The Chrysler Pentastar engine family is a series of aluminium (die-cast cylinder block) dual overhead cam 24-valve gasoline V6 engines introduced for model-year 2011 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles. The engine was initially named "Phoenix," but the name was changed before the official launch due to a trademark conflict; the Pentastar name is derived from the trademark of the former Chrysler Corporation, which dates back to 1963. The Pentastar was introduced at the 2009 New York Auto Show.[1][2] The engine design also allows the use of E85 or 87 octane fuel, supports cylinder deactivation, and features dual variable valve timing. The Pentastar engine currently does not use exhaust gas recirculation;[3] however, it not only supports the use of the technology but is expected to add it in a near-term engine update.[4] Both Direct Injection as well as forced air induction options were engineered into the Pentastar engine's design, however, like cylinder deactivation, these have not yet been implemented from the factory, and remained "on the shelf" as of 2016.
The ZF 8HP is an eight-speed automatic transmission designed and built by ZF Friedrichshafen.[1] It had its debut in the BMW 7 Series (F01) 760Li saloon fitted with the V12 engine, and since then each new BMW model in all Series down to the 1 Series in rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions have been equipped with it.
One of its main aims is to improve vehicle fuel economy, and it can achieve an 11% saving compared to the ZF 6-speed transmission and 14% versus modern 5-speed transmissions.[2][3] Due to changes in internal design, the shift times have reduced to 200 milliseconds; additionally, the unit brings the ability to shift in a non-sequential manner - going from gear 8 to gear 2 in extreme situations.[4] In the 8HP70 version, it has a torque handling limit of 700 newton metres (516 lbf⋅ft), and weighs 87 kilograms (192 lb).
Future development will see two four-wheel drive versions available, with a version destined for Volkswagen Group applications using a Torsen centre differential.[6] It will be able to encompass a torque range from 300 newton metres (221 lbf⋅ft) to 1,000 newton metres (738 lbf⋅ft), and will be available for use in middle-class cars through to large luxury sport utility vehicles.
Chrysler Group LLC initially received the 8HP 8-speed automatic transmissions from the ZF plant in Saarbrucken, Germany. By 2013, in parallel with Chrysler Group, ZF had set up a new transmission production plant in Gray Court, South Carolina.[7] ZF Friedrichshafen and Chrysler Group have reached a supply and license agreement for the 8HP. Chrysler Group is licensed to produce the 8HP at the company’s Kokomo Transmission Plant and the Kokomo Casting plant, production began in 2013.This transmission is marketed by Chrysler under their own brand name, the Torqueflite 8.
2nd generation 8HP products were released starting in 2014. Efficiency improvements over the original design include a wider ratio spread of 7.8:1, reduced drag torque from the shift elements, reduction in required oil pump pressure, and broadened use of the coasting and start-stop systems.[10] ZF estimated fuel economy improvement over 1st generation 8HP kits to be 3%. Refinements were also made with respect to vibration.
3rd generation 8HP products were released starting in 2018. Major improvements are total spread of 8.6 and a fuel economy improvement of 2.5% compared to the 2nd generation. There are several options in maximum torque available, also the gearbox is available with mild hybrid and plug in hybrid options: With 15 kW and 200 NM supporting boosting and recuperation in combination with 48 Volt technology up to 90 kw and 250 NM for usage with higher voltage.
