According to a recent press release sent out by Chrysler company officials, it appears that our favorite American automaker has recently entered into a special partnership with an educational institution north of the border. McMaster University in Canada will soon provide a large number of faculty and graduate and undergraduate students to assist Chrysler researchers as they work to develop advanced energy-efficient and high-performance powertrains for use in new Chrysler vehicles.
Chrysler has already announced that it would be contributing nearly $10 million to the new research project, with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada contributing nearly $9 million.
One close look at the current lineup of Chrysler and Jeep products will show that this American brand is a page or two behind other automakers when it comes to electric and hybrid powertrains. This new program is looking to remedy the situation by pooling resources together to make advances in embedded vehicle software, energy management systems, power electronics and powertrain architecture and optimization.
Vice President and Head of Engine, Powertrain and Electrified Propulsion Systems Engineering at Chrysler, Bob Lee, commented, "Legislative pressure and socioeconomic forces are compelling the auto industry to deliver unparalleled technological advancement at an unprecedented rate. This project harnesses the kind of intellectual capital an collaboration required to respond to such challenges. The result -superior technology developed from efficient new processes.1
We would certainly someday love to see a hybrid version of the Chrysler 300 rolling around the streets of Tucson, and perhaps this new research investment will make that dream a reality. If you would like to learn more about Chrysler technology, or would like to take a test drive in any one of the new or used cars in our inventory, then simply visit our dealership located at 7800 E. 22nd. Street Tucson, AZ. We hope to see you soon.
Source:1 http://media.chrysler.com/newsrelease.do?&id=15016&mid=1