Chrysler's Dodge MDS is an engine technology that provides the Hemi V8 engine better gas mileage without any special actions required by the driver. It was first offered in 2004 in the Dodge Magnum, and the first pickup to use it was the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500.
MDS stands for Multi-Displacement System. This system changes the number of cylinders used by the engine depending on the speed and acceleration requested by the driver. It generally uses four cylinders at normal acceleration up to 65 miles per hour. The other four cylinders begin contributing when the vehicle exceeds 65 mph.
The MDS is standard in the 5.7-liter, Hemi Dodge Charger R/T, Durango, Magnum R/T and Ram 1500. Chrysler claims its MDS results in a 20 percent fuel economy improvement.
The MDS doesn't compromise performance in any way; it improves fuel economy without sacrificing power. The driver can get the full eight-cylinder acceleration at any time by punching the gas.
