Chrysler, along with all of the American car companies is scrambling to make improvements on gas mileage. Now, they have a largely updated Hemi and updates in mpg for the Dodge Avenger, Dodge Caliber, and Chrysler Sebring.

Most of the 2009 models are already being sold with the addition of new car warranties and roadside assistance, and their 2008 counterparts have been heavily discounted.

One of Chrysler’s staples is the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, which is available in the bigger SUVs, large trucks and sedans, as well as the popular Dodge Challenger.  However, the all-new Hemi gives an average of 5% better fuel-efficiency than its previous version, and gives approximately 30 more horsepower and more torque.  This is thanks to the variable valve timing of the new powertrain.  In addition, Chrysler’s multi-displacement system, which has the purpose of allowing the V-8 to run on four cylinders at highway speeds, has been updated to allow it to remain in four-cylinder mode a little longer.  The result of this may be an added one or two miles per gallon, but when you consider the additional power, it’s impressive.