Some Jeep Cherokees and Chrysler 200s to get standard stop-start in 2015

Wed, 25 Jun 2014

Automakers the world over are striving to find ways to make their models more efficient, and Chrysler has a solution for some versions of the 2015 Chrysler 200 and 2015 Jeep Cherokee (2014 model shown). The Tigershark 2.4-liter four-cylinder in the 200 and the 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 in the Cherokee are getting a slight boost later this year thanks to the addition of Chrysler's Engine Stop-Start system as standard equipment. The company predicts modest gains – a three-percent improvement in fuel economy and a three percent reduction in CO2 emissions with the new tech compared to without it. While it's not much, those who sit in traffic a lot may see a difference.

Chrysler's stop/start system uses a high-speed starter motor to restart the vehicle in a claimed a third of a second. It works by detecting when the vehicle comes to a stop and turning off the engine. A more powerful battery maintains all of the model's accessories while it sits. When the driver lets off the brake, the car starts up again to drive away. There is even a button in the cabin to turn the ESS off, if desired.

The Jeep will be the first to receive ESS in the third quarter of this year to coincide with the start of production of the 2015 model-year version. The 200 will follow in the fourth quarter as a rolling change in production.

With both the Cherokee and 200 sharing the 2.4-liter four-cylinder, the decision begs the question as to why ESS isn't standard for it on both models. According to Chrysler spokesperson Kathy Graham, "It's a case-by-case basis." She said that the automaker expects about 70 percent of 200s to use the four-cylinder. Therefore, it wants to put stop/start where it has "the most impact on fuel economy and emissions." It makes sense that the company wants to see the best bang-for-the-buck from the system. Scroll down to read the full release about the new system for the models.

Fuel-Saving Engine Stop-Start (ESS) Technology Now Standard with V-6 in Award-Winning Jeep Cherokee and I-4 in All-New 2015 Chrysler 200

Estimated fuel-economy improvement up to 3%
Estimated C02 emissions-reduction up to 3%
Enhanced high-speed/high-durability starter and advanced control strategies contribute to seamless, automatic activation
Intuitively adapts to driving styles for optimal responsiveness, driving enjoyment
Availability third quarter for Jeep Cherokee, fourth quarter for Chrysler 200

June 24, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Chrysler Group is offering fuel-saving Engine Stop-Start (ESS) technology as standard equipment on certain models of the award-winning 2015 Jeep Cherokee mid-size SUV and all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan.

Chrysler 200 customers who opt for the 2.4-liter Tigershark I-4, and Jeep Cherokee customers who choose the available 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6, will experience estimated fuel-economy improvements of up to three percent, compared with the conventional vehicle-engine pairings.

"We're taking highly efficient engines and upping the ante to further benefit our customers," said Mike Duhaime, Global Director-Electrified Powertrain Propulsion Systems. "ESS leverages intricate control strategies to deliver a superior driving experience, as well as the expected fuel-savings and emissions-reduction."

ESS applications in the Chrysler 200 and Jeep Cherokee will account for an estimated C02 emissions-reduction of up to three percent.

Availability in the popular Jeep Cherokee is scheduled for third quarter. ESS arrives the following quarter in the all-new Chrysler 200.

The technology made its NAFTA-region debut in the Ram 1500 full-size pickup. ESS accounts for a one-mpg city-cycle fuel-economy gain in the Ram, the most fuel-efficient truck in its segment.

At the heart of ESS is a high-speed/high-durability starter that reduces crank time, culminating in quicker restarts. Its function is regulated by algorithms that act on a vehicle's powertrain and chassis components.

As a result, acceleration is always aligned with driver inputs. Passive accelerator application is met with measured throttle response; hard inputs trigger aggressive starts. And there's no waiting for either.

ESS works this way:
Engine controls constantly monitor vehicle speed
When the vehicle brakes to a stop, fuel flow is cut and engine turns off – events that save gas and reduce emissions

Beefier batteries maintain other vehicle systems so in-cabin comfort is unaffected
When the brake pedal is released, the engine automatically restarts and the nine-speed automatic transmission, the segment-exclusive nine-speed automatic transmission is engaged – all within 0.3 seconds

If a driver chooses to forgo the benefits of ESS, the feature can be deactivated with the push of a button, and then reactivated.

Efficiency and refinement are hallmarks of the Tigershark and Pentastar engine families. ESS just complements these attributes.

The 16-valve, 184-hp 2.4-liter Tigershark comes standard in the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200. The slickly engineered I-4 also features the unique MultiAir2 electro-hydraulic fully variable valve-lift system.

Exclusive to Chrysler Group in North America, MultiAir technology uses a column of oil in place of the traditional mechanical link between the camshaft and intake valves. Sophisticated electronic control of the MultiAir components maximizes intake manifold pressure, significantly reducing pumping losses.

MultiAir2 takes the innovation further by simultaneously controlling both valve opening and closing events to more effectively manage combustion quality. This ensures the appropriate, effective compression ratio and efficient internal exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR) for improved fuel economy.

The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 is the world's first mid-size sedan to feature a nine-speed automatic transmission, which comes standard and contributes to a fuel-economy gain of up to 13 percent compared with the outgoing car and its four-speed gearbox.

The high-tech transmission – which also comes standard in the Jeep Cherokee – dispenses power smoothly for elevated refinement. Such performance is made possible because the ratio steps between its gears are smaller than those of other transmissions.

The Cherokee's available 271-hp 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 is derived from the acclaimed 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, named three times one of Ward's 10 Best Engines. The smaller-displacement V-6 helps the Cherokee deliver fuel-economy improvements of up to 30 percent, compared with the model it replaces.

Individual exhaust-manifold runners are integrated into the aluminum cylinder-head casting, a key Pentastar-family differentiator. This design feature reduces weight and affords packaging benefits.

The 24-valve engine's 10.7:1 compression ratio aids in lowering fuel consumption and improves performance while its variable-displacement oil pump further reduces parasitic losses to maximize fuel economy. The pump is programmed to operate as needed, staying in low-pressure mode below 3,500 rpm, and then bumping up pressure as demand follows engine-speed.

The Jeep Cherokee has earned multiple media accolades, from Rocky Mountain Automotive Press Association's SUV of the Year to 2014 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year, courtesy of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).

Jeep Brand
Built on more than 70 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.

The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Cherokee, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Patriot, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models sold outside North America are available in both left and right-hand drive configurations and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. Chrysler Group LLC products are available in more than 150 countries around the world.

Chrysler Brand
The Chrysler brand has delighted customers with distinctive designs, craftsmanship, intuitive innovation and technology all at an extraordinary value since the company was founded in 1926.

Whether it is the groundbreaking, bold design of the Chrysler 300, the simple elegance and extraordinary driving experience of the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 or the family-room-on-wheels functionality of the Chrysler Town & Country, Chrysler brand vehicles reward the passion, creativity and sense of accomplishment of its owners. Beyond just exceptionally designed vehicles, the Chrysler brand has incorporated thoughtful features into all of its products, such as the innovative center console with pass through storage and sliding cup holders in the 2015 Chrysler 200, the industry-exclusive Stow 'n Go® seating and storage system on the Chrysler Town & Country and the fuel-saving Fuel Saver Technology in the Chrysler 300.

The Chrysler brand's succession of innovative product introductions continues to solidify the brand's standing as the leader in design, engineering and value. The premium for the Chrysler brand is in the product, not the price.

By Chris Bruce