Jeep Wrangler and Liberty
to Feature Six-Speed Transmissions as Standard Equipment
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, Jeep Wrangler and
Unlimited
Rubicon 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.