is a boon to aggressive starts.
Sophisticated algorithms enable the system to benefit driving dynamics by interacting with electronic stability control (ESC). When conditions are more favorable, it seamlessly switches to two-wheel-drive for optimum efficiency.
The system is available with either a one- or two-speed driveline (PTU and RDM). A locking differential is available with the two-speed PTU.
In low range, the 2.92:1 gear reduction also sets up aggressive crawl ratios – 56:1 when the vehicle is powered by the 2.4-liter Tigershark I-4 engine, and 47.8:1 when powered by the new 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6. Such specifications benefit off-road performance.
An available locking rear differential enhances control in extreme off-road conditions and is selectable in any low-range terrain mode.
Geared up
Model-year 2014 also marks the world debut of Chrysler Group’s nine-speed automatic transmission.
The advanced-technology gearbox enables aggressive launches, smooth power delivery at highway speeds and greater fuel efficiency than a six-speed automatic transmission. Its ratios are:
1st – 4.71
2nd – 2.84
3rd – 1.91
4th – 1.38
5th – 1.00
6th – 0.81
7th – 0.70
8th – 0.58
9th – 0.48
The wide ratio spread delivers outstanding low-end performance while small gear-ratio steps contribute to smooth transitions. Four overdrive ratios benefit highway fuel economy and reduce overall noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels.
The all-new, fully electronic nine-speed automatic features on-the-fly shift map changing with manual-shifting capability via Electronic Range Select. More than 40 shift maps correspond to specific conditions to optimize shift quality and shift points for improved fuel economy, performance and drivability.
To determine the appropriate shift mode, the sophisticated software accounts for variables such as engine torque gradients, kick-down events, longitudinal and lateral acceleration and grade changes. For improved driving comfort and refinement, additional parameters integrated into the transmission control strategy include: temperature, speed and electronic stability control. The result is automatic shifting attuned to the performance requirements of almost any driving situation.
Internally the transmission has four gear sets and six shift elements – multi-disc clutches, dog clutches and brakes. Only two friction-plate clutches are open in every gear, minimizing power loss.
Other new transmissions are the AS66RC six-speed automatic featured in 2014 Ram chassis cab models, and the M40 six-speed automated manual in the all-new Ram ProMaster full-size commercial van.
Sourced from Aisin, the AS66RC allows for optional 45HP and 250 lb.-ft. left- or right-side PTO. Paired with the HEMI®, efficiency is improved with Fuel Saver cylinder deactivation operation while in PTO mode.
The new M40 automated manual is mated to the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel I-4 in the ProMaster. The unique gearbox delivers the efficiency of a manual transmission with the functionality of an automatic.
At its core, it is a manual, but gearshifts and clutch functions are accomplished with an electro-hydraulic actuation system.
However, the driver can opt for manual shift-lever inputs when desired. But the driver needn’t do all the work. Shift logic is adjusted according to grade steepness so the gearbox responds intuitively to driving conditions.
New Engines Empower
Chrysler Group’s expanding product lineup demands new engines. So powertrain engineers delivered four new ones – or is it five?
6.4-liter HEMI® V-8
The all-new 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 is actually two engines. Chrysler Group is producing one version for Ram HD pickups and another for Ram Chassis Cab models.
Each is optimized for its respective duty cycle. Both are expected to provide Ram with best-in-class bragging rights among gasoline-powered competitors.
The new 16-valve engine will make 410 horsepower (306kW) at 5,600 rpm while generating peak torque of 429 lb.-ft. (582 Nm) at 4,000 rpm.
The legendary HEMI architecture provides the foundation of the 90-degree V-8. But its advanced technology is decidedly forward-looking.
Cooled exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR) delivers greater efficiency and elevated refinement. These attributes are manifested in reduced pumping losses and lower emissions. Pumping losses are further reduced by variable-valve timing (VVT).
Efficiency is a hallmark of the new 6.4-liter HEMI V-8, starting with Chrysler Group’s celebrated Fuel Saver cylinder-deactivation technology. When conditions allow, as in highway cruising, the system seamlessly shuts down four cylinders to conserve fuel.
Upgraded valve-seat material, aluminum cylinder heads, a forged-steel crankshaft and a cast-iron block contribute to durability.
Computational fluid dynamic simulations were employed to optimize the cooling circuit in the block, heads and water pump. Other features that mitigate heat include a robust/high-volume oil cooler, oil jets for piston cooling and – in the HD pickup application – a stainless-steel exhaust manifold and sodium-filled exhaust valves.
3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6
The new 3.0-liter 24-valve, dual-overhead-cam (DOHC) EcoDiesel debuts in the 2014 Jeep® Grand Cherokee and 2014 Ram 1500. It is a turbocharged 60-degree V-6 that generates 240 horsepower at 3,600 rpm and makes torque like a V-8 – 420 lb.-ft. at 2,000 rpm – without V-8 fuel consumption.
The new turbo diesel is designed and produced by VM Motori, a Chrysler Group diesel engine supplier since 1992.
