Dodge: Durango News
12-19-2005, 04:42 PM
#42
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Chrysler heads off-piste with seven-seater Aspen - - Source: Autoexpress
Buoyed by the positive response to its 300C saloon, Chrysler looks poised to tempt European buyers with another huge slice of American pie.
The US giant is reportedly going to offer the Chrysler Aspen, a re-badged version of Dodge's popular Durango seven-seater.
Tipped to debut at next month's Detroit Motor Show, the Aspen will retain its stablemate's off-road ability and massive proportions.
However, expect Chrysler's familiar retro looks and corporate grille. The Dodge's 5.7-litre HEMI V8 is unlikely to appear, due to fuel costs in Britain and Europe. More realistic options could be the 300C's 3.5-litre V6 petrol unit and the Voyager MPV's 2.8 CRD diesel.
The US giant is reportedly going to offer the Chrysler Aspen, a re-badged version of Dodge's popular Durango seven-seater.
Tipped to debut at next month's Detroit Motor Show, the Aspen will retain its stablemate's off-road ability and massive proportions.
However, expect Chrysler's familiar retro looks and corporate grille. The Dodge's 5.7-litre HEMI V8 is unlikely to appear, due to fuel costs in Britain and Europe. More realistic options could be the 300C's 3.5-litre V6 petrol unit and the Voyager MPV's 2.8 CRD diesel.
04-06-2006, 07:55 AM
#43
Burning Brakes
2007 Dodge Durango Facelift
2007 Dodge Durango Facelift
New Look With Power, Performance and Convenience
New Face of Chrysler Group's First Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV): Dodge Durango HEV
Bold, New Exterior includes redesigned fascia, grille, hood, headlamps, fenders and wheels
Two-mode Hybrid System — available in 2008 — will provide up to 25-percent improved fuel economy
Best-in-class Power achieved with 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine that generates 335 horsepower and 370 lb.-ft. of torque
Multi-displacement System (MDS) seamlessly transitions to four-cylinder mode when less power is needed, providing up to 20-percent improved fuel economy
E85-Compatible 4.7-liter V-8 engine provides customers the option of operating on E85 ethanol, gasoline or any mixture of the two
Best-in-class Interior Space boasts seating for up to eight adults, optional second-row bucket seats and 102.4 cu. ft. of versatile total cargo volume
More than 10 New Features including Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system, ParkSense® ultrasonic rear park assist and one touch lane-change signal
Signaling new advancements in fuel-saving technology, convenience features and standard safety equipment, Dodge today introduced the new, redesigned 2007 Durango here at the Dallas Auto Show.
"Continuing to stand out from the crowd, the new 2007 Dodge Durango features a bold sleek design," said George Murphy, Senior Vice President – Global Brand Marketing, Chrysler Group. "Dodge Durango's 'right size' formula provides everything customers expect in an SUV — superior ride and handling, the latest standard safety and convenience features, and best-in-class power with advanced fuel-saving technologies."
Underneath its new exterior design, Dodge engineers will configure Dodge Durango for Chrysler Group's first production state-of-the-art full hybrid system. Future modifications to the floor, second-row seats, and electrical system will pave the way for the Dodge Durango Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) — available in 2008 — which will be linked to the 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine, providing customers up to 25-percent improved fuel economy.
For 2007, offering best-in-class power, Dodge Durango offers the award-winning 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine — featuring Chrysler Group's fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS). An E85-compatible 4.7-liter Flexible-fuel Vehicle (FFV) V-8 engine is also available.
In addition, the 2007 Dodge Durango features standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), side-curtain air bags and Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system. Several new convenience features are available, including ParkSense® ultrasonic rear park assist, one touch lane-change signal, YES Essentials stain-resistant fabric, express-up-and-down front windows, dual-zone automatic temperature control, 115-volt outlet, quad bucket seats, remote start, and 20-inch wheels.
New Bold, Chiseled Design
Achieving a unique, bold design unlike anything in its segment, Dodge designers introduced taut new angles and planar surfaces to Durango's front-end appearance.
"Bold styling and a powerful presence make Dodge Durango clearly stand out from the crowd," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design. "The new 2007 Dodge Durango's design characteristics retain and further enhance its unique presence compared to other competitive SUVs. Durango's new grille and body-mounted front and rear fascias feature chiseled, sharp angles, and new rectangular headlamps that prominently wrap the corners of the vehicle, providing a distinctive, confident high-quality appearance."
