Upgraded engines were the focus in a couple of Chrysler Group products delivered to me recently – the highly regarded Pentastar V-6 in the 2012 200 Chrysler Limited and the new 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 in the ’12 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.
The Pentastar 6 generated so much more response and purposeful driving than did the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder which I tested in the 200 a year ago. The 3.6-liter V-6 produces 283 horsepower, a major jump over the 173-hp of the base 4-cylinder.
And, too, the 3.6’s economy is just a shade below the 4, with an EPA estimate of 19/29 miles per gallon, compared with 20/31 for the smaller engine. I averaged 26.2 with the V-6 and 27.2 with the 4-cylinder.
Regarding the Grand Cherokee, its SRT (street and racing technology) package made it the most expensive Jeep I’ve driven. The Hemi engine, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive speed control, trailer tow and high-performance audio pushed the sticker price to $65,275.
With larger valves and increased compression ratio, the new 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 churns out 470 horsepower, 50 more than the former 6.1-liter Hemi. Through cylinder deactivation, it can cruise on 4 cylinders for fuel savings. That may not be a bragging point, though; I averaged 16.1 mpg with the Hemi. Its EPA estimate is 12/18.
The Hemi is fun to drive, very strong in low-end torque and roaring loud from its dual-exhaust outlets. It will run 0 to 60 in under 5 seconds. The Jeep’s four-wheel drive and 5-speed automatic transmission are tied to a Selec-Terrain system, similar to that of a Land Rover, which offers a dial for choosing auto, snow, tow, sport or track performance. They alter throttle, torque, transmission and transfer case, depending on the terrain selection.
A highlight inside are alcantra inserts on the well-bolstered seats; a heated, leather-covered steering wheel is flat-bottomed and covered in satin chrome that is slick to grip. Small paddles on the steering wheel are easy to touch, the left to downshift and right to upshift.
The SRT8 sits an inch lower than the standard Grand Cherokee; two functional air scoops are designed into its hood. The Grand Cherokee rides on 20-inch wheels with big Brembo brake rotors and calipers; tires are Pirelli Scorpion Verde all-seasons, 295/45ZR20. The 5-speed automatic transmission is equipped with paddle shifters.
Nineteen speakers enhance the audio system and rear DVD entertainment, and the GPS navigation has voice command. Among other amenities are power liftgate, sunroof, heated and vented front seats and heated rear seats, rearview camera and rear park assist, bright headlights that dim automatically, dual-zone automatic temperature control.
In addition to the Grand Cherokee, the SRT8 package is available for the Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger.
Back to the basics is the Chrysler 200, which performs economically with its V-6 and 6-speed automatic transmission. It rolls along in a quiet, easy cruise, and will remain in that high-gear, little-grunt mode unless the driver sticks his foot deep into the accelerator or moves the shifter into the manual-shift position.
The 200 is set up with an easy-to-use navigation system, though it lacks a rearview camera. In addition to added insulation for more quietness, the 200 interior is finished in finer materials than its predecessor, the Sebring. Leather-trimmed seats are heated in front. Rear-seating area is roomy, with fairly firm cushions. Trunk space is 13 cubic feet.
Stiffer spring rates and thicker antiroll bars have improved suspension, reducing body roll. The 200 rides on Goodyear Eagle LS2 P225/50R18 tires. The review model will burn E85 fuel.
The V-6 engine, navigation and Boston Acoustic speakers boosted price of the 200 from a base of $24,830 to sticker of $27,785. Heading a list of standard items are automatic temperature control, automatic headlamps, speed control, power windows/locks/mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel and rear defroster.
Notes from e-mail
Q: When will Ford officially hit the market with the 50th anniversary Mustang GT? Will it be a 2014 model to celebrate 1964½ or the 2015 to celebrate the first Mustang as a 1965? – E.L.
A: Ford is tight-lipped on plans for the Mustang celebration; I would imagine some redesign will arrive by April 2014, 50 years from the date of the original Mustang introduction.
Q: Bud, do you have information regarding sales of hybrids and electrics; who are the leaders? – J.T.
A: I actually ran those figures in a column last Sunday, Jack. Top three hybrid sellers are the Toyota Prius with 83,661 thus far this year, the Toyota Camry hybrid with 23,550 and the new Toyota Prius v with 22,424. The Chevrolet Volt leads six-month sales of plug-in electrics with 8,817, followed by the Prius Plug-in Hybrid with 4,333 and the Nissan Leaf with 3,148.
2012 Chrysler 200
$27,785
(price as tested)
MPG City 19 Highway 29
Vehicle type: Midsize sedan
Wheelbase: 108.9 inches
Length/Width/Height: 191.7/72.5/58.4
Weight: 3,576 pounds
Engine: 3.6-liter V-6
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Fuel mileage: 26.2 mpg
Fuel tank: 16.9 gallons
Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles basic; 5/100,000 powertrain
Competitors: Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Buick Verano
Built at: Sterling Heights, Mich.
THE STICKER
$24,070 base
$1,795 3.6-liter engine, dual exhausts
$695 Navigation, SiriusXM travel link
$475 Boston acoustic speakers
$750 Destination
PLUSES
Quiet interior
Pentastar engine
6-speed transmission
MINUSES
No rearview camera
Fuel mileage
