Chrysler to use Fiat's MultiAir engines

Chrysler has announced a raft of new engines for its line-up, which it says will boost the overall fuel-efficiency of its vehicles by 25% between now and 2014.

The engines are taken from Fiat's range, and include direct injection, turbocharged, and Multiair units, plus dual-clutch transmissions. Chrysler said 80% of its vehicles across all its brands will get the new technology.

Among the line-up is two Multiair 4 cylinder units: a 100bhp 1.4 litre unit with 95lb ft of torque and a turbocharged 1.4 litre unit with 170bhp and 170lbft of torque. A 190bhp 2.4 litre Multiair unit putting out 175lb ft of torque will also be available. A 280bhp 3.4 litre V6 Multiair unit with 260lb ft of torque will also be available and will first be available in the Jeep Grand Cherokee later next year.

Chrysler says that it will start selling vehicles with a new 6 speed Dual Dry Clutch Transmission (DDCT) from later this year, with the next generation Sebring thought most likely to get the unit first. A hybrid Ram 1500 will also go on sale later this year.

One of the conditions attached to Fiat's shareholding in Chrysler being expanded in future was that the Italian manufacturer must reach emissions targets with the U.S brand.