Adorned with a hefty three-dimensional ram's head and boasting unmistakable Dodge DNA, Durango's bold crosshair grille prominently stands out. The chromed crosshair features a more chiseled, ingot appearance with sharp, squared-off edges. Jewel-like rectangular headlamps — with new dual-halogen bulbs — prominently wrap the corners of the new fenders. A new one-piece body-mounted front fascia with integrated fog lamps and a chrome appliqué accents Durango's tough, yet sophisticated appearance. A new hood features strong character lines and completes the front-end design.
The profile of the 2007 Dodge Durango features a deep-body section and high belt line, which adds to the vehicle's confident appearance. Short front and rear overhangs, not typical of a full-size SUV, contribute to the vehicle's forceful expression. New available 20-inch wheels are surrounded by bold, powerful-looking wheel arches, and the roofline dips slightly at the rear to distinguish the silhouette.
The overall rear design of the Durango is clean, functional and features "afterburner" taillamps. The center high-mounted stop lamp is integrated smoothly into the rear roofline. A new, wider chrome appliqué accentuates the rear liftgate and features a centered, three-dimensional ram's head.
HEV-engineered
The new Dodge Durango also features the face of Chrysler Group's first HEV. In 2008, the Dodge Durango HEV will feature a state-of-the-art two-mode hybrid system, co-developed by DaimlerChrysler, General Motors and The BMW Group . Mated to the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, the HEV system combines power and towing capability with significant fuel-efficiency.
"The advanced two-mode hybrid system, which we will first offer in the Dodge Durango, leapfrogs traditional hybrid design by improving fuel economy and performance at higher speeds as well as city driving cycles," said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President – Product Development. "Delivering significant fuel economy – up to 25-percent improvement – the advanced two-mode full hybrid system will provide great performance in a wide range of applications."
The Dodge Durango HEV two-mode hybrid will deliver seamless dependable power on demand in an efficient package with motors less than half the size of traditional hybrids. With an electrically variable transmission, including two electric motors and two full hybrid modes of operation, the drive system improves fuel economy by operating at low speeds around town and at higher speeds on highways.
Best-in-class Power With Improved Fuel-efficiency
The new 2007 Dodge Durango continues to offer best-in-class HEMI V-8 power, standard with Chrysler Group's fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS). New for 2007, Dodge Durango's 4.7-liter V-8 engine features standard E85-compatibility, earning the Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) designation that provides customers the option of operating their Durango on ethanol, gasoline or any mixture of the two.
"Power barely begins to describe the 2007 Dodge Durango's two available V-8 engines," said Mike Donoughe, Vice President – Body-on-frame Product Team. "By offering MDS as a standard feature on the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, and E85-compatibility with the 4.7-liter V-8 engine, customers receive the latest in fuel-saving technology, without sacrificing power and performance."
MDS – standard with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 – seamlessly alternates between smooth, high-fuel economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed, and eight-cylinder mode when more power from the 5.7L HEMI engine is in demand. The award-winning 5.7-liter HEMI V-8's 335 horsepower and 370 lb.-ft. of torque provides more than ample power for towing and hauling, and is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.
The 230 horsepower E85-compatible FFV 4.7-liter Magnum V-8 engine is standard on all four-wheel-drive Dodge Durango models. With 290 lb.-ft. of torque, the 4.7-liter provides smooth and responsive performance. The 2007 Dodge Durango's standard powertrain is the 3.7-liter Magnum® V-6 engine that generates 210 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of torque.
Superior Ride and Handling
Featuring a refined and quiet ride, the new 2007 Dodge Durango provides a handling edge not normally associated with sport-utility vehicles. A torsionally stiff, fully-hydroformed frame is linked to an independent front suspension with rack-and-pinion steering. Courtesy of frame dynamics, the suspension and steering are finely tuned to deliver a superior ride and precise steering feel.
"Delivering exceptional handling and ride comfort, the 2007 Dodge Durango has the interior room, towing and hauling capability of a large SUV, but achieves the fuel efficiency, performance and maneuverability of smaller full-size SUVs," said Donoughe.
Dodge Durango's rear suspension is configured with coil springs and a solid rear axle that deliver a smooth ride with superior payload and towing capability. A Watt linkage system is fitted to the rear axle, centering the axle and reducing rear-end skate over rough surfaces. The result is a smooth ride and a best-in-class Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 6,600 lbs. and towing capacity of 8,950 lbs.
