Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has announced significant upgrades for the Pentastar V6 engine for the 2016 model year.

Making its debut in the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the revised 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine will deliver up to 14.9 percent more torque than before while offering fuel economy improvements of more than 6 percent. The increased torque occurs at engine speeds below 3,000 rpm, making a difference both in terms of performance and fuel efficiency.

On the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 will produce 295hp, 5hp more than the previous version of the engine thanks to a new intake manifold which improves airflow.

Among the enhancements Chrysler lists the addition of a two-step variable valve lift (VVL), cooled exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR) and innovative weight-reduction strategies. The two-step VVL is designed to remain mostly in low-lift mode until the driver demands more power; then it responds by switching to high-lift mode for improved combustion.

The engine also features an upgraded Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system, which moves to torque-driven cam-phasing for 2016, reducing oil demand.

Other upgrades include the modification of the engine’s compression ratio from 10.2:1 to 11.3:1, new fuel injectors, valve springs, low-tension piston rings and piston pins which feature diamond- like carbon coating.

Despite added content, the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine tips the scales at 326lbs (148kg), 4lbs (1.8kg) less than the previous iteration.

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