Photo: Chrysler
Chrysler has announced that four of the engineers that worked on the redesigned 2014 Jeep Cherokee crossover SUV have received the Walter P. Chrysler Technology Award for innovation.
Don Schmanski, Mike Nemeth, Joe Kubina and Pete Jarzyna have patented the technology that covers the power transfer unit and associated components that contribute to the Cherokee’s 4WD performance.
According to the manufacturer, the resulting technology enables the vehicle “to boast crawl ratios up to 56:1, while also contributing to a 2.5% fuel-economy improvement, compared with conventional on-demand systems”. The winning feature was picked among 44 patented technologies considered for the award.
“This PTU technology exemplifies true problem solving creativity that is a hallmark of Chrysler Group engineering,” said Ed Smith, Assistant General Counsel-Intellectual Property. “It mitigates the vehicle-efficiency penalty historically associated with on-demand 4WD without diminishing 4WD capability, a feature that is fundamental to the Jeep brand and critical to so many customers. This invention allowed Chrysler to offer a 4WD package that achieves optimal functionality and efficiency.”
Revealed at the 2013 New York Auto Show, the 2014 Jeep Cherokee went on sale in the United States in the fourth quarter of the year. The vehicle is offered with either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 unit, mated to a standard nine-speed automatic transmission.
The 2014 Cherokee has yet to make its European debut, but will be introduced at the Geneva Motor Show next month. The Euro-spec model will be motivated by a 2.0-liter MultiJet II diesel engine, with either 140 hp or 170 hp.
According to the manufacturer, the resulting technology enables the vehicle “to boast crawl ratios up to 56:1, while also contributing to a 2.5% fuel-economy improvement, compared with conventional on-demand systems”. The winning feature was picked among 44 patented technologies considered for the award.
“This PTU technology exemplifies true problem solving creativity that is a hallmark of Chrysler Group engineering,” said Ed Smith, Assistant General Counsel-Intellectual Property. “It mitigates the vehicle-efficiency penalty historically associated with on-demand 4WD without diminishing 4WD capability, a feature that is fundamental to the Jeep brand and critical to so many customers. This invention allowed Chrysler to offer a 4WD package that achieves optimal functionality and efficiency.”
Revealed at the 2013 New York Auto Show, the 2014 Jeep Cherokee went on sale in the United States in the fourth quarter of the year. The vehicle is offered with either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 unit, mated to a standard nine-speed automatic transmission.
The 2014 Cherokee has yet to make its European debut, but will be introduced at the Geneva Motor Show next month. The Euro-spec model will be motivated by a 2.0-liter MultiJet II diesel engine, with either 140 hp or 170 hp.
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