AUTOMOTIVE INSIGHT: Chrysler’s Two-Mode Hybrids

August 5th, 2008 at 11:38am

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Dodge Durango HybridChrysler Aspen

Can the auto industry save the SUV segment with hybrids?

Starting this September Chrysler will start offering hybrid versions of its biggest SUVs, the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango. This is the two-mode hybrid system that was co-developed with GM, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz to split the development costs.

It’s called a two-mode hybrid because it can run on pure electric power up to 28 MPH, or it can run on only the engine or a combination of the two.

But just because it’s a hybrid don’t think it can’t perform like a SUV. The HEMI-powered Aspen and Durango hybrids have 385hp and can haul 6,000 lbs. And fuel economy is improved by 25 percent. But the starting price is just over $45,000 which seems like a lot of money to pay to try to save some money at the pump.

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One Comment to “AUTOMOTIVE INSIGHT: Chrysler’s Two-Mode Hybrids”

  1. Tom Martin Says:
    August 5th, 2008 at 11:11 pm

    Far too pricey for me. With the price of gas continuing to increase, a buyer of this vehicle will get hit in the pocket book several ways.

    First is the purchased price and interest on a loan.

    Second is the residual/trade-in value. If gas hits over $6 in the next couple years, the trade-in value of this vehicle will drop $5K-$7K per year.

    Third, the price of gas will exceed $3K/year.

    This vehicle will cost the owner about $15K/per year.

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