Break out the laser beams, synthpop and James Earl Jones: Chrysler is about to go hard on turbos like it's the 1980s all over again, according to reports.
Granted, they already have turbocharging on several engines, but now the Pentastar family of V6 engines is slated to get forced induction soon, says Automotive News. Direct injection, too.
The Pentastar V6 engines are relatively new to the Chrysler family and see duty in a wide variety of sedans, Jeeps and pickup trucks. Called the Pentastar Upgrade (or, hilariously, PUG) the plan is to add turbos next to boost output and fuel economy.
From the story:
The first improved 3.6-liter V-6 is scheduled to debut in late 2015 as part of a freshening of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, sources say. A Chrysler spokesman declined to comment on the Pentastar Upgrade project.
Another example will be the redesigned Chrysler Town & Country minivan, due in 2016. Chrysler sources say the new minivan will be powered by an improved 3.2-liter V-6 instead of its current 3.6-liter V-6.
What was once the purview of the most insane performance cars is now de rigueur on ordinary family sedans, SUVs and even minivans.
While you can't blame automakers for using turbos to boost output without having to boost displacement, I have to wonder if natural aspiration is some kind of endangered species.