Hemi Hybrids: 2009 Chrysler Aspen and 2009 Dodge Durango Hybri

As you might expect from hybrid vehicles with a Hemi engine as standard equipment, the 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid -- Chrysler's first hybrid offerings -- sacrifice a bit of fuel economy for added power.

At an estimated 18-city/19-highway mpg, Chrysler's 4WD, Hemi-powered hybrids fall just short of GM's hybrid-powered, 4WD versions of the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, which are EPA rated at 20-city/20-highway mpg, respectively. But the Hemi hybrids still manage a 25-percent overall improvement and an almost 40-percent city mpg improvement compared with their non-hybrid Aspen and Durango twins, according to the automaker. Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System, which allows the engine to run on four cylinders when all eight aren't necessary, also aids in fuel savings.

The Chrysler hybrids produce an estimated 345 horsepower (up to 385 with the electric boost) and 380 lb-ft of torque with the 5.7-liter Hemi, besting the 6.0-liter V-8-equipped GM hybrids, which produce 332 horsepower and 367 lb-ft of torque. Despite the torque and horsepower advantage, the Hemi hybrids' towing capacity is the same as GM's 4WD hybrid twins at 6000 pounds (GM's RWD versions can tow up to 6200 pounds).

The Chrysler and GM hybrids employ the same two-mode technology that was co-developed by BMW, GM, and the automaker formerly known as DaimlerChrysler.

In the first mode, at low speed and light loads, the vehicle can operate in three ways: electric power only, engine power only or in any combination of engine and electric power. When the vehicle is operated with electric power only, the engine is shut off for extended periods. Moving under electric power at low speeds helps reduce 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 the Hemi when conditions warrant -- such as passing, pulling a trailer or climbing a steep grade.

According to Chrysler, the hybrid system's 300-volt, nickel-metal hydride battery pack in no way impedes interior or cargo space as it does in vehicles such as the ultra-expensive Lexus LS 600hL sedan, allowing the SUVs to retain their versatility.

Aside from a couple Hemi Hybrid badges and special 18-inch chrome wheels shod with Goodyear Wrangler SRA 265/60/18 tires, it's difficult to distinguish Chrysler's regular-strength SUVs visually from the Hemi hybrids. While prices and performance info have yet to be announced, we hope for Chrysler's sake its hybrids are faster, less expensive, or both compared with their GM counterparts because the Hemi power advantage alone may not be enough to sway full-size SUV buyers seeking a hybrid option.

Expect to see the Hemi hybrids in Chrysler and Dodge showrooms by mid-year 2008.