Roomy, Sophisticated Interior
The 2007 Dodge Durango interior is roomy and user-friendly with a functional, yet elegant design. With best-in-class cargo capacity, offering a best-in-class 68.4 cu. ft. of cargo room with the third-row seats folded, Dodge Durango easily surpasses other full-size SUVs.
New for 2007, Dodge Durango offers optional second-row bucket seats with a center console, providing rear passengers a first-class environment. A standard 40/20/40-split second-row seat boasts seating for three adults, with ample shoulder, hip and legroom, available individual climate controls and DVD entertainment system, as well as reclining seat backs.
Dodge Durango's flat load floor, created by folding down the second- and third-row seats, provides 102.4 cu. ft. of versatile total cargo volume. Additionally, the distance between the wheelhouses in the rear cargo area is 48 inches wide – enough to transport standard 48-inch sheets of plywood.
Providing easy loading and unloading of gear, the Dodge Durango offers a power rear liftgate, which opens with the touch of a button. In addition, rear doors open 84 degrees to provide passengers with easy entry and exit.
Five-star Safety Rating
The Dodge Durango has been awarded a Five-star frontal impact rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
New for 2007 is standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which aids the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability by providing oversteer and understeer control. Linked to ESP is Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), a system that observes and monitors the vehicle speed and steering rate to estimate the potential for a rollover situation.
Also standard is a new one-touch lane-change feature that allows the driver to quickly activate a three-blink turn signal when changing lanes, Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system and side-curtain air bags for all three rows, as well as available ParkSense™.
Advanced frontal multi-stage airbags including a low-risk deployment airbag for the front passenger are standard. All seats in the Dodge Durango feature three-point shoulder belts, including a center-mounted, three-point shoulder belt incorporated into the third-row seating area.
New Look With Power, Performance and Convenience
New Face of Chrysler Group's First Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV): Dodge Durango HEV
Bold, New Exterior includes redesigned fascia, grille, hood, headlamps, fenders and wheels
Two-mode Hybrid System — available in 2008 — will provide up to 25-percent improved fuel economy
Best-in-class Power achieved with 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine that generates 335 horsepower and 370 lb.-ft. of torque
Multi-displacement System (MDS) seamlessly transitions to four-cylinder mode when less power is needed, providing up to 20-percent improved fuel economy
E85-Compatible 4.7-liter V-8 engine provides customers the option of operating on E85 ethanol, gasoline or any mixture of the two
Best-in-class Interior Space boasts seating for up to eight adults, optional second-row bucket seats and 102.4 cu. ft. of versatile total cargo volume
More than 10 New Features including Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system, ParkSense® ultrasonic rear park assist and one touch lane-change signal
Signaling new advancements in fuel-saving technology, convenience features and standard safety equipment, Dodge today introduced the new, redesigned 2007 Durango here at the Dallas Auto Show.
"Continuing to stand out from the crowd, the new 2007 Dodge Durango features a bold sleek design," said George Murphy, Senior Vice President – Global Brand Marketing, Chrysler Group. "Dodge Durango's 'right size' formula provides everything customers expect in an SUV — superior ride and handling, the latest standard safety and convenience features, and best-in-class power with advanced fuel-saving technologies."
Underneath its new exterior design, Dodge engineers will configure Dodge Durango for Chrysler Group's first production state-of-the-art full hybrid system. Future modifications to the floor, second-row seats, and electrical system will pave the way for the Dodge Durango Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) — available in 2008 — which will be linked to the 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine, providing customers up to 25-percent improved fuel economy.
For 2007, offering best-in-class power, Dodge Durango offers the award-winning 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine — featuring Chrysler Group's fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS). An E85-compatible 4.7-liter Flexible-fuel Vehicle (FFV) V-8 engine is also available.
In addition, the 2007 Dodge Durango features standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), side-curtain air bags and Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system. Several new convenience features are available, including ParkSense® ultrasonic rear park assist, one touch lane-change signal, YES Essentials stain-resistant fabric, express-up-and-down front windows, dual-zone automatic temperature control, 115-volt outlet, quad bucket seats, remote start, and 20-inch wheels.
New Bold, Chiseled Design
Achieving a unique, bold design unlike anything in its segment, Dodge designers introduced taut new angles and planar surfaces to Durango's front-end appearance.
