Just a few years back, Chrysler could count seven different V-6 engines used throughout its product lineup. In an industry where streamlining and reduced production costs are everything, that’s an awfully large cross to bear.

In 2009, Chrysler announced its 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, which entered production in 2010 for the 2011 model year. Since then, the engine has found its way into 13 Chrysler Group vehicles, or more if you count the Volkswagen Routan and the various Fiats and Lancias using it in other parts of the world.

As The Detroit News tells us, Chrysler will build it’s one millionth Pentastar V-6 this week. As much as the brand’s revised styling, or improved quality or vastly improved interiors, the Pentastar V-6 is a driving force behind Chrysler’s current resurgence.

It’s powerful, making up to 305 horsepower in the Dodge Challenger. It’s versatile, powering everything from the Jeep Wrangler to, potentially, the next Maserati sedan (where it's expected to make over 400 horsepower in turbocharged form).

It’s even fuel-efficient, and when mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission helps the new Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 achieve better than 30 mpg on the highway.

The Pentastar V-6 has also earned “Ward’s 10 Best Engines” honors for the past two years running, which recognizes just how good the Pentastar is in a highly competitive market.

Look for further variations of the Pentastar V-6 in the coming years, including both a 370-horsepower single-turbo version and a 420-horsepower twin-turbo variant. We’re big fans of the engine, and congratulate Chrysler on its milestone achievement.