Chrsyler hybrid Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen to be launched

Chrysler LLC plans to launch two new hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) from its Newark assembly plant in the US. The new HEVs that would debut from the Chrysler assembly line have been christened  Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen. The hybrid versions of the Chrysler Dodge Durango and the Chrylser Aspen have been built on a two-mode hybrid power train. The Chrylser Dodge Durango and the Chrysler Aspen are the first production hybrid vehicles from Chrysler. Chrysler started early pilot production vehicles at the plant’s assembly line, which helped to root out anomalies early in the pre-production process.

Photo: Chrysler Aspen hybrid

Chrysler has said that cross-functional launch teams conducted highly accurate, cost-effective computer simulation of new assembly processes in an effort to put into play the automotive industry’s most advanced technologies into their established build process.

The manufacture of the hybrid versions of the Chrysler Dodge Durango and the Chrylser Aspen with the hybrid power train differs in several ways from production of those with conventional power trains. New processes were incorporated to help in implementing the HEV technologies. Unique components associated with HEV production included a 300-volt battery, two-mode transmission, torque power inverter module, electric air conditioning, auxiliary power module, high-voltage cables, hydro-electric power steering pump and cooling module.

Picture: Dodge Durango hybrid

The two-mode full hybrid system has been developed in partnership with General Motors, Daimler and The BMW Group. It incorporates automatic-transmission technology with a hybrid-electric drive system. Chrysler is pricing the Chrylser Dodge Durango Hybrid at $45,340, while the Chrysler Aspen Hybrid comes for $45,570.

The two-mode hybrid means that the Chrysler Dodge Durango and the Chrylser Aspen will have fuel-economy features that include an electric-only operation. While running on electric only system mode, the engine is shut off and the vehicle moves on electric power at low speed. Meanwhile, the second mode provides full power from engine when conditions demand it and can be used at highway speeds.