Chrysler's first hybrids, the 2009 Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen two-mode hybrids are going to be in showrooms later this year.
The new SUV hybrids began rolling off the assembly line this week at Chrysler's Newark (Delaware) Assembly plant. Both the Aspen and Durango hybrids are powered by a 385 horsepower 5.7L HEMI V8 engine that is mated to an advanced two-mode hybrid system. The hybrids both deliver up to a 40 percent improvement in fuel economy in the city and 20 percent better on the highway.
he 2009 Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid and 2009 Chrysler Aspen HEMI Hybrid will start at $45,340 and $45,470 respectively.
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Chrysler Announces Pricing for the 2009 Aspen and Durango Hybrid
PRESS RELEASE:
Chrysler LLC Begins Production of New Hybrid Electric Vehicles
- Advanced two-mode hybrid system available in Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen
- Intelligent implementation of new manufacturing processes manages quality, cost
- Two-mode hybrid technology provides fuel-saving benefits of a full-hybrid system, including electric-only operation
Auburn Hills, Mich., Aug 22, 2008 - Chrysler LLC’s Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) began rolling off the assembly line this week at its Newark (Delaware) Assembly Plant. Chrysler is offering the two-mode hybrid powertrain on both vehicles built at the plant, Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen.
In order to smoothly add one of the automotive industry’s most advanced technologies into their established build process, cross-functional launch teams conducted highly accurate, cost-effective computer simulation of new assembly processes. Similar efforts were conducted at tooling suppliers.
“The implementation of this new manufacturing process was done intelligently, with both quality and cost in mind.” said Joe Ozdowy, Plant Manager of Newark Assembly. “I’d like to congratulate and thank the team for their dedication while bringing these important new products to market to help satisfy the changing needs of our Dodge and Chrysler customers.”
“The members of UAW Local 1183 continue to prove that they have the expertise, the experience, the training and the professionalism to successfully accomplish the most demanding and complex work,” said Larry Dixon, President of UAW Local 1183. “This demonstration of excellence is something the men and women of UAW 1183 and UAW 1212 should be proud of.”
The production of early pilot vehicles was done on the plant’s assembly line which helped to root out anomalies early in the pre-production process, helping to ensure a higher quality launch.
Production of vehicles with the hybrid powertrain differs in several ways from production of those with conventional powertrains. New processes were implemented to accommodate HEV production, including a unique powertrain assembly process, and ergonomic-assist systems to aid in new functions, such as HEV battery installation.
There are several unique components associated with HEV production that are installed at the plant, including:
- 300-volt battery
- Two-mode transmission
- Torque power inverter module (TPIM)
- Electric air conditioning
- Auxiliary power module
- High-voltage cables (AC and DC)
- Hydro-electric power steering pump
- Hybrid gate way module
- Cooling module
Dodge Durango was the leader in its segment for initial quality, according to J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Initial Quality StudySM. With the advent of HEV production, a new series of error-proofing processes was put in place to ensure continued quality excellence.
“We are proud of the highly skilled and dedicated employees at Chrysler’s Newark plant,” Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner said. “The employees at Newark Assembly continue to work hard to ensure the success of this new product line, and we are looking forward to these new hybrid vehicles being available to the public.”
The Advanced Two-mode Hybrid System
Chrysler’s LLC’s advanced, state-of-the-art two-mode full hybrid system — developed in partnership with General Motors, Daimler and The BMW Group — integrates proven automatic-transmission technology with a patented hybrid-electric drive system to deliver the world’s first two-mode full hybrid.
As a result of low- and high-speed electrically variable transmission (EVT) modes, the system is defined as a “two-mode hybrid.” In addition, the sophisticated fuel-saving system incorporates four fixed-gear ratios for high efficiency and power-handling capabilities. During the two EVT modes, the system can use the electric motors to improve fuel economy, acceleration, and for regenerative braking to utilize energy that would normally be lost during braking or deceleration. The energy is stored in the batteries for later use.
