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Chrysler announced in 2008 that they would be introducing the Dodge Durango
Hybrid to their lineup for the new model year. This would be the most recent
update to the maker's full size SUV line.
The Dodge Durango first came on the scene over ten years ago in 1998 as a
replacement for the Ramcharger. Since that time, the Durango has become wildly
popular and developed quite a large following. Throughout the years of its
production, the Durango has become one of the best selling seven passenger SUVs
on the market.
In 2004, Dodge decided that the Durango was due for a makeover. Sales had begun
to level off, and it was time to inject some life into the model. The exterior
design was changed to a more bold and imposing look. The overall appearance
turned out to be more rugged and well suited to an off road vehicle. This
redesign rejuvenated the line's popularity, and sales began to rise again. Over
the next couple of years, the Durango outsold almost every other vehicle in its
class. One of the reasons for the Durango's popularity and broad appeal was the
many different trim packages that it offered. There was a version to suit almost
every need that a consumer might have.
In 2007, the Dodge Durango underwent another facelift. The exterior appearance
was smoothed out a bit; giving it a sleeker, sportier look. This is also when
the Durango was given the signature 5.7 liter V8 HEMI engine. Unfortunately,
rising gas prices began to show up as reduced sales for most producers of SUVs.
People just couldn't afford to keep fuel in these larger vehicles anymore. Even
the Durango's large following and immense popularity couldn't keep the numbers
up.
All of this has led to the introduction of the Dodge Durango Hybrid. Many
automakers have begun to join in the green movement that has become so popular
of late. Several of them have produced hybrid models of some of their most
popular automobiles. Basically, a hybrid is a vehicle that has at least one
other power source besides a fuel burning engine. These other systems can take
many different forms, but the most common are some type of electrical battery
system. The goal is to make vehicles less dependent on fuel, which saves money
and helps the environment.
The Durango Hybrid incorporates a 2-mode styled hybrid system that assists in
energy savings by using a 4-speed, electrically variable automatic transmission,
with the NiMH 300-volt storage battery, a 5.7-liter 345-hp Hemi V8 engine and
two electric 87-hp motors. This Dodge Hybrid also comes equipped with innovative
MDS, which helps the consumer to conserve fuel by shutting down four of the
cylinders.
Chrysler's hope is that the move to hybrid technology will bring back the buyers
that left because of the high gas prices. With the economic crunch that the
automakers find themselves in, however, it has been rumored that Dodge may be
shutting down the plant that makes the Durango. Only time will tell how this
will all work out.
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