Click the image above for high-resolution photos of Chryser’s concepts
Every time there is a special “concept first drive” from one of the major automotive rags, the same rules seem to apply: you can’t drive it past 25 or 30mph, none of the components are functional, etc. Well, that pretty much sums up what we encountered at Chrysler’s proving grounds, where we hit the pavement with some of the Pentistar’s best concept hardware. The concept vehicles were the Dodge Demon, the Jeep Trailhawk, Chrysler Nassau, the Jeep Wrangler Ultimate, a rally-prepped Caliber, and the souped-up SEMA Sebring.
The road course was flat and short with absolutely no hairpin turns, but the opportunity to drive a car that most will never get to experience is a rush in and of itself. Not surprisingly, we chose the Demon as our first test car, and it was quite a challenge to get from gear to gear with its strange and unpredictable slanted shifter. The sporty two-seater definitely looked the part of a cool roadster, though. The Nassau was probably the most fun vehicle to drive because it felt very production-ready. The interior was not very functional other than the funky push-button gear selector, but in the spirit of the concept it looked very cool.
We’ll go over each of the concept vehicles in depth as soon as we can, so stay tuned to Autoblog for further updates on Chrysler’s ride-and-drive event. Also, be sure to check out some of the high-resolution concept car photos we snapped from the event in the gallery below.
Featured Gallery
MSRP: $24,170 – $24,170
Invoice: $22,720 – $22,720
Fuel Economy: 32 mpg Hwy/25 mpg City
The redesigned Saturn VUE Green Line is a compact sport utility vehicle with a new European design that incorporates hybrid technology, can accommodates five passengers and has a generous cargo area.
MSRP: $25,310 – $29,570
Invoice: $23,680 – $27,653
Fuel Economy: 30 mpg Hwy/34 mpg City
The new 2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid is Mazda’s latest addition to their lineup. The Tribute’s hybrid drivetrain generates 155 net horsepower and is controlled by a continuously variable automatic transmission.
MSRP: $26,505 – $28,255
Invoice: $24,879 – $26,490
Fuel Economy: 30 mpg Hwy/34 mpg City
The 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid has been redesigned with a more aggressive new grille and headlamps and has a 133-hp four-cylinder engine linked to a 70-kilowatt electric motor. The net result is 155 horsepower and acceleration similar to that of the V6.
MSRP: $27,195 – $28,945
Invoice: $25,555 – $27,164
Fuel Economy: 30 mpg Hwy/34 mpg City
The Mercury Mariner Hybrid comes with an advanced low emissions hybrid drivetrain and bold styling. The Hybrid uses a continuously variable transmission, or CVT that further enhances this hybrid’s efficiency.
MSRP: $33,700 – $39,950
Invoice: $30,330 – $35,754
Fuel Economy: 25 mpg Hwy/27 mpg City
The 2008 Highlander Hybrid is almost identical to the popular Highlander SUV. The vehicle is powered by high-torque electric drive motor-generators and a 209-hp, 3.3-liter V6 engine paired with an electronically controlled CVT transmission.
MSRP: $41,280 – $42,680
Invoice: $36,737 – $37,983
Fuel Economy: 24 mpg Hwy/26 mpg City
The hybrid RX400h, based on the RX350, is a technological marvel that can run strictly on electric power (yet does not need to be plugged in), and it improves overall fuel economy as much as 30 percent.
MSRP: $49,590 – $52,395
Invoice: $46,119 – $48,727
Fuel Economy: 22 mpg Hwy/21 mpg City
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a purpose-built, full-size SUV. GM’s advanced 2-mode hybrid system conserves energy by using an electrically variable transmission, a 300 volt storage system and a 332 hp 6.0L Vortec V-8 engine with Active Fuel Management.
MSRP: $50,045 – $52,855
Invoice: $46,542 – $49,155
Fuel Economy: 22 mpg Hwy/21 mpg City
The GMC Yukon Hybrid is a four-door, family-oriented SUV offering improved gas mileage. The Hybrid is able to accelerate using only the electric motor, unlike other large hybrid vehicles.
MSRP: $17,475 – $23,710
Invoice: $16,339 – $22,169
Fuel Economy: 29 mpg Hwy/23 mpg City
The Saturn VUE has evolved from generic utility device to full-fledged sport utility with the speed and luxury to match other compact SUVs. The VUE seats five passengers and is available in front- or all-wheel drive. It comes in four trims: Base, V6, Green Line, and Red Line.
- More on this Hybrid SUV
- 2007 Saturn VUE Information
- Compare the 2007 Saturn VUE
- Free 2007 Saturn VUE Price Quote
MSRP: $29,735 – $38,280
Invoice: $27,802 – $35,792
Fuel Economy: 24 mpg Hwy/16 mpg City
The GMC Acadia crossover utility vehicle combines the smooth ride and responsive handling of a car with the cargo capability and high seating position of a traditional truck-based sport utility vehicle.
- More on this Hybrid SUV
- 2008 GMC Acadia Information
- Compare the 2008 GMC Acadia
- Free 2008 GMC Acadia Price Quote