Chrysler to Make Hybrids with Hemis (CNNMoney.com)

[rfred]

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Chrysler Group announced Monday that the gas/electric hybrid Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen SUVs to be released in 2008 will be powered by the company's 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/AUTOS/04/30/...rid/index.html

But wait:

The closely related Hemi-powered Durango and Aspen are estimated to get about 15 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving, according to the EPA. That would increase to just under 19 miles per gallon overall in the hybrid versions, according to Chrysler's estimates.

[qbee42]

Increasing mileage from 15 to 19 mpg is a big improvement. In fact, for a given number of miles driven, the same percentage increase of mileage on a low mpg vehicle provides bigger savings of fuel, because the low mpg vehicle uses more fuel for each mile. I applaud any efforts to improve fuel economy. There are legitimate uses for these large beasts, especially towing, but most people that drive them don't need the size and capacity. I suspect the OP's disdain reflects the fact that most drivers would be better suited by switching to a high mileage vehicle such as the Prius, rather than a better mileage version of a gas guzzler.

Tom

[Bohous]

I also applaud ANY effort to improve fuel economy, especially for these worst offenders. However, as the article acknowledges, I think the market for powerful, high torque trucks will be a tough sell. IMO, the people who are in the market for one of these trucks are not likely the type of people who are willing to 1.) sacrifice power 2.) pay a premium on top of an already expensive machine. People buy the name "Hemi" because it represents power and strength. Attaching the word "Hybrid" will compromise that for many. Sure, they will sell a few to "green" farmers and the like but I don't think this is a wise demographic for Chrysler to introduce themselves into the hybrid marketplace. Large truck market would be better served going in the direction on flex-fuel and bio-diesel.

I think this hybrid-hemi is destined to fail giving Chrysler the excuse to give up on the technology under the pretense that consumers don't want hybrids when the fact is Chrysler just doesn't get it.

[Pinto Girl]

Here's a juicy quote from that article:

"Both SUVs are currently available with a smaller, less powerful V8 engine but the smaller engine does not provide better fuel economy, according to EPA estimates."

Whaaaaaaaaat?

If a smaller engine is unable to provide better fuel economy, then the vehicle is simply TOO HEAVY!

The curb weight on a new, non-hybrid Durango is 4,671 lbs. Add a few hun for the hybrid system, and we're up to two and a half tons, plus...the same weight as my 1966 Lincoln Continental ragtop! And I think that my Lincoln is, dimentionally, a larger vehicle...with a 462-cubic inch V8, completely automatic convertible top, metal tonneau cover, glass rear window, and a decklid that is raised by hydraulic cylinders!

In the case of the Durango, this is a LOT of weight, especially considering the advancements in computer modelling and structural design we've experienced over the last few decades.

Want better mileage? Remove weight before adding complexity to the driveline.

[ozyran]

Couldn't have said that better myself. However, the execs and 'bean counters' know that the all-mighty image is more important than advances in body panel design and decreasing weight in non-critical areas. For its size a Durango sure doesn't look heavy - especially when you take into consideration all the plastic it has!

[jenayroux]

Never again, will I buy a Dodge/Chrysler vehicle... engine hold up - everything falls off prior to the 5 year payment term... I had bought a brand new car from dodge - 3 days later the stick shift broke off in my hands - NOT A GOOD THING... NEVER WILL I BUY A DODGE AGAIN... cheaply made products... been there, done that - learned that lesson!!! If Americans made QUALITY products (if you can find any American products anymore) I'd buy them in a heartbeat... I work WAY too hard for my money - I want QUALITY for the little money I have to sp end. Sorry.

[Mr.Vanvandenburg]

The Prius engine is also is a pentroof "Hemi", like many other engines. There should be a Hemi badge on back to show our 76 hp prowess.

[SW03ES]

The whole "Hemi" thing is just a amrketing gimmick, this is no different than Toyota doing a V8 hybrid in the LS600hL.

[subarutoo]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mr.Vanvandenburg @ Apr 30 2007, 06:54 PM) [snapback]432959[/snapback]</div>

The Prius engine is also is a pentroof "Hemi", like many other engines. There should be a Hemi badge on back to show our 76 hp prowess.
[/b]

Toyota's hybrid Hemi, has what, 5-6 years head start on the Chrysler? 90% of cars on the road are hemis, now. Chrysler wasn't the first, just the loudest to market them. Alfa Romeo has had them since the 30's, even Deusenberg in the 20's. Not such a big deal.

[kiwiruss]

It sounds like an oximoron to me, Hemi hybrids.