Hybrid lovers, do you want a piece of good news?
The new Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango hybrids epitomize a daring change in what is generally a “me too” category. Chrysler Group’s full-size hybrids are engineered to deliver seamless dependable power on demand in an efficient package. With an electrically variable transmission (with 2 electric motors), 2 full hybrid modes of operation, and 4 fixed mechanical gear ratios, the drive system dramatically enhances fuel economy.
The new 5.7-liter HEMI Hybrid is expected to deliver an overall fuel economy improvement of more than 25%, including an improvement of about 40% in the city.
“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 Vice President – Product Development, 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.”
DigiAds describes the hybrid system:
Chrysler Group’s two-mode hybrid powertrain — jointly developed by DaimlerChrysler, General Motors and the BMW Group — represents a major automotive industry milestone due to the unprecedented fully integrated combination of electric motors with a fixed-gear transmission.
As a result of the low- and high-speed electric continuously variable transmission (ECVT) modes, the system is commonly referred to as the two-mode hybrid. However, the sophisticated fuel-saving system also incorporates four fixed gear ratios for high efficiency and power-handling capabilities in a broad variety of vehicle applications. The new Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and Dodge Durango Hybrid vehicles can be powered either by the electric motors or by the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine – or a combination of the two. During the two ECVT modes and four fixed-gear operations, the hybrid system can use the electric motors for boosting and/or regenerative braking. When full power is needed, the system automatically adjusts for passing, driving steep grades or hauling a trailer. The result is trend-setting hybrid technology that provides superior fuel economy, performance and load-carrying capability.
So this is just an extra awkward 4x4 with a hybrid system to go ‘green’?
Ben Pulman of Car Magazine has this to say: “We’re afraid so, but the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango hybrids, at least in theory, offers some significant economy gains. It’s also a further glimpse into the system that will power GM products, the BMW X6 and forthcoming 7-series, and cars from Chrysler’s ex-partner, Mercedes. Although both the Aspen and Durango run 345bhp 5.7-litre V8s, combined with a cylinder deactivation mode the hybrid system is claimed to improve fuel economy by 25%, and by nearly 40% during city driving.”
“The cylinder deactivation mode already features on the Hemi engine, and allows the V8 to switch between four- and eight-cylinder modes. And thanks to the hybrid system, the Aspen and Durango can run more often in the four-cylinder mode, saving even more fuel. Both cars will be built at Chrysler’s Newark factory in Delware, and will reach showrooms in the middle of 2008,” he added.
Why use a Hemi V8 if you want to be cleaner?
The automaker said that customers want that ‘sought-after blend of performance, utility, capability and vastly improved fuel economy - all in one package’. And you’ve got to admit the cylinder deactivation mode - called Multi-displacement System (MDS) - is pretty smart.
Thy hybrid system has 2 different modes: for urban areas and for motoways. Chrysler claim it’s “the world’s first 2-mode full hybrid.” That ‘2-mode’ system comes from the electric continuously variable transmission (ECVT) which has high- and low-speed modes, though we’ll wait until we drive the cars before we pass judgment on the supposed benefits. Chrysler's economy figures come it at 21.6mpg for urban driving, and 22.8mpg for motorway cruising, which is hardly planet-saving, said the Car Magazine.
The maker of Dodge hitch will also put on display at the L.A. Motor Show the Journey. The vehicle was previously showcased at the Frankfurt Motor Show.