"Bold styling and a powerful presence make Dodge Durango clearly stand out from the crowd," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design. "The new 2007 Dodge Durango's design characteristics retain and further enhance its unique presence compared to other competitive SUVs. Durango's new grille and body-mounted front and rear fascias feature chiseled, sharp angles, and new rectangular headlamps that prominently wrap the corners of the vehicle, providing a distinctive, confident high-quality appearance."
Adorned with a hefty three-dimensional ram's head and boasting unmistakable Dodge DNA, Durango's bold crosshair grille prominently stands out. The chromed crosshair features a more chiseled, ingot appearance with sharp, squared-off edges. Jewel-like rectangular headlamps — with new dual-halogen bulbs — prominently wrap the corners of the new fenders. A new one-piece body-mounted front fascia with integrated fog lamps and a chrome appliqué accents Durango's tough, yet sophisticated appearance. A new hood features strong character lines and completes the front-end design.
The profile of the 2007 Dodge Durango features a deep-body section and high belt line, which adds to the vehicle's confident appearance. Short front and rear overhangs, not typical of a full-size SUV, contribute to the vehicle's forceful expression. New available 20-inch wheels are surrounded by bold, powerful-looking wheel arches, and the roofline dips slightly at the rear to distinguish the silhouette.
The overall rear design of the Durango is clean, functional and features "afterburner" taillamps. The center high-mounted stop lamp is integrated smoothly into the rear roofline. A new, wider chrome appliqué accentuates the rear liftgate and features a centered, three-dimensional ram's head.
HEV-engineered
The new Dodge Durango also features the face of Chrysler Group's first HEV. In 2008, the Dodge Durango HEV will feature a state-of-the-art two-mode hybrid system, co-developed by DaimlerChrysler, General Motors and The BMW Group . Mated to the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, the HEV system combines power and towing capability with significant fuel-efficiency.
"The advanced two-mode hybrid system, which we will first offer in the Dodge Durango, leapfrogs traditional hybrid design by improving fuel economy and performance at higher speeds as well as city driving cycles," said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President – Product Development. "Delivering significant fuel economy – up to 25-percent improvement – the advanced two-mode full hybrid system will provide great performance in a wide range of applications."
The Dodge Durango HEV two-mode hybrid will deliver seamless dependable power on demand in an efficient package with motors less than half the size of traditional hybrids. With an electrically variable transmission, including two electric motors and two full hybrid modes of operation, the drive system improves fuel economy by operating at low speeds around town and at higher speeds on highways.
Best-in-class Power With Improved Fuel-efficiency
The new 2007 Dodge Durango continues to offer best-in-class HEMI V-8 power, standard with Chrysler Group's fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS). New for 2007, Dodge Durango's 4.7-liter V-8 engine features standard E85-compatibility, earning the Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) designation that provides customers the option of operating their Durango on ethanol, gasoline or any mixture of the two.
"Power barely begins to describe the 2007 Dodge Durango's two available V-8 engines," said Mike Donoughe, Vice President – Body-on-frame Product Team. "By offering MDS as a standard feature on the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, and E85-compatibility with the 4.7-liter V-8 engine, customers receive the latest in fuel-saving technology, without sacrificing power and performance."
MDS – standard with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 – seamlessly alternates between smooth, high-fuel economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed, and eight-cylinder mode when more power from the 5.7L HEMI engine is in demand. The award-winning 5.7-liter HEMI V-8's 335 horsepower and 370 lb.-ft. of torque provides more than ample power for towing and hauling, and is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.
The 230 horsepower E85-compatible FFV 4.7-liter Magnum V-8 engine is standard on all four-wheel-drive Dodge Durango models. With 290 lb.-ft. of torque, the 4.7-liter provides smooth and responsive performance. The 2007 Dodge Durango's standard powertrain is the 3.7-liter Magnum® V-6 engine that generates 210 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of torque.
Superior Ride and Handling
Featuring a refined and quiet ride, the new 2007 Dodge Durango provides a handling edge not normally associated with sport-utility vehicles. A torsionally stiff, fully-hydroformed frame is linked to an independent front suspension with rack-and-pinion steering. Courtesy of frame dynamics, the suspension and steering are finely tuned to deliver a superior ride and precise steering feel.
"Delivering exceptional handling and ride comfort, the 2007 Dodge Durango has the interior room, towing and hauling capability of a large SUV, but achieves the fuel efficiency, performance and maneuverability of smaller full-size SUVs," said Donoughe.
