You typically don't think of an eight-speed transmission as being standard fare in a non-luxury automobile. Most of the time, it's limited to the likes of Beamer or the Four-Ringed all-stars. At least, that's the current state of affairs. Chrysler Group, however, is about to change all of that by bringing a hyper-fuel-conservative eight-speed to both the 2012 Dodge Charger and 2012 Chrysler 300 - the first effort of its kind among American automakers.

Perhaps the biggest advantage of using an eight-speed gearbox, from a consumer's perspective, is the improved fuel economy it promises. Chrysler Group explains, "The result is nearly a one liter per 100 kilometer [approximately five miles per gallon] decrease that pushes highway fuel economy to a best-in-class EnerGuide fuel economy rating of 6.4-liters per 100 km [about 44 miles per gallon] for the 2012 Chrysler 300..."¹

^{That's up five miles per gallon compared to the 2011 model!  And, Chrysler is happy to report that the eight-speed is so small and lightweight that it does not require any structural changes to the overall vehicles in which it would be placed. In fact, despite its three additional gears, it weighs just over six-and-a-half pounds more than the traditional five-speed it replaces.}

^{Bill Luke Chrysler Jeep Dodge would like take a moment to note: Not all 2012 Chrysler 300 models are getting the new eight-speed. Of the four variants available - Chrysler 300, Chrysler 300 Limited RWD, Chrysler 300S V6 RWD, and Chrysler 300C RWD - only the 300 Limited RWD and 300S V6 RWD will feature a standard eight-speed. The entry-level and range-topping variants will come standard with a high-performance five-speed automatic transmission specially designed to also offer significantly improved fuel economy.}

^{To learn more about the forthcoming 2012 Chrysler 300, expected to hit Bill Luke Chrysler Jeep Dodge by mid 2012, please contact us today. Or, otherwise swing by and visit us in person. Conveniently located at 2425 W Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ, we're happy to answer any and all questions you might have regarding the redesigned 2012 Chrysler and/or the new eight-speed transmission.}

^{Source: 1http://www.montrealgazette.com/cars/Chrysler+shifting+eight+speed+automatics/5422829/story.html}