
Making the Most of Your Car's Multi-Displacement System
Just
a few simple tips can help owners of Chrysler Group
engines with Multi-Displacement System (MDS) — like
the Chrysler 300C, Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee
— get the most fuel mileage possible from their 5.7L
HEMI V8 engine. And at this point in the never-ending
game of rising fuel prices, we'll take any advice we
can get. Read on for a few simple suggestions.
MDS-equipped vehicle owners need not drive in a certain
way to realize a fuel economy improvement with MDS,
but these driving habits can help maximize their fuel
savings:
Keeping speeds to 65 mph or below - MDS uses four cylinder
mode most at these speeds.
Use cruise control - this helps maintain a steady speed,
generally allowing the HEMI to run on four cylinders
for longer.
Accelerate more gradually - the HEMI will provide V8
power whenever it is requested by the driver.
Use a steady throttle whenever possible - this maximizes
four
cylinder mode.
The Chrysler Group MDS is standard equipment with the
5.7L HEMI on seven vehicles: the Chrysler 300C,
Dodge Charger R/T, Durango, Magnum
R/T, Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee
and Commander.
With the addition of MDS to HEMI-equipped Dodge Durango
and Ram, MDS-equipped vehicles through the end of the
2007 model year will save more than 60 million gallons
of fuel each year.
The Chrysler Group MDS seamlessly alternates between
smooth, high-fuel- economy four-cylinder mode when less
power is needed, and V-8 mode when more power from the
5.7L HEMI engine is in demand. This optimizes fuel economy
when V-8 power is not required, without sacrificing
vehicle performance or capability.
Chrysler Group was the first to offer modern, large-volume
vehicles in North America with cylinder deactivation
- the HEMI-powered 2005 Chrysler 300C and Dodge Magnum
R/T went on sale in the of spring 2004 with the Chrysler
Group Multi-Displacement System, or MDS. Chrysler Group
was also the first to offer cylinder deactivation in
an SUV with the introduction of MDS in the 2005 HEMI-powered
Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee. Chrysler Group is the first
to offer MDS in a pickup truck - the 2006 Dodge Ram
1500.
MDS is a fuel-saving technology that is here today
— customers get the power and capability of the HEMI V-8
that they desire with the fuel economy of a less powerful
engine.
(Source:
Chrysler
Group)
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