Dodge Durango's rear suspension is configured with coil springs and a solid rear axle that deliver a smooth ride with superior payload and towing capability. A Watt linkage system is fitted to the rear axle, centering the axle and reducing rear-end skate over rough surfaces. The result is a smooth ride and a best-in-class Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 6,600 lbs. and towing capacity of 8,950 lbs.
Roomy, Sophisticated Interior
The 2007 Dodge Durango interior is roomy and user-friendly with a functional, yet elegant design. With best-in-class cargo capacity, offering a best-in-class 68.4 cu. ft. of cargo room with the third-row seats folded, Dodge Durango easily surpasses other full-size SUVs.
New for 2007, Dodge Durango offers optional second-row bucket seats with a center console, providing rear passengers a first-class environment. A standard 40/20/40-split second-row seat boasts seating for three adults, with ample shoulder, hip and legroom, available individual climate controls and DVD entertainment system, as well as reclining seat backs.
Dodge Durango's flat load floor, created by folding down the second- and third-row seats, provides 102.4 cu. ft. of versatile total cargo volume. Additionally, the distance between the wheelhouses in the rear cargo area is 48 inches wide – enough to transport standard 48-inch sheets of plywood.
Providing easy loading and unloading of gear, the Dodge Durango offers a power rear liftgate, which opens with the touch of a button. In addition, rear doors open 84 degrees to provide passengers with easy entry and exit.
Five-star Safety Rating
The Dodge Durango has been awarded a Five-star frontal impact rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
New for 2007 is standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which aids the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability by providing oversteer and understeer control. Linked to ESP is Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), a system that observes and monitors the vehicle speed and steering rate to estimate the potential for a rollover situation.
Also standard is a new one-touch lane-change feature that allows the driver to quickly activate a three-blink turn signal when changing lanes, Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system and side-curtain air bags for all three rows, as well as available ParkSense™.
Advanced frontal multi-stage airbags including a low-risk deployment airbag for the front passenger are standard. All seats in the Dodge Durango feature three-point shoulder belts, including a center-mounted, three-point shoulder belt incorporated into the third-row seating area.
04-07-2006, 12:37 PM
#49
The sizzle in the Steak
Looks as hideous as ever.
04-07-2006, 03:30 PM
#50
Looks similar to the Caliber front end. I don't hate it.
11-28-2006, 07:52 PM
#54
Those are some big wheels! It looks a lot better.
11-29-2006, 01:53 PM
#56
Senior Moderator
Still lookslike crap. But it does look better than the one on the road now.
11-29-2006, 05:48 PM
#59
6 Forward 1 Back
It looks like one of those ghetto 4X4's.
07-26-2008, 02:53 AM
#61
First Drive: 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...hotopanel..1.*
The Gas-Saving Gas Guzzler
By Daniel Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit
Date posted: 07-24-2008
Last month the New York Times pointed out that if it weren't for a loophole in the federal regulation of motor vehicles, the 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid would be eligible for a hybrid-vehicle tax credit and also subject to a gas-guzzler tax.
Now, the folks over at the Times have not always been what you might call tolerant of sport-utility vehicles. In fact, around the turn of this century, when the SUV-as-commuter-car phenomenon was nearing its zenith, you could find plenty of folks around Detroit who were convinced the mighty Times was waging a Holy Journalistic Crusade against vehicles such as the Dodge Durango.
The truth is that the 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid will be eligible for a hybrid-vehicle tax credit (estimated to be $1,800) and will not be subject to a gas-guzzler tax. When the gas-guzzler tax was instituted as part of the Energy Tax Act in 1978, SUVs and pickup trucks did not represent a significant portion of the mainstream and they were exempted from meeting the minimum threshold of 22.5 mpg (combined).
This inconsistency certainly says more about the federal government's inability to deal with reality than it does about the Durango Hybrid. (Or the Chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon Hybrids, which fall into the same bizarre regulatory boat.) But, well, the government's simultaneous pat on the back and theoretical slap on the wrist does nicely highlight the paradox that this full-size, V8-equipped SUV represents.
Seriously, what the hell is this thing?
And Eat It, Too
According to the Dodge folks, the 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid (and the 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid) is a no-compromise vehicle. You can still have your big SUV, with all its towing and hauling capabilities and a huge chrome grille, and get 46 percent better city fuel mileage!
