September 2008, Work Truck - Feature

Chrysler & Dodge 'Green' the SUV

By Lauren Fletcher

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Chrysler LLC’s first production hybrid vehicles, the 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrids, deliver fuel-efficient advanced-hybrid technology with full-size sport/ utility vehicle (SUV) performance and capability.

Bigger than full-size SUV competition, yet smaller than large SUV competitors, these full-size luxury SUVs mean business.

 Increased Fuel Economy

Why make a hybrid SUV? Doesn’t that defeat the purpose? According to Chrysler, that’s not the case at all. There’s more fuel-saving and emissions-reducing potential in a SUV than a small sedan.

The HEMI Hybrid delivers, on average, a fuel economy improvement of more than 25 percent, with a nearly 40-percent improvement in city fuel economy over its gasoline-only counterparts.

Chrysler’s fuel-saving multi-displacement system (MDS) is featured on both vehicles. MDS allows the engine to seamlessly alternate between four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V-8 mode when necessary.

Chrysler’s two-mode full hybrid system was developed in partnership with General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, and the BMW Group. The system provides assistance from electronic motors, allowing the HEMI V-8 to remain in four-cylinder mode more often than without a hybrid powertrain, improving overall fuel economy.

The low- and high-speed electric continuously variable transmission (ECVT) modes give the "two-mode hybrid" its name.

During the two ECVT modes, the system can use the electric motor for acceleration, improving fuel economy, or for regenerative breaking to utilize energy normally lost during braking or deceleration. Energy is stored in the batteries for future use. The vehicles are constantly reusing energy.

The HEMI Hybrid models do not offer a remote start, further helping "green" the SUVs by preventing unnecessary idling, according to Chrysler officials.

 SUV Hybrids are Work Truck-Capable

The Aspen and Durango hybrid vehicles tow up to 6,000 lbs. and deliver 385 horsepower.

Standard equipment on both vehicles include A/C, overhead console with HomeLink Universal Transceiver and Electronic Vehicle Information Center, front and rear LED lamps, uConnect GPS, floor console with rear power accessory outlet, full spare, and a 60/40 third-row bench seat.

Standard safety features include Chrysler’s exclusive Trailer Sway Control, electronic stability program (ESP), antilock brake system (ABS), next-generation front airbags, ParkSense Rear Park Assist, ParkView, tire pressure monitoring system, and three-row side-curtain airbags with roll sensing. WT

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