Well yes, the hybrids are in these days. GM has finally casted the much awaited spell by bringing together the Dodge Durango and the Chrysler Aspen that pairs two electric motors with a traditional four-speed automatic for roughly 25-percent gains in overall fuel economy. Read on to know more!

The Power!

We see that GM utes get a high-efficiency Atkinson-cycle version of the 6.0-liter small-block V-8, whereas on the other hand the

Chrysler utes simply get the standard Hemi. Though it does boasts of being an updated-for-2009 Hemi, with variable cam timing, improved airflow and cylinder deactivation. However, the hybrids have a different intake than other ’09s and make 345 horsepower versus 356 for the Hemi-equipped ’09 Durango. Total output combined with the electric motors is 385 horsepower, although with the added weight and taller final-drive ratio, Chrysler predicts the hybrids will be slower than comparable non hybrid Hemi models launched earlier.

Greater fuel efficiency!

This unique Durango/ Chrysler hybrid arrangement allows the transmission to function either as a continuously variable unit (CVT) in two distinct ratio spreads—from infinity to 1.70 for taking off from a stop and from 1.70 to 0.50 for high-speed efficiency—or as a traditional automatic through one of the four fixed ratios. The power train electronics continuously sort out in real time which mode to operate in to maximize economy.

As with other so-called full hybrids, the Chryslers shut down the gas engine at low speeds and can drive on electric power only, in this case at speeds up to 25 mph, and use their electric motors to recapture energy under braking. A further efficiency boost is that the additional power provided by the battery allows the Hemi to stay in four-cylinder mode more often, even at highway speeds.

However, the only ad spell is that of the buck this machine represents. $45,000! Yes it may seem huge to us but with the kind of capacities it has brought with it, for those of us who are freaks, this will certainly gear up to be a good catch this summer.

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 30th, 2008 at 12:11 pm and is filed under Car reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.