DaimlerChrysler Launches Multi-Displacement System

Motor,  May 2004  by Nash, Tom

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Buyers of the 2005 Chrysler 300C, Dodge Magnum RT and Jeep Grand Cherokee will receive an unexpected benefit from the powerful 5.7L hemi engine-fuel economy they would expect only from a smaller, less powerful engine.

When used in diese vehicles, the hemi comes equipped widi DaimlerChryslers new Multi-Displacement System (MDS), which seamlessly alternates between smooth, high-fuel-economy 4-cylinder mode and V8 mode when more power is demanded. The result, DC says, is that drivers will experience an estimated fuel economy gain of up to 20% under various driving conditions, and a projected 10% overall improvement.

One of the enabling technologies for the cylinder deactivation system is Electronic Throttle Control (ETC). The engine will be able to transition from eight cylinders to four or back in 40 milliseconds (.040 second). ETC enables the technologies used to maximize vehicle smoothness, performance, safety and fuel economy.

When asked how MDS differs from GMs Displacement On Demand (DOD) system, Alan Falkowski, DaimlerChryslers Lead Engineer for MDS, responded, "The Multi-Displacement System is more simple than Displacement On Demand. There are fewer components and moving parts. Plus, we had the opportunity to begin with a fresh piece of paper by designing the system in as part of the engine, ratlier than adding it on. This way, all aspects of engineering the system as part of the engine are addressed."

The MDS consists of three main components-the camshaft, the lifters and the solenoid valves. When instructed by the control module to transition to 4-cylinder operation, the system deactivates the four special valve lifters, which then keep the valves in four cylinders closed. In addition to eliminating combustion in those cylinders, energy is not lost by pumping air through them.

Copyright Hearst Business Publishing May 2004
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