Chrysler doesn't want to be left out in the development of
hybrid vehicles and is racing to get two full-size SUV hybrids out the door in
2008. Chrysler's first hybrid vehicles available in North America will come in
the form of the Dodge Durango and it's blinged out counterpart: the Chrysler
Aspen.
Both SUVs will feature the infamous 5.7 liter V8 HEMI engine
with Multi-displacement System (MDS) and a two-mode hybrid system. The hybrid
system was developed in
conjunction with General Motors and the BMW Group.
Power will come from the electric motors alone, the 5.7
liter HEMI engine or any combination of the two. In addition, two electronic
continuously variable transmission (ECVT) modes as well as a transmission with
four forward gears are also available.
"The all-new Chrysler Group HEMI Hybrid will offer our
customers the best of both worlds: renowned performance and significantly
improved fuel economy," said Frank Klegon, Executive VP of Product Development
for the Chrysler Group. "With the new HEMI-powered Chrysler Aspen Hybrid,
we are delivering the ultimate combination of fuel efficiency, overall
performance and capability in a premium full-size SUV."
Chrysler estimates that overall fuel economy for the big
SUVs will
improve by 25 percent. City MPG is expected to be boosted by 40 percent.
The 4WD versions of the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango are currently rated at
by the EPA for 14/19 (city/highway) 2007 and 13/18 for 2008.