Chrysler Group's New HEMI MDS V8 Saves Up To 20 Percent More Fuel
While General Motors has been talking up its Displacement on Demand (DOD) system for the last year or more, Chrysler Group has been quietly working away at its own fully-functioning cylinder deactivation technology.
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| When the 2005 Chrysler 300C hits the market in the next few months, its standard HEMI V8 will feature the automaker's Multi-Displacement System. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
When the all-new 2005 Chrysler 300C and Dodge Magnum RT hit the market in the next few months, their standard HEMI V8s will feature the automaker's Multi-Displacement System (MDS), the first of the type to be sold in North America on large-volume vehicles.
This is good news for Chrysler Group, a carmaker that hasn't exactly been at the top of the CAFE ratings in recent years due to higher than average V6 and V8 powered truck and SUV sales. MDS will increase fuel economy by up to 20 percent while still delivering all the power and torque its latest HEMI V8 is becoming legendary for.
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| MDS will increase fuel economy by up to 20 percent while still delivering all the power and torque of the latest HEMI V8. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
New developments such as high-speed electronic controls, sophisticated algorithms controlling the systems and the integration of electronic throttle control have made the technology possible. As a result Chrysler Group reports a seamless deactivation and activation process, needing only 40 milliseconds (0.040 seconds) to transition from eight-cylinders to four or vice versa.
"The Chrysler Group MDS seamlessly alternates between smooth, high fuel economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed, and V8 mode when more power from the 5.7L HEMI engine is in demand," stated Eric Ridenour, Executive Vice President Product Development, Chrysler Group. "This optimizes fuel economy when V8 power is not needed, without sacrificing vehicle performance--2005 Chrysler 300C and Dodge Magnum RT owners will get the maximum benefit without any compromises."