Automotive News - December 1, 2008 - (Page 10) 10 • DECEMBER 1, 2008 Chrysler: New sedans will surpass tougher CAFE rules Rick Kranz rkranz@crain.com LOS ANGELES — The next generation of Chrysler’s full-sized, rear-drive cars will exceed tougher fuel economy standards that take effect in two years, says the company’s product development chief. The restyled and re-engineered Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger are due for the 2011 model year. “These vehicles will be CAFE-positive,” Frank Klegon, executive vice president of product development, said last month at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The U.S government has not released regulations for the new corporate average fuel economy law, Klegon said, but “we think we know what it is.” Essentially, the new federal regulations call for a 4 percent annual increase in fuel economy starting in 2011. The preliminary version of the new rules calls for an industrywide average of 31.6 mpg by 2015. Today’s federal standard is 27.5 mpg for cars and The EPA rates the 2009 Dodge Charger’s new 2.7-liter V-6 at 18 mpg city/26 highway. The 3.5-liter is rated at 17/25. 23.1 mpg for light trucks. Klegon said a combination of modifications including those made to the engine, aerodynamics and axle ratios will contribute to the boost in fuel economy. The current four-speed automatic transmission may be replaced with an eight-speed gearbox. But he said the biggest factor is a new, more efficient V-6 engine family, code-named Phoenix. The engines will replace all current Chrysler car and light-truck V-6s. “The engine really creates a great economy of scale for us,” said Klegon. The 2009 Dodge Charger with the 2.7-liter V-6 gets 18 mpg city/26 highway, according to the EPA. The 3.5-liter V-6 has a rating of 17 city/25 highway. Aerodynamics are another big factor. “Now that the design office works for me, we have really good discussions about front-wheel coverage and things that are very, very important about aerodynamics,” said Klegon, who took direct authority over vehicle styling last summer. “So we are very bullish about the full-sized car and its ability to deliver on the numbers.” c Bradford Wernle contributed to this report Hyundai taps technology to boost mileage Kathy Jackson kjackson@crain.com Of all the benefits of hybrid vehicles, one kinda stands out. Fuel efficiency in hybrid vehicles requires innovative battery technology. And, as a leading provider of advanced energy storage solutions, Johnson Controls is delivering it. We’re developing ingenious systems that use smaller and lighter lithium-ion batteries that deliver more power while using less space. Just another way we’re making this world a more comfortable, safe, and sustainable place. Want to make your world better? We’ll help you figure it out at ingenuitywelcome.com © JOHNSON CONTROLS 2008 LOS ANGELES — Hyundai wants to be the fuel economy leader in the United States and is taking steps to reach that goal by 2015. The brand will achieve a fleet average of 35 mpg by 2015, said John Krafcik, who was product development chief for Hyundai Motor America before being named interim CEO last week. Hyundai says Honda Division is the fleet average leader in the United States at 22.9 mpg, followed by Toyota at 22.8. Hyundai says its current fleet average is 22.7 mpg. Speaking at the Los Angeles Auto Show last month, Krafcik said Hyundai will reach 35 mpg using a variety of new technologies. They include Hyundai’s first fuel cell and hybrid vehicles, smaller-displacement engines, turbochargers and gasoline direct injection. “It will be a hard task,” said Krafcik, “but we think it’s the right thing to do. Fuel-efficiency leadership is a great way to elevate the brand.” Hyundai’s fuel economy push has a name: “Blue Drive.” The offensive begins next year with the introduction of the Genesis coupe, which will be equipped with a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine. “This will be a rear-drive sports car that will get about 30 mpg on the highway,” Krafcik said. In 2009, Hyundai also will introduce Blue Drive trim lines of the Accent and Elantra. Those entry-level cars will get better mileage by using different gear ratios and tire construction and with bare-bones equipment. For example, power windows or locks will be missing. “The idea is to take cost and weight out,” Krafcik said. A hybrid, Hyundai’s first, is planned for the next-generation Sonata, due in 2010. The brand’s first fuel cell vehicle will arrive in 2012. But Krafcik said gasoline direct injection is a big part of how the company will reach its goals. Hyundai will introduce a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with gasoline direct injection. Krafcik did not say when the engine would debut but said it may be on a crossover concept unveiled in Los Angeles. That vehicle could go on sale as a 2011 model. c http://www.ingenuitywelcome.com http://www.ingenuitywelcome.com
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