The engine is shouldered by a bedplate and cylinder block of Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI), which is engineered to deliver higher strength. This enhances durability and reduces noise, vibration and harshness – a focus of many EcoDiesel design features, such as its structural aluminum oil pan.
The EcoDiesel’s 60-degree cylinder-bank angle and 1-2-3-4-5-6 firing order are optimized to manage inertia and firing loads, eliminating the need for a balance shaft.
Durability is further ensured by the EcoDiesel’s forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods – which provide additional NVH benefits – and its aluminum alloy pistons. These pistons, which benefit from cooling oil jets, reduce reciprocating mass inside the engine for enhanced efficiency and performance feel.
The EcoDiesel V-6 features Fiat’s innovative MultiJet II common-rail fuel-injection system. High-dispersion nozzles enable fuel-injection events that occur with greater precision up to eight times per cylinder cycle.
The interval between two consecutive injections also is better modulated to mitigate noise and benefit fuel consumption and emissions reduction. This is known as Injection Rate Shaping.
The new EcoDiesel V-6 achieves 50-state emissions compliance. A key enabler is the engine’s cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system, which is controlled by an electric valve instead of the conventional pneumatic variety.
A state-of-the-art Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system also reduces emissions. It incorporates a unique Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system that, unlike competitive systems, alerts the driver to low DEF levels while also allowing the engine to maintain full power.
Other features include an insulated DEF tank with heated lines mitigates the effects of cold-weather operation and an exhaust-system strategy that reduces soot output while also improving fuel economy and meeting emissions standards
The DEF tank holds eight gallons of fluid. Duty cycle determines refills, but the average interval is about 10,000 miles. DEF is commonly available fuel stations and is also offered by Mopar, Chrysler Group’s dealer network and Cummins dealers and distributors.
The standard engine oil cooler, when the EcoDiesel is used with 5W30 synthetic oil, contributes to a 10,000-mile oil-change interval. The use of B-20 biodiesel is validated and approved for the new 3.0-liter EcoDiesel.
3.2-liter Pentastar V-6
The new 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 bows in the all-new 2014 Jeep® Cherokee. It carries over all the design features that make smooth power delivery one of the most captivating traits of the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, named one of Ward’s 10 Best Engines three years running.
A 60-degree, deep-skirt, die-cast-aluminum cylinder block with six-bolt main caps afford optimal stiffness for mitigation of NVH. Also contributing to NVH reduction are:
- A structural windage tray to complement block stiffness
- A structural aluminum oil pan
- Direct-mounted alternator and A/C compressor that increases stiffness
- Select-fit pistons with polymer-graphite-coated piston skirts
- “Silent chain” timing drive with inverted teeth for minimal sprocket NVH
- Contoured composite cylinder-head covers
- Glass-reinforced nylon composite intake manifold
The Jeep Cherokee’s V-6 engine boasts forged-steel connecting rods and piston-squirter jets, and its cam drive and valve-train components require no scheduled maintenance.
The new 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 engine was subjected to 3.3 million customer-equivalent miles prior to production.
3.0-liter EcoDiesel I-4
The 2014 Ram ProMaster full-size commercial van marks the North American introduction of the potent 174-horsepower 3.0-liter inline 4-cylinder EcoDiesel engine that generates peak torque of 295 lb.-ft. at just 1,400 rpm.
Designed by Fiat, which employs the engine in numerous applications including Class 2, 3 and 4 commercial vehicles, the 16-valve, dual-overhead cam I-4 has been adapted for the North American market with a wide range of modifications that enable regulatory compliance, while also enhancing performance.
A new common-rail fuel-delivery system managed by the engine control unit (ECU) allows for variable timing and duration of multiple fuel-injection events. The combined effect of the extreme injection pressure and optimized injection strategy mitigates emissions, improves fuel economy and offers significant reduction in noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).
Further refinement comes from a host of design features, such as:
- Hydraulic tappets and roller-finger followers for valve-lash mitigation and friction reduction
- Cast-iron engine block stiffened by bed-plate construction
- Lightweight alloy pistons
- Dual-mass flywheel
- High-efficiency exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR) cooler (which also benefits emissions compliance)
The engine’s block has been modified to accommodate a heater, which is standard equipment in Canada and optional in the U.S. The block heater improves cold starts at temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees, the same threshold as the transmission heater on the economical M40 automated manual gearbox that is exclusive to the turbo diesel.
To comply with emissions standards, the engine combines the benefits of a new EGR module with a highly efficient after-treatment system.
The urea diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is integrated with heated lines. The five-gallon DEF tank promises nearly 4,000 miles of service. Low-level warnings alert the driver to replenish the supply via a filler neck conveniently adjacent to the optional locking fuel cap.
Reduced total ownership cost is a primary objective of the engine’s design. Key components from the camshaft chain drive to power-steering pump to the high-pressure fuel pump with automatic tensioner (which also benefits NVH) are designed for long life.
Similarly, thoughtful innovations such as wear-resistant cylinder liners, oil-cooled pistons and electronic engine-control units for continuous diagnosis and monitoring are specifically designed to ensure durability.
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