HEMI Hybrids on the Way

The words “HEMI®” and “hybrid” in the same sentence may be disturbing to some purists, but consider this: The 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango, powered by an advanced two-mode hybrid powertrain, deliver more than 25 percent better fuel economy overall—and a 40 percent improvement in the city—when compared with gasoline-only models.

The Aspen and Durango HEMI hybrids are Chrysler’s first entries into the gasoline/electric hybrid market.

“The 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango HEMI hybrid vehicles will offer our customers the sought-after blend of performance, utility, capability and vastly improved fuel economy—all in one package,” said Frank Klegon, Chrysler’s Executive Vice President of Product Development.

The new advanced powertrains also features Chrysler’s innovative Multi-Displacement System (MDS), which seamlessly deactivates four cylinders of the 5.7L HEMI when power demand is low.

Even with the hybrid powertrain, the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango are capable of towing 6,000 pounds and deliver 385 horsepower for performance on demand in a fuel efficient package.

Chrysler’s advanced two-mode full hybrid system—developed in partnership with General Motors, Mercedes-Benz and BMW—integrates proven automatic-transmission technology with a patented hybrid electric drive system to deliver the world’s first two-mode full hybrid.

The system’s two modes are optimized for city and highway driving. In the first mode—at low speed and with light loads—the vehicle can operate in three ways:

• Electric power only
• Gasoline engine power only
• Any combination of electric and gasoline power

The two-mode hybrid provides all of the fuel-saving benefits of a full hybrid system, including electric-only mode in which the gasoline engine essentially shuts off with the vehicle operating only on electric power. The second mode of the system is used primarily for highway driving.

For electric operation, the Aspen and Durango hybrids feature a 300-volt battery pack designed to fit into the vehicle without compromising passenger space. A rectifier coverts AC to DC to power conventional 12-volt accessories like interior lighting, climate control and the audio system. The vehicle’s internal combustion engine maintains the battery pack.