CHELSEA — Chrysler Group mashes the throttle on engine, transmission and driveline debuts for model-year 2014. The introductions, which span multiple model lines, are an attempt to 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 4×4 system.
It is the first mid-size 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. When conditions are more favorable, it switches to two-wheel-drive for optimum efficiency.
An available locking rear differential enhances control in extreme off-road conditions and is selectable in any low-range terrain mode.
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:
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.
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.
Chrysler Group’s expanding product lineup demands new engines. So powertrain engineers delivered four new ones: 6.4-liter HEMI V-8, 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6, 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6, and 3.0-liter EcoDiesel I-4
