Chrysler Looks to Go Mainstream With New SRT Technologies

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA – Chrysler is contemplating two new technologies debuting on its ’12 SRT-brand high-performance lineup for other models.

Adaptive-damping suspension is being considered for “other applications,” while the auto maker also is “looking at expanding” availability of steering-wheel-mounted paddle-shifters, Joe Grace, vehicle line executive-A/B segment and SRT, tells Ward’s at a recent media event here.

Chrysler “looking at” expanding use of paddle shifters, executive says.

Of the two, expect the paddle shifters to migrate soonest, likely on “select packages” of the Chrysler 300 fullsize sedan and “other vehicles outside of SRT,” Grace says.

The paddles deliver direct control of the vehicles’ automatic transmission, allowing for “spirited shifting on the road and racetrack,” Chrysler says.

Although many auto makers offer paddle-shifters, the technology is new to Chrysler. Devising the optimal setup for the system proved challenging, Ralph Gilles, president and CEO of SRT (Street and Racing Technologies), tells Ward’s.

“We spent a lot of time on the paddles,” he says. “We benchmarked quite a bit.”

Chrysler investigated many options, including whether shifts could be made with either paddle by pushing backward or forward, and where the paddles should be mounted.

Ultimately, it was determined to fix the shifters to the wheel at the “three and nine” positions, Grace says. The left paddle controls downshifts, while the right shifts up. But they also travel with the turn of the wheel.

“You have your hands hooked over the spokes and your fingers just lay on the paddle switches, so it gives the customer the ability to up or down shift without taking their hands off the wheel,” he says. “That is a real benefit for track driving.”

Sensory feedback also was considered, Gilles says. Designers sought to avoid the feeling of switching a light on or off when flipping through the gears.

Rather, a “sense of occasion” was sought, he says. “You really know when you’ve (shifted).”

The positioning of the paddles also made sense because of their close proximity to steering wheel-mounted controls, Chrysler says. Enabling the driver to keep his or her hands on the wheel, and eyes on the road, was paramount.

Chrysler still will continue to offer a manual-shift mode in the automatic gear selector. All ’12 SRT models come equipped with a 5-speed automatic, while the Challenger also is available with a 6-speed manual.

However, it’s expected the new 8-speed transmission destined for the ’12 300 and Charger will feature paddle shifters.

Both Gilles and Grace are tight-lipped about when an active-dampening suspension will make its way outside of the SRT stable.

The system allows drivers to dial-in the suspension setting. In the SRT lineup, the 300, Charger and Challenger have two modes – auto and sport – while the Jeep Grand Cherokee, with its all-wheel-drive transfer case has five choices, including auto, sport, tow, track and snow.

Adaptive damping suspension monitors a wide range of conditions, including vehicle speed, steering angle, steering speed, brake torque, throttle position and lateral acceleration, to automatically tune the suspension.

The system was developed in conjunction with Chrysler’s supplie- partner Bilstein, Grace says.

“We worked with (Bilstein) over the past year and a half to develop the damping characteristics we wanted to have for the SRT vehicles to give us both the off- and on-road character and comfort our customers are asking for,” he says.

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