2012 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger to Get 31 MPG Highway

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There have been many developments coming out of Chrysler over the past few weeks: The automaker paid off its government loans, launched a stand-alone SRT8 brand and are now majority owned by Italian carmaker Fiat.

In a presentation discussing these recent developments, Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne spilled the beans on another tidbit: The company’s large rear-wheel-drive sedans will top the previously stated 30 mpg highway figure.

Both the upcoming 2012 Chrysler 300 and the 2012 Dodge Charger are estimated to get 31 mpg on the highway when mated with the new eight-speed automatic transmission. The 31 mpg figure will be for the rear-wheel-drive 300 and Charger with the 3.6-liter V-6 Pentastar engine, Marchionne said.

Chrysler’s CEO says the new transmission is “very advanced,” and includes a total of five clutches, with only two open in any gear for low parasitic losses. The transmission will be able to handle a maximum engine speed of 7,200 rpm.

Marchionne reiterated that a nine-speed automatic transmission will follow for front-wheel-drive cars in 2013.

We’ll have a full report on the new eight-speeds and how they perform next month.