Chrysler Quietly Upgrading 2009 model Hemi Engines

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From the 'Automobile Magazine' Blog - Chrysler Quietly Upgrading
2009 model Hemi Engines

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Automobile Magazine - Blogs
http://blogs.automobilemag.com
Posted September 2 2008

http://blogs.automobilemag.com/6293238/ ... index.html

Chrysler Quietly Upgrading Hemi Engines

PM by AutomobileStaff

That thing got a new Hemi? If you're asking the owner of
a Hemi-equipped 2009 Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep model,
then the answer is yes.

Chrysler announced its new-generation 5.7-liter Hemi engine
with the introduction of the 2009 Dodge Ram in January. We
now know that the engine will replace the old V-8 on all of the
company's 5.7-liter Hemi-powered offerings. (SRT 6.1-liter
V-8s remain unchanged. And awesome.)

The revised Hemi displaces the same 5.7 liters but manages
to squeeze more power out while using less fuel. Variable
valve timing and other improvements combine to boost fuel
economy by an estimated 5 percent. Power ratings vary by
model as listed below. For comparison, current 5.7-liters
make between 330 and 345 hp, and between 370 and 390
lb-ft of torque.

* Chrysler 300 - 370 hp, 398 lb-ft
* Chrysler Aspen - 376 hp, 401 lb-ft
* Dodge Challenger - 370 hp,
398 lb-ft automatic; 375 hp, 404 lb-ft manual
* Dodge Charger - 370 hp, 398 lb-ft
* Dodge Durango - 356 hp, 390 lb-ft
* Dodge Ram 1500 - 390 hp, 407 lb-ft
* Dodge Ram 2500/3500 - 355 hp, 395 lb-ft
* Jeep Commander - 357 hp, 389 lb-ft
* Jeep Grand Cherokee - 357 hp, 389 lb-ft

The new engine is also part of the Dodge Durango Hybrid
and Chrysler Aspen Hybrid packages, where it works together
with the two-mode transmission's electric motors to produce
385 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque.

Why haven't we heard much about this engine yet? Our guess
is that Chrysler doesn't see much reason to hype up an engine
that gets a bigger horsepower increase than fuel economy
boost. Also, Chrysler likely wants to avoid giving buyers a
reason to wait for the improved models so that dealers can
sell remaining 2008s.

The first of the new Hemis should be arriving in Challengers
now, followed closely by the hybrid SUVs.
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