Chrysler hybrids to be powered by Hemi engines

Josee Valcourt / The Detroit News

Chrysler Group will power hybrid versions of the 2008 Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen SUVs with its brawny 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine, the company announced Monday.

The hybrid vehicles -- a first for Chrysler -- are slated to arrive in the marketplace next year and will feature a two-mode hybrid technology. The new Hemi hybrid engine should improve overall fuel economy in these vehicles by 25 percent and increase efficiency by nearly 40 percent in city driving.

"With the new Hemi-powered Chrysler Aspen Hybrid, we are delivering the ultimate combination of fuel efficiency, overall performance and capability in a premium full-size SUV," said Frank Klegon, Chrysler's executive vice president of product development, in a statement.

The Hemi hybrid engine will feature the multi-displacement system currently offered on the gas engine version that pumps 340 horsepower. Known as MDS, the fuel-saving feature shuts off four of the eight cylinders when the vehicle is operating in certain driving conditions.

The gas engine Hemi doesn't get more than 19 miles per gallon on the highway.

The hybrid Aspen and Durango can be powered either by the electric motors or by the Hemi V-8 engine or a combination of the two.

Chrysler's hybrid engine was developed through a three-way partnership with General Motors Corp. and BMW to develop hybrid technology. The companies are developing two-mode hybrid systems at the Hybrid Development Center in Troy.

As a result of the low- and high-speed electric continuously variable transmission (ECVT) modes, the system is commonly referred to as the two-mode hybrid. However, the sophisticated fuel-saving system also incorporates four fixed gear ratios for high efficiency and power-handling capabilities in a broad variety of vehicle applications. The new Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and Dodge Durango Hybrid vehicles can be powered either by the electric motors or by the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine – or a combination of the two. During the two ECVT modes and four fixed-gear operations, the hybrid system can use the electric motors for boosting and/or regenerative braking. When full power is needed, the system automatically adjusts for passing, driving steep grades or hauling a trailer. The result is trend-setting hybrid technology that provides superior fuel economy, performance and load-carrying capability.