Overview

A 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid model goes on sale summer 2008 featuring a two-mode hybrid gas-electric system designed to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions.

The heart of the system will be a new electrically continuously variable transmission (ECVT) paired with Chrysler's 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The ECVT has two electric motors and four fixed gears. One of the motors aids power at low speeds and the other at highway speeds. The Hemi V8 also has Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System, which shuts down four cylinders under light load conditions to conserve fuel. Total output is 385 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque.

With light throttle, the Aspen Hybrid will be able to run on electric power alone up to 30 mph. With heavier throttle, the gasoline engine starts. Like other systems, the gasoline engine turns off at stoplights and restarts when needed.

Chrysler says the hybrid system will boost city fuel economy by 40 percent and overall fuel economy by more than 25 percent. Chrysler estimates fuel economy at 18 mpg in the city and 19 on the highway compared to 13 city and 18 highway with the standard version of the Hemi.

The Aspen Hybrid's 300-volt battery pack will be located under the second-row seats. The battery pack will power the electric motors, and regenerative braking will charge the batteries. A rectifier under the hood will convert the battery pack's AC power to DC to power such accessories as interior lighting, the climate control system, and the radio. The system was developed with General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW.

On the inside, the Aspen Hybrid will have a power gauge that will show when the electric motors are aiding power or being charged. The power gauge will also have a green Economy zone that drivers can use to aim for optimal fuel economy.

Unlike the GMC Yukon and Chevy Tahoe Hybrids that share the two-mode hybrid system, the Aspen Hybrid will not have exterior modifications.

While fuel economy will benefit, towing capacity will not. The 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid will be rated to tow up to 6000 pounds compared to the 8700 pounds for a properly equipped standard AWD model. Chrysler released the Aspen, an upscale version of the truck-based Dodge Durango SUV, in 2006 as a 2007 model. Since its release, the Aspen has been available in only one model called Limited.

The Aspen Hybrid will only be offered with all-wheel drive and will have Limited trim, which includes front bucket seats, a second-row 60/40 split bench seat, and a three-passenger split-folding third-row bench seat for eight-passenger capacity. In addition to Limited equipment, the Hybrid model will add leather upholstery, a rear back-up camera, and Chrysler's hard-drive-based MyGIG Multi-Media Infotainment System. The MyGIG system has an eight-inch touch screen and a navigation system with voice activation and real-time traffic. The MyGIG system's 20-gigabyte hard drive can hold music files, picture files and navigation map information.

Pricing hasn't been announced, but the Aspen Hybrid should start at about $45,000 when it goes on sale in the middle of 2008.