The system’s two modes are optimized for city and highway driving.
In the first mode — at low speed and with light loads — the vehicle can operate in three ways:
- Electric power only
- Engine power only
- Any combination of engine and electric power
The two-mode hybrid provides all of the fuel-saving benefits of a full-hybrid system, including electric-only operation. In this mode, the engine is “shut off,” with the vehicle moving under electric-only power at low speed. The result is a significant reduction in fuel consumption in heavy stop-and-go traffic.
The second mode is used primarily at highway speeds. In addition to electric assist, the second mode provides full power from engine when conditions demand it, such as when passing, pulling a trailer or climbing a steep grade.
Pricing for the full-size 4×4 sport-utility hybrid electric vehicles is nearly $8,000 below the competition. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the new 2009 Dodge Durango HEMI® Hybrid is $45,340, including $800 for destination. The MSRP for the new 2009 Chrysler Aspen HEMI Hybrid is $45,570, including $800 for destination. Additionally, customers are expected to receive an estimated tax credit of $1,800.
Newark Assembly Plant
The 3.4 million square feet Newark Assembly plant has 1,000 employees and is represented by UAW Local 1183 and UAW Local 1212. The facility was built in 1951 as a tank plant and converted to an automobile plant in 1957. The 1998 Dodge Durango was introduced in September 1997. The all-new 2004 Dodge Durango production was launched October 2003. The Chrysler Aspen was launched August 2006. Hybrid production began in August 2008.
Comments (23)
Looks like a bad pairing of a Durango and a Caravan. None too appealing.
Thought Merc purchasing Chrysler would eventually pan out to something, but it seems they've kept the original styling department on the payroll.
Posted by doh | August 22, 2008 9:14 AM
Posted on August 22, 2008 09:14
Don't put a hybrid in it. Just put it out of it's misery already.
The only good thing about the Durango and Aspen is that I don't have one.
Posted by D! | August 22, 2008 11:12 AM
Posted on August 22, 2008 11:12
What the hell is the Chrysler Aspen? Is that new? I'm pretty sure I've never seen one before.
Posted by gm0n3y | August 22, 2008 11:30 AM
Posted on August 22, 2008 11:30
Why?
People just don't have any interest...
Posted by Mazda6 Guy | August 22, 2008 11:46 AM
Posted on August 22, 2008 11:46
wow 40/20 % improvements on city/highway mpg... so now its 16/18 mpg lol
Posted by prax211 | August 22, 2008 12:33 PM
Posted on August 22, 2008 12:33
" Durango HEMI Hybrid and 2009 Chrysler Aspen HEMI Hybrid will start at $45,340 and $45,470 respectively."
Great, I am sure they will sell dozens of them. This falls into the chrome tipping a shovel category.
Posted by longdxcommuter | August 22, 2008 3:56 PM
Posted on August 22, 2008 15:56
A regular Dodge Durango Limited 4x4 with the Hemi cost about $39,885 without options. I wonder how many years it would take to save $5585 in gas.
Posted by Sam | August 22, 2008 4:08 PM
Posted on August 22, 2008 16:08
This SUV looks flat out ugly. I mean what's up with the front of the Aspen? It looks like a pug's face.
Posted by SteelCity1981 | August 22, 2008 6:11 PM
Posted on August 22, 2008 18:11
I remember the Dodge Aspen and the Plymouth Volare of the
mid seventies. They too, were environmentally friendly the quick result of the mideast war of 1973 when car makers chopped a foot of car from the front and back. They had the famous rusty fenders and quality problems where one acquired the Ass-pain moniker. It got so bad that several cars bore the Aspen plaque on one side and the Volare plaque on the other. Aw nostalgia. I am really waiting for the Cordoba with Ricardo Montleban extorting the virtues of Coorinthian leather.
Posted by Peter | August 22, 2008 8:36 PM
Posted on August 22, 2008 20:36
of != off
Posted by Jung | August 22, 2008 9:40 PM
Posted on August 22, 2008 21:40
I love you Gary.
