Chrysler's hybrid SUVs: DOA?

The Dodge Durango hybrid

Chrysler is shutting down the plant that makes both the Chrysler Aspen and the Dodge Durango according to USA Today, although there is still the possibility that these vehicles, including the hybrid versions, could be produced elsewhere. Still, sales of both vehicles have been dropping drastically the last few years and there seems little reason to believe that hybrid versions of these vehicles would help much.

Chrysler set to launch first hybrids - who cares?

Does this sell with $4.00+ gas?

In August, Chysler will begin selling both the Dodge Durango hybrid and the Chrysler Aspen hybrid, for about $5000 less than GM's similar hybrid vehicles, such as the GMC Yukon hybrid. Thus, the Durango hybrid will debut at $45,340, and the Aspen hybrid at $45,570 (DetroitNews).

This month, however, GM has reduced the prices of its full-sized hybrid vehicles, and it seems possible that Chrysler's pricing will force GM to keep those reduced prices.

Still, with today's high gas prices, can hybrid technology save large SUVs?

Crossover: Chrysler's Journey to a small hybrid

More than just hemi-hybrids?

As Chrysler prepares to launch both the Chrysler Aspen hybrid and the Dodge Durango hybrid, one wonders whether any smaller hybrid vehicles are in Chrysler's bullpen, especially considering GM's lack of large hybrid success.

According to Autobloggreen, the Dodge Journey crossover is the next vehicle set for hybrid conversion. Could the Sebring and Avenger be next, since they are on the same Journey platform? Autoblogreen speculates yes, but I say it won't happen anytime soon. The dual mode hybrid powertrain was designed with a significant focus on towing and hauling - the domain of trucks and SUVs. That functionality might scale to crossovers, but it seems to offer little for sedans. That means either higher hybrid costs for these smaller vehicles, or a new tweaked - possibly significantly - hybrid powertrain. Thus, don't hold your breath if you are waiting for a smaller Chrysler hybrid.

Chrysler to debut 3 hybrid concepts at NAIAS

One of two Chrysler hybrids at the LA Auto Show

Chrysler debuted two hybrid vehicles at the LA Auto Show: the Dodge Durango hybrid and the Chrysler Aspen hybrid.

So, what will they debut at the North American International Auto Show?

How about 3 new hybrid concepts. At least one will use hydrogen, another will be some kind of plug-in hybrid, and the other a diesel hybrid. Check out AutoWeek for some sketches.

Dude, that hybrid got a Hemi?

What a hemi-powered hybrid is all about?

One of the most interesting displays of hybrid technology happened at the Chrysler section of the LA Auto Show. Both the Dodge Durango hybrid and the Chryser Aspen hybrid made their debuts connected to big boats and campers.

I'll post a picture later, but seeing Hemi and hybrid badged together onto some large SUVs just didn't seem right. All that I could think of when looking at these hybrid SUVs was, 'Dude, that hybrid got a Hemi'?

Still, a Hemi-powered hybrid SUV is better than a Hemi-powered SUV.

Hybrids at the LA Auto Show

Chrysler Aspen to debut at the LA Auto Show

I'll be at the LA Auto Show tomorrow and Thursday, and I am looking forward to checking out some new hybrid vehicles, such as the Chrysler Aspen hybrid and the Mercedes S400 diesel hybrid.

Later today I'll get another chance to drive GM's Chevy Equinox fuel cell vehicle, and over the next couple of days I'll be talking with a number of GM hybrid and hydrogen execs., so stay tuned.

Chrysler hybrids coming next year

First hybrids to start selling in 2008

Chrysler confirmed that they will begin selling the Dodge Durango hybrid and the Chrysler Aspen hybrid in 2008. Hopefully, a few other hybrid vehicles will make their way into the mix as well soon, such as a hybrid sedan.

Chrysler's advanced powertrain moves

Is the Aspen hybrid good for Chrysler's future?

Last week Chrysler released a press release announcing how advanced powertrains would play an "essential role" in the new Chrysler's ability to meet customer expectations for "quality, performance, and fuel economy".

Flex fuel, clean diesel, and hybrid vehicles were touted, which is good. Yet, all of these new powertrains are almost exclusively focused upon Chrysler's biggest vehicles, such as 5.7 liter Hemis.

Amidst the mortgage meltdown and high energy prices coupled with increasing Middle East turmoil, can the future for Chrysler really be so successful it if so focused on its largest vehicles? Certainly, hybrid technology, or clean diesel technology, can make these gas-guzzlers more fuel efficient, but at a greater expense when consumers have less to spend on automobiles.

Obviously, gas-guzzlers are Chrysler's bread and butter, and the automaker must continue to make such vehicles in order to survive, particularly in the short term. Nonetheless, isn't it time for Chrysler to make a dramatic push in a completely new direction?

Can Hemis really be the foundation of Chrysler's future success?

Chrysler commits to hybrid vehicles

Push towards fuel economy

Well, I was right.

According to Reuters Chrysler has now confirmed that "it would roll out new hybrid vehicles, streamline its cars and trucks and introduce more diesel engines in a bid to improve the fuel economy of its product line-up."

Chrysler's 2008 hybrid vehicles, much like GM, will probably focus on large SUVs - an ideal platform for the dual mode hybrid powertrain that the two automakers developed together. Thus far, Chrysler has confirmed the Dodge Durango hybrid and the Aspen hybrid.

Hopefully, we'll hear about even more Chrysler hybrids later today.

Chrysler announces 2008 hybrid vehicles

Chrysler adds Aspen to hybrid lineup

Move over Durango, here comes the Aspen. In addition to the Dodge Durango hybrid, Chrylser has announced that the 2008 Aspen will also be available as a hybrid.

Overall, Chrysler claims that both hybrid vehicles will offer a 25 percent overall increase in fuel economy. In city driving, however, both hybrids could achieve as much as a 40 percent increase in fuel efficiency.

While that's great news for SUV fans whom want to increase their fuel economy, how long do car fans have to wait for a U.S.-manufactured Toyota Prius contender?