Details on Chrysler's HEMI Hybrids Announced

The hybrid versions of Chrysler's large sport utility vehicles, the Dodge

Big V8 meets environmentally friendly Hybrid. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

Durango and Chrysler Aspen have just made their official launch at this year's LA auto show. It seems that the Two-Mode hybrid system that these SUVs and a number of other vehicles feature is quickly picking up momentum. Across the hall, GM also launched the hybrid version of its Chevy Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade, as well as the Silverado Hybrid pickup truck that features the Two-Mode system as well. Additionally the Two-Mode system will be used in a variety of BMW and Mercedes-Benz products, as its development was a collaborative effort between these companies. No matter the brand or the vehicle that it's attached to, the Two-Mode system claims massive improvements in fuel economy, with no loss to interior volume, cargo capacity or towing/hauling capability, all very important traits in the large SUV segment.

We've known from the start that the Chrysler Group hybrids would be powered by the automaker's 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with MDS cylinder deactivation, but unknown were the performance and fuel economy benefits achieved by pairing the internal combustion engine with the hybrid components. First up, power: the combination of the two drive-types increases net power from 345 horsepower to 385, and affords these full-size utilities a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds. That isn't quite as much as what the regular Durango or Aspen can tow with the 5.7-liter motor (8,000 pounds), but Chryco fans won't be losing anything to hybrid rivals from GM, especially the new Escalade Hybrid which is also capped at 6,000 pounds, despite using a bigger and more powerful gasoline engine.

In terms of fuel consumption, the Two-Mode hybrid system is expected to slash overall fuel consumption by some 25-percent. The addition of the electrical assist means that the MDS cylinder deactivation can allow the HEMI V8 to operate in four cylinders more often, which accounts for some of the fuel economy gains. However, the biggest improvement is in the city.

It'll tow 6,000 pounds, plenty for most camp trailers and boats. (Photo: Chrysler)

Thanks to its full-electric mode, the SUVs' thirst for gasoline drop by a whopping 40-percent in urban areas and in stop and go traffic, which is a good thing considering that without the Hybrid assist the Durango Hemi travels 14 miles per gallon guzzled. What this means to buyers is that they will retain the conveniences of living with a large SUV while shedding annual consumption of gasoline by hundreds and hundreds of gallons.

Both the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango Hybrid models will arrive at dealerships in about a year's time. In the meantime, Dodge also announced that the entry-level engine for the Durango and the Aspen will be the recently upgraded 4.7-liter V8. Receiving a huge boost in output to 303 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, from 235 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, the new 4.7 also delivers improved fuel consumption over the outgoing model.

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