The Rubik's Cube theme in the background represents The Total Package. You see, a Rubik's Cube has six sides, and there are six things a vehicle needs to excel at in order to... excel? Ah, forget it. The 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and Dodge Durango Hybrid twins are significant, however.
These SUVs are the first Chrysler-branded vehicles to receive the two-mode hybrid system developed in partnership with GM, DaimlerChrysler Mercedes-Benz, and BMW.
Yes, those things got Hemis. Together with the hybrid goodies, Chrysler estimates that the V8 powertrain in each will reach 385 hp and return 18 mpg city / 19 mpg highway. Towing is rated at 6,000 pounds.
The two-mode hybrid system has electric-only propulsion at low speeds, and mixed (electric + engine) during city and highway operation.
We've noticed that GM places a very low, deep air dam on its two-mode trucks. Chrysler hasn't gone as to GM extremes here, so the approach angles on their SUVs have not been as compromised.
Chrysler was mum on official curb weights, but count on a few hundred extra pounds for the hybrid hardware.
--Jason Kavanagh, Engineering Editor
ateixeira says:
11:05 AM, 11/16/07
Have prices been announced yet?
The hybrid Tahoe came in at over $50 grand.
66fastback says:
02:44 PM, 11/19/07
Although alternative power sources are a reality we must face, I think that Chrysler would have done better by just ditching the Aspen, and redesigning the Durango inside and out, to include it's fuel system. There is no logical need for the Aspen. It's another answer to the question that nobody was asking.