Considering that the Aspen is nothing more than a rebadged and gussied up Dodge Durango, it should come as no surprise that today Chrysler has announced a hybrid version of its ute to accompany the Dodge Durango Hybrid on the market in 2008. Both the Durango and the Aspen will feature a Two-Mode hybrid system – the one developed jointly with General Motors and BMW – paired with a 5.7L V8 HEMI engine featuring cylinder deactivation. Overall fuel economy should increase by 25%, while Chrysler predicts each utility vehicle will see their fuel economy in the city rise by some 40%. Each SUV will be wearing the above badge to indicate their greenness.
We're eager to see this Two-Mode hybrid system in action, and expect the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid to be the first on the market. AutoblogGreen has got some seat time scheduled with one in the near future and will report back with a full evaluation of how this technology works hauling around these behemoths.
[Source: AutoblogGreen]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
DriverG @ Apr 30th 2007 3:21PM
Why not throw this new engine right into the new Challlenger and really make a statement? I'm guessing there's more room in a truck chassis to more easily fit this equipment, but put it in a car and see some serious MPGain.
BOB @ Apr 30th 2007 3:27PM
....TWO - MODE HYBRID??
The problem with the Aspen is two modes, alright
-- the "selling" mode
& the "not selling" mode -- which is the current one.
I am glad Detroit is trying hybrids -- I wish more of the hybrids were vehicles that people want to buy.
roadside observer @ Apr 30th 2007 3:31PM
What a waste. Put it in the Durango, sure, but put it in the Aspen? Sheesh, I've seen all of *one* Aspen since the thing hit the market. This is one of the reasons Chrysler is in trouble.
Stealth E34 @ Apr 30th 2007 3:41PM
Regardless of the choice of vehicle, it is great to see the Big 3 embracing Hybrid Technology and begin to incorporate it in the vehicles that need MPG improvements the most.
Can't wait for mainstream vehicles like the 300 and next-gen Impala to receive the Hybrid treatment.
Mike @ Apr 30th 2007 3:44PM
Does it have a mode that changes its apperance to something people might actually want?
The Other Bob @ Apr 30th 2007 4:02PM
Hybrid Hemi - There's an oximoron.
Barney @ Apr 30th 2007 4:07PM
Re:6. "Hybrid Hemi - There's an oximoron."
I have to agree with the other Bob. Obviously this hybrid is to give more power. Maybe it's to give a 110 power outlet like the GM pickups.
MikeW @ Apr 30th 2007 4:17PM
Why not upgrade the base for $0 premium?
Drop the crappy V6 and 4 speed auto. Seriously now, come on.
The new 4.7 dual spark plug engine should be the standard 4x2 engine.
5.7 with the 4x4 only.
and maybe Mercedes will let Chrysler have the 7g-tronic. 6:1 ratio spread is better than the 4.5:1 of the 545RFE.
Mike @ Apr 30th 2007 4:18PM
other bob and barney...
please compare the gas mileage of the 5.7 Hemi to the 5.7 Ifroce v-8.
thank you.
Mike @ Apr 30th 2007 4:19PM
MikeW, dropping the 4.7 eliminates the flex fuel capability from the ram.
Thank would not be a good choice.
Mattlach @ Apr 30th 2007 5:01PM
Ooooohhhh!
It will increase the city milage by as much as 40%...
So this means an increase from sucks, to sucks-ever-so-slightly-less.
I wonder how much of a cost premium the "fuel milega that doesn't suck as much" comes at...
Barney @ Apr 30th 2007 5:22PM
Re # 10, Mike :please compare the gas mileage of the 5.7 Hemi to the 5.7 Ifroce v-8.
That isn't the point. I'm sure a 500 CUI burns more fuel as well. The idea of a hybrid is to decrease the need of fuel NOT to decrease the fuel consumption of a V8. Toss the V8. It's not economical it's just uses less fuel then other V8s.
Mike G @ Apr 30th 2007 5:35PM
From 8 mpg to 9 mpg!!! I call that progress baby! Woo hoo.
MikeW @ Apr 30th 2007 5:38PM
How do you compare the mileage of 5.7V8s. The fueleconomy.gov never lists what axle ratio was used.
What, the new 4.7 dual spark doesn't support E70/85? If so Chrysler (CAFE) loss.
Mike @ Apr 30th 2007 5:48PM
Mike G, you are a moron. Barney, stick to imports.
from Fueleconomy.gov:
the worst performer for trucks (sorted by city)is the Roush Performance Stage 3 supercrew @ 12/15
followed by the Nissan Titan 13/18, GMC 6.2 13/19, GMC Chevy Classic 14/17,
RAM 5.7 is 14/18,
Tundra 5.7 is 14/18.
So, how is a 25% increase in fuel economy a bad thing?
Mike @ Apr 30th 2007 5:54PM
Mike, I misunderstood your point. I read it as offering the 4.7 only in 4x2 configuration, which, after re-reading, is not your point.
yes, the 4.7 is still flex fuel.
SkiD666 @ Apr 30th 2007 6:23PM
2-mode Hybrid in an Aspen saves as much gas as changing from a Camry to Prius.
15 MPG over 10,000 miles = 667 Gallons
18.75 MPG over 10,000 miles = 533 Gallons
Difference = 134 Gallons of gas saved for 25% gain
30 MPG over 10,000 miles = 333 Gallons
50 MPG over 10,000 miles = 200 Gallons
Difference of 133 Gallons of gas saved for 67% gain
mark @ May 1st 2007 12:16AM
What is the point of this vehicle again?
Barney @ May 1st 2007 12:50AM
"Barney, stick to imports"
Actually Mike, I own three domestics and on import. The only V8 is an old Ford truck I use for dragging trees out of the bush. The other two are V6s and the import is a four banger diesel. If the heavier old Ford also came with a six cylinder, then why can't the newer lighter vehicles do well with six cylinders and more horses then the old 351? My E150 has a V6 that puts out over 200 HP and yet the older vans had less HP. The power was good enough then so what's changed today?
Brett Kelley @ May 1st 2007 1:48PM
Considering the average SUV driver around these parts (Bay Area) drives as if they’re a freakin’ race car driver, I would imagine that the “hybrid” mode would only kick in while they’re trying to find a parking spot at the mall.
LOL, SUVs-- station wagons for people with a small set of berries