Chrysler to launch Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen as hybrids

American automaker Chrysler Group has announced that they would launch the gas/electric hybrid versions of their Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen SUVs next year.

These models would be powered with their 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine. The company said in a statement that these SUVs would use a “two-mode” hybrid system they developed in collaboration with General Motors and Germany’s BMW.

One of the first products in the market to use this technology would be the GM’s GMC Yukon Hybrid. GM would be launching this model sometime later this year.

Chrysler claims that this 5.7 liter Hemi is their most fuel-efficient V8 engine. They have developed this engine to shut off four of its eight cylinders during highway cruising when their extra power is not needed.

They are claiming that these new engines would provide a 40 percent improvement in fuel economy in city driving and a 25 percent improvement in overall economy compared to regular versions.

Mark Chernoby, Chrysler Group vice president for advanced vehicle engineering spoke on these new upcoming models: “We have to think hard about the consumer who buys vehicles like the Dodge Durango and the Chrysler Aspen. These are people who want to have hauling capability.”