Press Kit: 2007 Chrysler Pacifica, What's New for '07

“Get behind the wheel of the 2007 Chrysler Pacifica to experience what the new 4.0-liter engine, six-speed transmission and increased torque offer – it’s a great driving experience,” said Larry Lyons, Vice President – Front-wheel Drive Product Team. “In addition to the inspired driving performance, we’ve added standard safety features, including side-curtain air bags, ESP, traction control and Brake Assist, that offer consumers best-in-class performance and safety.”

The new 2007 Chrysler Pacifica provides an enhanced driving experience with a new 4.0-liter SOHC V-6 engine that makes 253 hp and 262 lb.-ft. of torque that is mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission. The 2007 Chrysler Pacifica is the first Chrysler Group vehicle to offer the 4.0-liter V-6 engine and the six-speed automatic transmission.

When developing the 4.0-liter engine, Chrysler Group engineers focused on five primary noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) metrics: engine vibration at the motor mounts, radiated noise, crank shaft torsionals, induction snorkel noise and sound quality. Focus on those metrics resulted in improved design and performance, which includes new main bearing diameters on the crankshaft, lower reciprocating-mass piston and rod assemblies, improved block and oil pan structure, reduced bearing clearance, low rumble intake manifold and equal-length dual exhaust.

The new six-speed automatic transmission is standard on all Pacifica models equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine. Building on the capability of Chrysler’s four-speed automatic transmission, the six-speed automatic transmission adds two new primary gear ratios and a secondary ratio for optimized passing performance at highway speeds. The gear ratios of the six-speed transmission enable the engine to work at lower speeds, providing improvements in highway fuel economy.

Part and process communization enabled the six-speed transmission to be developed in a shorter period of time and at a lower investment cost without sacrificing durability or quality.