SUMMER is coming! Boats, Hiking, Camping and all the things we love to do… at $4.00 a gallon? OUCH!
Well the 2009 Dodge DURANGO Hybrid promises 6000lb towing capacity and MDS technology on the HEMI HYBRID. IT utilizes an electric power (battery) to stop and go the city schlepping and smoothly transitions into the gas engine power mode only when you need the acceleration. The system reflexes back into dual mode when you combine your driving style, something that makes great sense while easing the pain at the pump. It won’t help the feeling of “instant broke” when you fill the 20 gallon tank, but when you do it less often and have a great weekend to talk about on Monday, that will ease the pinch.
According to Dodge, here’s how it works: “Chrysler’s advanced, state-of-the-art two-mode full hybrid system — developed in partnership with General Motors, Mercedes-Benz 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 electric continuously variable transmission (ECVT) 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 ECVT modes, the system can use the electric motors for acceleration, improving fuel economy, or 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 key is how well the power plant makes the transition with this new electric-power technology pulling your favorite toy-hauler up a hill (read: BAKER GRADE between Vegas and California) in 100 degree heat with a backseat full of XBOX’d kids.
Dodge has been running these new HYBRIDS pretty hard from Death Valley to Phoenix with the Rausch Testing Team. My sources say they run sweet and can do the job! We won’t see 50mpg but hey, it’s not a CIVIC. The amazing thing is the number of folks looking for crazy 40,50+ MPG’s on these seven passenger truck-based SUVs. The Dodge folks are being cautious when mentioning 18/19MPG because of the changes to the 2008 mileage listing requirements and altitude/heat can effect the actual performance, HUGE. The effect on MPG by an air conditioner on HIGH is said to be: .15 per mile? Now add the load, the grade and the pedal displacement to the floor-board. The fact that you are saving over 5 mpg is huge in the long term, and the cost of the technology has really come into a VERY reasonable window. Many hybrid detractors have said if you don’t drive enough it doesn’t pay, HA! Now that gas is over $4.00/gal and pushing $5.00/gal. and you can get a tax credit, off the top, it makes more sense than ever. The key will be the factory making enough of them, FAST and FURIOUS! The folks who need this size vehicle are not worried about the economy, but they do hate oil dependency! They LOVE and are LOYAL to DODGE and now that diesel costs .60 more than gas, the bud is off the rose for many CUMMINS owners that can’t justify the 6k engine cost and don’t use it enough to warrant a 2500/3550. NOT TO MENTION, as stated on this blog before, daily driving is NOT compatible with the new Cummins 6.7L, as it chokes-up the DPF.
SO I’m excited about the Dodge Durango HYBRID launch and you should be too!
Sarah Lee Marks is a 20 yr veteran of the automotive industry. Author of the book: The Complete Internet Car Buying Guide and owner of MYCARLADY.com, a personal car concierge business that caters to people who hate the car buying process. www.mycarlady.com you can order your HEMI-HYBRID from her today!
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