Chrysler will offer a new 8-speed transmission in its 2011 300 sedan later this year, Chrysler CEO Olivier Francois said Monday at the Detroit auto show.
Chrysler spokesman Rick Deneau said the 8-speed automatic transmission, which will be produced at the company's Kokomo, Ind., plant will be introduced later this year and initially will be mated with the 300's standard Pentastar V6 engine.
Adding speeds to a transmission improves the engine's efficiency because less energy is lost as gears are changed. Chrysler wants to get the 300's fuel economy up to 30 m.p.g, at least in highway driving. The initial version, with a 6-speed transmission is rated by the Environmental Protection Agency at 18 m.p.g. in city driving and 27 m.p.h. on the highway.
"This car is going to reestablish our legitimacy in the luxury segment," Francois said. "It's going to take back the heritage of the last generation of the 300."
The 300 was named North American Car of the Year in 2005. Its muscular design and bold egg crate grille, especially when powered by Chrysler Hemi V8 engine exceeded expectations. Sales peaked at about 171,000 in 2005, but have fallen sharply in recent years. Chrysler sold about 37,000 of the large sedan last year in the U.S.
"The 300 was a car that helped turned around Chrysler after a previous downturn so this timing may be fortuitous," said Edmunds.com analyst Michelle Krebs. "The 300 has been a headturner but was long overdue for a refresh."
Chrysler also is introducing the 200, a substantially overhauled replacement for its Sebring midsize sedan, which is assembled at the company's Sterling Height plant. An updated Town & Country minivan has gone into production at Chrysler's Windsor assembly plant.
Higher sales expectations for the 200 and its related sedan, the Dodge Avenger, has led Chrysler to restore a second shift that will add about 900 jobs at the Sterling Heights factory beginning next month.-freep.com
No comments:
Post a Comment