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Continental Technology Powers Jeep® Wrangler’s New eTorque Mild-Hybrid System


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AUBURN HILLS, Mich; The technology company Continental today announced it is helping deliver the FCA US LLC eTorque mild-hybrid technology to the all-new Jeep® Wrangler. Continental’s industry-first, liquid-cooled 48-volt Eco Drive supports the eTorque system, contributing to the SUV’s legendary performance, while simultaneously improving fuel efficiency.

“Electrification is a key component of future mobility,” said Kregg Wiggins, Senior Vice President of Continental Powertrain, North America. “The Jeep Wrangler is an industry icon known for its all-terrain capability. Once again, it is blazing a new trail with its eTorque system, powered by Continental’s 48-volt Eco Drive.”

Improved fuel economy and driving comfort

Continental’s compact 48-volt Eco Drive with integrated power electronics contributes to the benefits eTorque technology offers, including better fuel economy, improved auto-start response, overall start-stop functionality and reduced noise levels.

Eco Drive provides up to 88.5 lb-ft (120 Nm) of torque delivered to the crank via the engine’s front-end accessory drive. This enables auto-starts in less than 0.5 sec.

The 31.5-lb (14.3-kg) Jeep version also helps maximize regenerative braking and offers an impressive 4.1 kW/L in power density.

Further, the technology helps deliver torque to the wheels more than twice as fast as a conventional 12-volt starter can accommodate. The liquid-cooled 48-volt Eco Drive also spins the engine faster, making eTorque’s benefits more readily apparent.

Uncompromised power

“When our team began working on Continental’s 48-volt Eco Drive for the Jeep Wrangler, we knew it would help deliver an incredible experience to drivers,” said Beyza Sarioglu, Head of the Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Business Unit at Continental, North America. “In addition to improving fuel economy, eTorque technology supports the vehicle’s performance, especially in extreme conditions.”

The liquid cooling of the Continental system’s Eco Drive and inverter results in uncompromised power – capable of delivering high performance at high ambient temperature.

Versatile technology for many applications

Continental’s 48-volt Eco Drive is based on a modular concept. This allows Continental to scale the technology to meet the power and performance demands of multiple vehicle classes, including the compact Renault Scénic diesel, Audi A8 performance sedan, and the high-volume Jeep Wrangler SUV. Additionally, consumers may experience the all-new eTorque technology in the 2019 Ram 1500, named North American Truck of the Year at the North American International Auto Show and a 2019 Wards 10 Best Engines winner.

About Continental

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent, and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2018, Continental generated preliminary sales of around €44.4 billion and currently employs around 244,000 people in 61 countries and markets.

Powertrain develops and produces efficient system solutions for vehicle powertrains to optimize fuel consumption. The comprehensive range of products includes gasoline and diesel injection systems, engine management and transmission control, including sensors and actuators, exhaust-gas aftertreatment technologies, fuel supply systems, and components and systems for hybrid and electric drives. Powertrain employs more than 40,490 people worldwide and, in 2017, recorded sales of about €7.7 billion.