Most competing hybrids, including those built by Toyota and Ford, use a parallel system with two motors and a planetary gear set, which is heavier and less energy efficient.
New V-6 likely will account for more than a third of the auto maker’s powertrains and contribute to about a 25% improvement in Chrysler’s overall corporate average fuel economy.
The 2.0L 4-cyl. is smooth and powerful enough to replace BMW’s iconic I-6 engines on a growing number of its up-market models. The auto maker already is designing a completely new engine family of 3-cyl., 4-cyl. and 6-cyl. engines.
Hyundai’s latest-generation Gamma engine is among the smallest in the U.S. and powers the Accent subcompact, one of the lowest-priced cars in the U.S., yet it pushes the envelope in technology and specific output.