Here's the Chrysler press release:

Auburn Hills, Mich., Jan 05, 2004 -The 2005 Chrysler 300C and Dodge Magnum RT will be the first high-volume, modern production vehicles in North America to feature fully-functioning cylinder deactivation when they go on sale in the spring of 2004. The Multi-Displacement System (MDS) will be standard equipment on the Chrysler 300C and Dodge Magnum RT.

“The Chrysler Group MDS seamlessly alternates between smooth, high fuel economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed, and V-8 mode when more power from the 5.7L HEMI® engine is in demand,” said Eric Ridenour, Executive Vice President Product Development, Chrysler Group. “This optimizes fuel economy when V-8 power is not needed, without sacrificing vehicle performance—2005 Chrysler 300C and Dodge Magnum RT owners will get the maximum benefit without any compromises.”

Owners of the Chrysler 300C and Dodge Magnum RT will receive the powerful benefit of the HEMI engine with the fuel economy that they would only expect from a smaller, less powerful engine.

“The MDS was part of the engine’s original design,” said Bob Lee, Vice President Powertrain Product Team, Chrysler Group. “This resulted in a cylinder-deactivation system that is elegantly simple and completely integrated into the engine design. The benefits are fewer parts, maximum reliability and lower cost.”

Some of the significant technologies enabling the Chrysler Group MDS are the speed of electronic controls, the sophistication of the algorithms controlling the systems and the use of Electronic Throttle Control. The HEMI will be able to transition from eight cylinders to four in 40 milliseconds (0.040 seconds).

The HEMI engine with MDS has completed over 6.5 million customer-equivalent miles through Chrysler Group’s development and durability testing. It is covered by the 7-Year/70,000-mile Limited Powertrain warranty.

The system deactivates the valve lifters. This keeps the valves in four cylinders closed, and there is no combustion. In addition to stopping combustion, energy is not lost by pumping air through these cylinders.

Customers will experience estimated fuel economy gains of up to 20 percent under various driving conditions, and a projected 10 percent aggregate improvement. Improved fuel economy is realized without any change in customer experience—drivers will receive the benefit without changing their driving habits and without compromising style, comfort or convenience.

 

Woah Z284, you have really become the guy with all the breaking information around here. Giving GuionM a run?!

 

Wow, where did this come from? i didn't even know they were working on it.

 

Yeah really. I've heard nothing of this. So GM is trumped again huh....

 

GuionM must be slipping

 

Ya, we pretty much don't get blind sided by much new stuff... this is very surprising!

 

GM's progress on DOD was one of the main reasons DCX did the Hemi. It was originally planned as a larger displacement version of the 4.7 OHC motor. It would have been costly to add DOD to the OHC, so they went with the pushrod Hemi design.

GM has a black eye from their Caddillac V8-6-4 fiasco, so they need to thoroughly wring out the DOD design before ;etting it loose on consumers. DCX has no bad history with this, so can release it ASAP.

I would bet GM will produce more DOD vehicles than DCX in the next 3 years, as thier basic system fits most of the V8 displacements they offer. DCX sofar has the 5.7 offering.

Either way, it's comforting to know that GM isn't alone in this technology offering.

 

I don't get it. we've been hearing about GM going DoD for eons now and allofasudden DC drops the bomb.

Oh, hey GM, thanks for all the PR work, we'll take it from here...

NICE GOING GM!! way to drag your *** on this...

 

morbid - What's the big deal? DOD is coming - very soon - from GM too. So DCX is a few months earlier.... whoop de doo. Sounds like someone is desparately seeking a mountain among mole hills....

 

i'm just surprised and dismayed that Chrysler, having heard nothing from them on DoD is putting an engine into production sooner than GM. and this is not a few months either. isn't the soonest GM engine with DoD coming out for 2005 model year?

 

Afew years ago, I was reading an interview with a senior GM Powertrain engineer.

He said that within 2-3 years, if no one copies your innovations - then your ideas are not successful.

Also, I believe Mercedes Benz has had a successful cylinder deactivation system for several years now.

 

I wonder if in 10 or 15 years, if most cars will have this technology.............

I wonder if it will eventually be available for diesel applications also?
Imagine the fuel economy of diesel/electric hybrid with DOD on a full size truck...........

 

Where the hell did that come from? Great news! I didn't even know any other manufacturers were working on it. We've only heard of GM working on this system. With the Bush administration tightening up on truck fuel economy soon, this is really great news for the American truck manufacturers.

 

I believe you're correct. I remember hearing that Europe had had this for some time now. Though I can't really remember, I want to say it was DaimlerChrysler doing it.

 

True, Daimler has offered DOD for a few years on some of thier high-end cars. Too expensive, and too small of production numbers to have any noticable impact on CAFE, or the typical buyer.

With GM and Chrysler offering this technology at a relativey low price, on huge production volumes (pickup, SUV, sedans), it's a significant step forward.

Anyone can offer radical new technology. The trick is offering it in a reliable, effective, low cost package suitable for the masses.

Most good ideas are not new ideas. They are just well executed ideas. Putting DOD on high volume, low fuel economy trucks/SUV's is a well executed idea, and will have the biggest impact.