Chrysler considering US$200M investment to boost Pentastar V6 production
Posted Jul 24th 2012 5:31PM
The Pentastar V6 has been Chrysler's magic bullet as of late, combining solid power and impressive fuel efficiency. The do-all powerplant has found its way into a just about any Chrysler Group vehicle with an engine bay to accept it. Jeep and Journey alike have enjoyed the benefits of the dual-overhead cam 3.6-litre mill.
Chrysler is pondering an investment of US$200 million into its Detroit Mack I facility to increase Pentastar production. Meanwhile, Chrysler plans to halt production of the aging 3.7-litre V6 at the Mack II facility. The 200 employees that were laid off by the idling of Mack II will be reemployed at other Chrysler Group facilities in the area.
According to the Automotive News report, if an agreement can be reached with the local government, the Mack I plant would switch over from producing the 4.7-litre V8 to the popular 3.6-litre Pentastar engine. Currently, the Pentastar is also produced in Trenton, Michigan, and Saltillo, Mexico.
If the proposal was approved, Chrysler will not only produce the 3.6-litre version of the Pentastar, but also intends on building variants with different displacements.
Chrysler canceled its usual summer shutdown, and the Trenton and Saltillo facilities have been working overtime to meet demand for the popular engine.
