MotorTrend reports that ALL Dodge and Jeep manual transmissions will come standard as 6 speeds. Everything from Neon to Wrangler and Dakota will have 6 speed manuals replacing the current 5 speed set-ups. Wonder what kind of economy will come from a vehicle like a 6 speed diesel Liberty?

 

I wonder if that means two overdrives, or closer spacing?

 

whats wrong with chrysler. why dont they put the 5 speed automatic in everything too. the 4 sucks compared to the 5. i have cars with both. and thats not what im complaining about. where the hell is chrysler in the whole CVT. ford and gm will destroy chrysler if those transmission are that suppoir to the crappy *** 4 speed. dont close the transmission plant here in america, just change it to better products. who agrees with me

 

Each new 2005 Jeep® Liberty Common Rail Diesel (CRD) sport-utility vehicle rolling off the assembly line will be fueled with 5 percent biodiesel, as Chrysler Group takes the lead in encouraging use of clean, renewable fuels made from plants.

Biodiesel fuel is produced from vegetable oil, in this case soybeans grown in Ohio, the home state of the Jeep Liberty plant in Toledo. The first Liberty diesel will be produced in November.

"This is an important first step in encouraging wider use of these clean, renewable, environmentally-friendly fuels in the United States,” said Dieter Zetsche, Chrysler Group President and CEO.

The Jeep Liberty diesel, the first diesel-powered mid-size SUV to be offered in the United States, will hit the market in late 2004. It will be powered with a 2.8-liter four-cylinder engine and equipped with automatic transmission and 4-wheel drive capability.

The Liberty takes advantage of new CRD technology that significantly improves efficiency and reduces emissions by exactly calibrating the amount and pressure of fuel injected into the engine’s combustion chambers. The Liberty CRD diesel will achieve 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, overall approximately 30 higher than Liberty's comparable 3.7-liter V-6 gasoline engine.

In addition to 30 percent reduction in fuel consumption, diesel engines also reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by 20 percent compared with gasoline engines, Zetsche noted.

“With biodiesel, we can increase these benefits even further. And because biodiesel is made from renewable resources, we further reduce our dependence on petroleum for our transportation needs,” Zetsche said.

Biodiesel fuel reduces emissions of particulate matter, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. In addition, the biodiesel portion of the fuel is virtually carbon dioxide neutral; that is, the amount of carbon dioxide released when the fuel is burned is matched by the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by soy plants during growth. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that has been linked to the potential for climate change.

Dodge Ram diesel pickup trucks have run successfully on B20 (20 percent biodiesel) in fleets required to use alternative fuels by the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT). However, there are currently no standards to guarantee consistent quality of B20 fuels. Thus, DaimlerChrysler currently recommends its diesel vehicles be run on a biodiesel blend of maximum 5 percent (B5).

The company is working with the biodiesel industry, petroleum industry, government, and standard-setting organizations to establish standards for biodiesel.

Conventional diesel fuel is currently available in about one-third of all filling stations in the United States.

Biodiesel blends of up to 5% concentration (B5) are available in public fueling stations at certain locations across the country, particularly in areas with substantial soybean farming. B5 fuels are already widely used in Chrysler Group diesel engine vehicles in Europe, where DaimlerChrysler has gained considerable experience with the fuels.

Next year, 2 percent biodiesel (B2) will be required for all diesel fuel in Minnesota. Missouri and Delaware are considering similar mandates.

redriderbob

 

Hey Red,

Do you have the power/Torque specs on the diesel 4 cyl? I am not too warm over a 4 cyl diesel just because it is a 4 cyl, but if the power/torque is there, it may change my mind? I was hoping for a inline 6. Maybe a baby version of the cummins diesel! Also, I wonder if the fuelling stations that have diesel, how would you know if it has the biodiesel additives?

 

With the introduction of the '05 Dakota will come a new 6-spd by Getrag. Getrag's 5 was used in the SRT-4 and PT Turbo. Biggest problem will be supply as Getrag is used widely in Europe, and in smaller numbers, filling orders for a domestic pick-up here might be tough. A recent Dodge "Ride & Drive" event in CA didn't even have a 6-spd for us to drive.... and this was an event put on by corporate for the Dodge sales force. Anticipate arrival of the 6-spd by early next year.... nudge, nudge, wink, wink.

BTW... No, you can't get the Getrag mated to the HO 4.7L... 5-spd auto only I'm afraid.

 

The 2.8-liter engine is rated at an estimated 160 hp (120 kW) at 3,800 rpm and with 295 lb.-ft. torque (400 N•m) at 1,800 rpm for unmatched towing power (5,000 lbs.).







About 300 retail filling stations make biodiesel available to the public nationwide. Source: National Biodiesel Board, for more go to... http://www.biodiesel.org



redriderbob

 

From DaimlerChrysler Media...



