The Chrysler Pentastar engine family is a series of aluminiumdual overhead cam24-valvegasoline V6 engines introduced for model-year 2011 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. The Pentastar was introduced at the 2009 New York Auto Show. The engine design also allows the use of E85 or 87 octane fuel, supports cylinder deactivation, and features dual variable valve timing. Both Direct Injection as well as forced air induction options were engineered into the Pentastar engine's design, however, like cylinder deactivation, these have not yet been implemented from the factory, and remained "on the shelf" as of 2016.
For 2016, FCA released an updated version of the 3.6 L engine for the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango. This engine now featured two-stage variable valve lift, a cooled EGR, a new intake manifold, new fuel injectors, and new ignition coils. It also features upgrades to the variable valve timing system, an increased compression ratio, lower internal friction and lower weight. These improvements help to increase power as well as efficiency. The new version, however, has lost its flex-fuel capability.
The Pentastar engines are made in three different factories: Dundee Engine Plant, Trenton Engine Plant and Saltillo South Engine Plant. Insiders initially reported that the engine would come in four basic sizes, each offered in various states of tune. The 4.0L has been dropped from the list and a 3.2L added, while Fiat's investor website, as of December 2011, specifies the 3.0L with Fiat's MultiAir technology. The 3.6L engine itself has different horsepower ratings in different vehicles, and has higher horsepower and torque as used in the Dodge Challenger Single and Twin-turbocharged variants had been planned for 2015. These engines were projected to produce around, respectively. Direct injection was also planned. Due to the new ownership structure, Fiat has obtained the right to use these engines, and currently adopt them in the larger models of Lancia and Fiat brands.
