Bryce G. Hoffman|The Detroit News

Chrysler Group LLC is considering investing nearly $198 million at its Mack Avenue I Engine Plant in Detroit, a move that could create as many as 250 jobs at the factory.

That would more than double the number of hourly jobs at the plant, which now employees 144 workers.

The Auburn Hills-based automaker said it would use that money to add production of its Pentastar engine. The 1.4-million-square-foot plant currently produces the 4.7-liter V-8 engines for the Ram 1500 pickup. Chrysler already produces Pentastar V-6 motors in Trenton, and in Saltillo, Mexico.

“Chrysler Group will be working with the city of Detroit and the state of Michigan regarding potential economic development incentives to assist us in making the business case for the investment,” said company spokeswoman Jodi Tinson.

Earlier this month, Chrysler told the state that it intends to idle its Mack Avenue II plant in September, but said workers there will be offered jobs at other facilities. Some of those workers could be employed on the new Pentastar line.

This would be the latest in a series of high-profile investments Chrysler has made in Detroit.

Most recently, the automaker leased space in the historic Dime Building — now renamed Chrysler House — to serve as an auxiliary headquarters of Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne and other senior executives. The company has also reopened its Conner Avenue plant and announced plans to build a Maserati sport utility vehicle at its Jefferson North Assembly Plant.

“Upon confirmation, this action, along with previous announcements about the Conner Avenue and Jefferson North Assembly plants as well as the company’s downtown presence, will continue to reaffirm our commitment to the revitalization of the city of Detroit,” Tinson said.

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