With Dodge and Jeep under its umbrella, there's no doubting Chrysler's reputation for loading up its vehicles with plenty of horsepower.
Now, Chrysler has figured out a way to test that rugged horsepower and make sure it's up to par. According to multiple reports, Chrysler has invested $2.5 million on a revamped dynamometer to improve testing for all-wheel drive and 4x4 vehicles up to 650 horsepower.
The new dynamometer is stationed at the Chrysler Technology Center in their Auburn Hills, MI. complex and not only puts horsepower through the ringer, but also tests vehicular ability to withstand severe weather conditions, ranging from -40 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit, to rain and even a blizzard.
"Our world-class environmental test center provides dynamic and static testing conditions to simulate the climatic environments that are experienced by our customers around the world," said John Nigro, the vice president of product development at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA)-North America, in a press release statement. "With more 4x4 and all-wheel-drive vehicles in our fleet than ever, this investment will go a long way to providing the durable cars and trucks our customers expect from us."
Essentially, a dynamometer is an endless, rolling road, which simulates miles of driving via rollers — making tires spin without actually moving the vehicle physically forward. Vehicles do this against heavy winds to simulate what they experience on the road, driving at 60mph.
Chrysler's new dynamometer marks a significant upgrade from its last system, which could only accommodate front- and rear-wheel drive vehicles and 200 horsepower — well short of some of Dodge and Jeep's base model powerhouses.
