Chrysler group excitedly announced further details of their first mainstream hybrid production vehicles this week. The full sized Aspen and Durango SUV's are powered by HEMI engines- but are now available with a hybrid drive system that helps improve overall fuel efficiency by over 25%. "The new
2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid vehicles will offer our customers the sought-after blend of performance, utility, capability and vastly improved fuel economy -- all in one package," said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President of Product Development at Chrysler. "Combined with Chrysler's Multi-displacement System (MDS), our advanced, two-mode hybrid technology immediately delivers a more than 25 percent fuel economy improvement to our full-size SUVs -- and up to a 40 percent improvement in the city."
The hybrid SUV's can tow up to 6,000 lbs while saving at the pumps by means of a unique electrically variable transmission which features the best aspects of an automatic and a hybrid drive. Total horsepower is rated at 385, and the vehicles promise reliable, on-demand performance.The world's first true dual-mode full hybrid, Aspen and Durango Hybrids utilize a sophisticated multi-mode drive system and computer to decide how to best operate in order to save fuel while delivering appreciable performance and capability.Chryslers new Hybrids were developed as a joint venture with General Motors, Mercedes and BMW. They're on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week, and will hit showrooms in mid 2008.
photo: Chrysler