Posted by lowest iq | August 23, 2008 3:31 AM
Posted on August 23, 2008 03:31
impossible.
I only love myself.
Posted by gary | August 23, 2008 5:05 AM
Posted on August 23, 2008 05:05
hmmm.....for once, he is right.
Posted by Waldorf | August 23, 2008 5:08 AM
Posted on August 23, 2008 05:08
almost unbearable. No new pics of the Chevy Camaro SS.
Please give us hourly updates on Chevy Camaro in North Dakota, Chevy Camaro in South Dakota, Chevy Camaro in West Dakota, Fake Chevy in Arkansas, Chevy Camaro in Montana, Chevy Camaro in West Montana, Chevy Camaro in Irak........
White Chey Camaro spotted in South Dakota, what is GM upto?
Posted by lowest iq | August 23, 2008 5:20 AM
Posted on August 23, 2008 05:20
when will US companies realize the folks that want hybrids to save on fuel costs can't afford $45,000 hybrids and folks that can afford them aren't to concerned about fuel costs? Its ridiculously stupid! Make an affordable $15,000 - $20,000 everyone can afford and you won't be able to keep them in stock.
Posted by paullubbock | August 23, 2008 7:26 AM
Posted on August 23, 2008 07:26
I think Chrysler's doing the only thing it knows how to... make full-size SUVs and trucks. God knows they have limited expertise in making smaller cars, which the market is demanding.
Chrysler's so screwed... They don't have a single vehicle for the newly emerging automobile market.
Posted by Flak | August 23, 2008 7:51 AM
Posted on August 23, 2008 07:51
of course they have:....2nd hand Chryslers.
Posted by lowest iq | August 23, 2008 10:56 AM
Posted on August 23, 2008 10:56
Why Bother Chrysler your f'cked anyways!!!! Just give up already!!!
Posted by Cappy | August 23, 2008 11:12 AM
Posted on August 23, 2008 11:12
I saw an aspen on the road a couple days ago. Its a pretty sharp design, but I remember thinking "nice looking vehicle, but I bet it gets 15 mpg" I don't know if its true, but its a clean, attractive design in real life. Another thing I know is that my brother has a newish Chrysler minivan and gets nearly 30 mpg on the highway. Its also been very reliable.
I know there are a lot of people on this forum who are incapable of saying anything good about american cars, but I am seeing some really exciting things happening with Ford and Chevy right now. I'm not aware of Chrysler doing anything that compares, but I don't like Chrysler much. Sheesh - I just checked the Aspen is 36k!! Wow thats a lot. 44k for the hybrid.
Posted by GRIZZ | August 23, 2008 9:31 PM
Posted on August 23, 2008 21:31
What is Chrysler's new motto? "Building cars you don't want, at prices you can't afford."
Posted by Dean | August 24, 2008 4:58 PM
Posted on August 24, 2008 16:58
They need to drop the V8 engine on this thing and put in a V6. Also resue the 7 speed transmission from the Mercedes to provide a much better fuel economy.
My MB ML350 always got around 22mpg for city based driving, and looking back now, I though that was terrible milege, my new Acura TL can barely manage getting 13-16mpg in the city...
Posted by Andrew | August 25, 2008 8:55 AM
Posted on August 25, 2008 08:55
American made trucks/suv's are getting expensive. One of my neighbors just bought a new '09 F250 SuperCrew 4x4. Set him back $59K. Another neighbor bought a new '08 Yukon XL last summer. He got that for $61K. Unbelievable. So, in this case, $45K, is not so bad. More money than I'd pay for a vehicle.
Posted by Crutch | August 25, 2008 10:25 AM
Posted on August 25, 2008 10:25
@ lowest iq
You're wish has been granted. Check out the next post. L0L!!
Posted by D! | August 25, 2008 10:42 AM
Posted on August 25, 2008 10:42