2008 Chrysler Aspen Two-Mode Hybrid Will be the Automaker's First Hybrid

Chrysler has announced that there will be a hybrid version of the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango on the market in 2008. The SUVs will feature a Two-Mode hybrid system that was developed with GM and BMW, coupled with a 5.7L V8 HEMI engine with cylinder deactivation.

Fuel economy is expected to rise by 25% and the automaker predicts that the SUVs will see a 40% increase in the city. This system will also be used in the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid.

It baffles me that they didn’t use this Hybrid system with one of the smaller V8 engines that they offer in the Durango. Wouldn’t the gas mileage have been even better? I assume that the electric motor could compensate for some of the power lost by moving down to the smaller V8 rather than using the HEMI?

There is no word on price or the actual specifications.

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