Chrysler Group is growing its six-speed manual transmission offerings beyond specialty vehicles such as Chrysler Crossfire and Dodge Viper, to now include its Jeep® sport-utility and Dodge truck vehicles.

“A six-speed manual transmission will now be standard equipment improving performance and driving pleasure in Jeep vehicles and Dodge Trucks where manual transmissions are offered,” said Bob Lee, Vice President – Powertrain Product Team, Chrysler Group.

For 2005, Jeep Liberty and Jeep Wrangler will feature the NSG 370 six-speed manual transmission, replacing two five-speed manual transmissions previously used in these applications--the NV1500 and NV3550—reducing cost and complexity. This new transmission is a member of the six-speed NSG 370 family, similar to the one used in the Chrysler Crossfire—the first six-speed for the Chrysler Brand. The NSG six-speed manual transmission provides a 4.46:1 First-gear ratio, versus the 3.85:1 and 4.04:1 ratios of the five-speed transmissions it replaces, for improved launch and traction.

“Because Jeep vehicles are designed to perform in a variety of challenging off-road conditions, the NSG 370 six-speed manual transmission has a unique gear case and direct-shift system specifically designed for the Jeep application,” said Frank Frederick, Director – Manual and Rear-Wheel-Drive Transmissions and Driveline Engineering, Chrysler Group.

The NSG 370 six-speed manual transmission provides optimal shift quality, improved quietness and high quality. A new dual-ratio transmission shift-tower system allows packaging of the six-speed shift pattern within the existing Jeep vehicles, and it is tuned for optimized shift quality. For smooth operation the First and Second gears have triple-cone synchronization, the Third and Fourth gears feature double-cone and the Fifth and Sixth gears single-cone synchronization. Hard-finished gears allow for quiet operation. A multi-rail, steel-construction shift system delivers high strength and precision. The two-piece aluminum case with integrated clutch housing assures powertrain stiffness and light weight. The new First-gear ratio combined with six-speed step spread allows optimization of axle ratios for fuel economy and performance.

Joining Chrysler Group’s six-speed manual transmission family is the Getrag 238 six-speed manual featured as standard equipment on the all-new 2005 Dodge Dakota and 2005 Dodge Ram 1500. Replacing the NV3500 five-speed manual transmission, this six-speed offers smooth shifting with triple-cone synchronizers in First and Second gears, and double-cone Third and Fourth gear synchronizers. Noise, vibration and harshness are minimized with hard-finished gears. Shift rails are supported with ball bearings and Teflon bushings to provide precise shift feel. Six speeds provide optimized ratios to enhance performance and the fun-to-drive factor. Torque capacity and efficiency are optimized through the use of an intermediate plate, speed gears supported by needle bearings and clean-sealed ball bearings on shafts. A two-piece, die-cast aluminum housing reduces weight while providing optimum stiffness.

“We are now able to offer our Dodge Truck buyers who prefer the 5.7L HEMI® a six-speed manual transmission in addition to our Cummins Turbo Diesel customers,” said Frederick.

Six-speed manual transmission performance will be available with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, in addition to the High Output Cummins Turbo Diesel, on 2005 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickups. The G56 six-speed manual transmission replaces the NV4500 five-speed and NV5600 six-speed manual transmissions. This new six-speed transmission features a dual-trunnion shift tower which provides a compact shift pattern with optimal mechanical advantage for shifting. Double-cone synchronizers in First through Fourth and Reverse gears provide high-capacity and long-term durability. A two-piece, die-cast aluminum case with an integral clutch housing provides optimal stiffness and minimizes noise, vibration and harshness. A multi-rail, all-steel shift system provides precise shift feel. The 6.29:1 First-gear ratio provides better launch performance for an improved experience under heavily loaded and trailer tow conditions. There are also power take off access covers on both sides of the transmission.

Chrysler Group will continue to offer a six-speed manual transmission on both Dodge Viper and Chrysler Crossfire. This Dodge Viper TREMEC T-56 transmission is synchronized in all gears, with electronic 1-4 skip shift and Reverse lockout mechanisms. The Chrysler Crossfire NSG 370 six-speed provides precise shifts with optimized gear ratios and steps between gears.

redriderbob

 

Hmmm, does not seem to be many fueling stations anywhere else other than the northern central area. Problaby as stated earlier because that is the home area where they brew the stuff. I wonder if using regular diesel fuel causes any negative impact on the engine in the long run for folks that lives in areas where biodiesel does not exist.

Red,

Another question, if that 4 cyl engine turbo'ed by chance? Looking at your engine pic, I do not see a turbo. If not, that engine has some impressive hp/torque numbers without a turbo.

 

That would sux! I guess the 6 spd getrag is mainly designed for the 6 cyl's then? Even the Hemi's get a newer model 6 speed! You would think they offer it for the 4.7 HO's or even the regular 4.7's?