The Chrysler Pentastar engine family is a series of aluminium (die-cast cylinder block) dual overhead cam 24-valve gasoline V6 engines introduced for the 2011 model year in Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles. The engine was initially named "Phoenix," but the name was changed before the official launch due to a trademark conflict; the Pentastar name is derived from the trademark of the former Chrysler Corporation, which dates back to 1963.

Production

The Pentastar engines are made in three different factories: Dundee Engine Plant, Trenton Engine Plant and Saltillo South Engine Plant.

The Pentastar engine was introduced at the 2009 New York Auto Show. The engine design allows the use of E85 or 87 octane fuel and features dual variable valve timing. Forced induction, and cylinder deactivation options were engineered into the engine design, but have not been implemented from the factory, remaining "on the shelf" as of 2016.

Insiders initially reported that the engine would come in four basic sizes (3.0, 3.3, 3.6, and 4.0 L), each offered in various states of tune. The 4.0 L has been dropped from the list and a 3.2 L added, while Fiat's investor website, as of December 2011, specifies the 3.0 L with Fiat's MultiAir technology. The 3.6 L engine itself has different horsepower ratings in different vehicles, and has higher output 305 hp (227 kW; 309 PS) and 268 pound force-feet (363 N⋅m) of torque when applied in the Dodge Challenger.

Single and Twin-turbocharged variants had been planned for 2015. These engines were projected to produce around 420 and 370 hp (313 and 276 kW; 426 and 375 PS), respectively. Direct injection was also planned.

Due to the new ownership structure, Fiat has obtained the right to use these engines, and had adopted them in the larger models of Lancia and Fiat brands.

First generation

Applications

3.0 L

• 2014–present Jeep Grand Cherokee (China, Russia)
• 2014–present Jeep Wrangler (China)
• 2014–2023 Chrysler 300C (China)

3.2 L

• 2014–2022 Jeep Cherokee

3.6 L

• 2011–2014 Chrysler 200 (Models: LX, Touring, Limited, S, and C)
• 2011–2016 Chrysler Town & Country (Models: LX, Touring, Touring "L", Limited, S, Limited Platinum)
• 2011–2014 Dodge Avenger (Models: SE V6, SXT, R/T)
• 2011–2023 Dodge Challenger (Models: SE, SXT, SXT +, SXT Rallye Edition, GT)
• 2011–2023 Dodge Charger (Models: SE, SXT, SXT +, SXT Rallye Edition, GT)
• 2011–present Dodge Durango (Models: Express, SXT, Crew, Crew Lux, Citadel, ACT Plus, Limited, GT)
• 2011–2020 Dodge Grand Caravan (Models: SE American Value Package (AVP) or Canadian Value Package (CVP), SE, Crew, Crew Lux, SXT, R/T, SE Plus, SXT Plus, GT)
• 2011–2019 Dodge Journey (Models: SE American Value Package (AVP) or Canadian Value Package (CVP), Mainstreet, Crew, Crew Lux, SXT, R/T, GT, Crossroad)
• 2011–2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Models: Laredo "E", Laredo "X", 70TH Anniversary Edition, Trailhawk, Altitude Edition, Limited, Overland, Overland Summit Edition)
• 2011–2014 Volkswagen Routan (Models: S, SE, SEL, SEL Premium)
• 2011–2023 Chrysler 300 (Models: 300 Base, 300 S V6, 300 C w/ V6, 300 C Glacier Series w/ V6, 300 C Luxury Series w/ V6)
• 2012–2018 Jeep Wrangler JK (Models: Sport, Unlimited Sport, Sport "S", Unlimited Sport "S", Freedom Edition, Unlimited Freedom Edition, Altitude Edition, Unlimited Altitude Edition, 70TH Anniversary Edition, Unlimited 70TH Anniversary Edition, Sahara, Hard Rock Edition, Unlimited Sahara, Moab, Unlimited Moab, Rubicon, Unlimited Rubicon, Rubicon 10TH Anniversary, Unlimited Rubicon 10TH Anniversary) Jeep Rubicon Recon 2017
• 2019-present Jeep Wrangler JL (Models: Sport, Willys Sport, Sport S, Islander, Willys, 80th Anniversary (2021), Freedom, Sport Altitude, Unlimited RHD, Sahara, Rubicon, Sahara Altitude, High Altitude
• 2020-present Jeep Gladiator JT (Models: Sport, Willys Sport (2021), Sport S, Willys (2021), Overland, Freedom, 80th Anniversary (2021), Rubicon, Mojave, High Altitude, California Edition (California dealer only), Texas Trail (Texas dealer only)
• 2011–2015 Ram Cargo Van (Models: C/V Base, C/V Tradesman)
• 2012–2015 Lancia Voyager (Models: Limited)
• 2012–2014 Lancia Thema
• 2012–2015 Fiat Freemont
• 2012–present Ram 1500 (Models: Tradesman, SLT, HFE)
• 2013–2021 Ram ProMaster
• 2014–2017 Chrysler 200 (295-hp, 262-lb ft)
• 2016–present Chrysler Pacifica (RU) (287-hp, 262-lb ft) (Hybrid: 260-hp combined, 230-lb ft)
• 2020–present Chrysler Voyager (287-hp, 262-lb ft)

Versions

Pentastar upgrade

For 2016, FCA released an updated version of the 3.6 L engine. This engine features upgrades to the variable valve timing (VVT) system, two-stage variable valve lift (VVL), a new intake manifold, new valve springs, new piston rings, new fuel injectors, new ignition coils, a cooled EGR, lower internal friction and lower weight. It also features a higher compression ratio, increased from 10.2:1 to 11.3:1. These improvements increase power as well as efficiency. The new version no longer supports flex-fuel capability.

Applications

• 2016–present Jeep Grand Cherokee (295 hp)
• 2016–present Dodge Durango (295 hp)
• 2017–present Chrysler Pacifica
• 2011–present Ram 1500
• 2020–present Chrysler Voyager
• 2018–present Jeep Wrangler Unlimited JL
• 2020–present Jeep Gladiator (JT)
• 2022–present Ram Promaster (280 hp)
• 2019–2023 Chrysler 300

See also

• List of Chrysler engines

References

External links

• Chrysler press release on 3.6 L Pentastar V6 for the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Phoenix engines on Allpar
• Car and Driver details Pentastar upgrade