Chrysler Boosts Hemi Output Again

To meet demand for the Hemi 5.7L V-8, Chrysler Group will invest another $70 million at its Saltillo, Mexico, engine plant.

It should help boost output from approximately 480,000 units to 520,000 units once the investment is completed in 2006.

Plans also call for Chrysler to boost output of Hemis equipped with the Multi-Displacement (cylinder-deactivation) System from 20% to as much as 80%, depending on demand.

While there will be some new brick and mortar, most of the capacity increase will come from throughput improvements, the company says.

Later this year, Chrysler will introduce a high-performance, 6.1L Hemi that produces 425 hp. It will not feature MDS.