Chrysler Widens Stop-Start System Offering

Chrysler Group LLC will make automatic engine stop-start standard on some of its 2015 model Jeep Cherokee SUV and Chrysler 200 sedans, beginning in the fourth quarter of 2014.

The system will be available in Cherokees with 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 engines and 200 models with 2.4-liter Tigershark 4-cylinder engines. Both models are equipped with Chrysler's new 9-speed automatic transmission.

Chrysler says the stop-start system will improve fuel economy about 3% for each model and lower their carbon dioxide emissions by the same amount. The company debuted the technology in the Ram 1500 large pickup truck.

The stop-start system uses a high-speed starter and more powerful battery to fire the engine after it automatically shuts down when the vehicle brakes to a halt. Chrysler says drivers will be able to defeat the feature, which restarts the engine in 0.3 seconds, at the push of a button.