An enticing claim, but it's not exactly what you think. For example, a 46 percent improvement on 13 mpg is still only 19 mpg. This is a notable increase that's the result of sophisticated technology engineered by the four companies involved in developing the two-mode hybrid technology (BMW, Chrysler, Daimler and GM). But for all this investment, cost, complexity and weight, the bottom line here is still just 19 mpg.
That's a lot of fuel (and money) to be saved, yet this is not exactly a miraculous makeover of a boat-towing, people-moving SUV into a fuel-sipping Honda Fit. There are compromises to be made, and whether the compromises of the Durango Hybrid outweigh the benefits is going to depend on your circumstances and needs. Our early experience with this vehicle and past experience with the mechanically similar 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid make us believe this SUV hybrid is suited to a very small segment of the population.
Here's how it plays out.
Moot Ute
The traditional body-on-frame SUV like the Durango is not going away, but to say that it is diminishing in popularity is a pretty massive understatement. Both General Motors and Ford will be ditching their midsize body-on-frame trucks in favor of crossovers. And rumor is that Chrysler will be doing the same in the not-so-distant future.
As it turns out, the all-wheel-drive version of the V6-powered three-row GM Lambda crossovers (Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook) as well as the new 2009 Ford Flex deliver essentially identical combined gas mileage to the Durango Hybrid's without any expensive hardware, plus the AWD crossovers provide better highway fuel economy. The four-wheel-drive 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid (it's available only with 4WD) provides better city fuel economy than these AWD crossovers, but of course, the front-wheel-drive versions of the GM crossovers have an overall advantage in fuel economy.
(Incidentally, all of the vehicles we've mentioned here would be liable for a gas-guzzler penalty, were they not exempt. And a diesel-powered alternative would offer better fuel economy than either the Dodge Hybrid or the GM crossovers, but that's another story.)
Two-Mode Hardware
We've got to give Chrysler LLC credit for the way the two-mode hybrid components are discreetly packaged in the 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid. The battery pack of 300V nickel-metal hydride cells resides under the second row of seats without compromising passenger or cargo room. The twin electric motors are mounted within the transmission case and take up no more space than a conventional automatic. The transmission also carries four gear ratios.
All this hardware developed by the BMW, Chrysler, Daimler and GM think tanks makes the Dodge Durango a two-mode hybrid, a label that the Durango proudly wears. At speeds up to 25 mph under light throttle load, the Durango can run on electric power only. It can also run on gasoline-engine power only. Or it can run on any combination of the two. At higher speeds, electric assist is used when needed.
Of course, since this truck can run on electric power only, it has to be fitted with electric-boosted steering, electrically controlled air-conditioning and electrically controlled brakes. All told, these and all the other portions of the hybrid pie add 300 to 400 pounds to the weight of a comparably equipped gas-only Durango. The result is a hefty 5,553-pound truck, a good half-ton more than a crossover.
Although GM added lots of aluminum (the hood, tailgate, front bumper beam and wheels) as well as lightweight seats to the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid to reduce its curb weight, and then improved the big beast's aerodynamics with a bluff, low-hanging front fascia, the Dodge Durango Hybrid doesn't differ from the standard Durango in these respects.
What It Costs
All that aluminum in the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid costs money. But by changing only what needed to be changed to convert the Durango into a hybrid, Chrysler can offer the 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid at just $3,600 more than a similarly equipped 4WD Durango Limited. At $45,340 including destination charge, the Durango Hybrid is substantially cheaper than the Tahoe Hybrid, as even the rear-wheel-drive Chevy goes for $50,490.
Chrysler estimates that the 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid will get 19 mpg in the city/20 mpg on the highway plus 19 mpg combined. The rear-wheel-drive Chevy — which is lighter by a few hundred pounds despite its larger size — gets 21 mpg city/22 mpg highway. Even the 4WD Tahoe, with its rating of 20 mpg city/20 mpg highway, gets slightly better fuel economy than the Durango Hybrid.
Meanwhile, you would have to work hard to get any of the GM Lambda crossovers up to $45,000. Doing so in the Ford Flex would be a little simpler. Either way, the Durango Hybrid's modest price premium reduces the time period in which fuel savings can offset the added cost, but this is an advantage only in relation to other body-on-frame SUVs, not crossovers.
Capacitors and Capacity
The hole card for the Durango Hybrid compared to a unibody, V6-powered crossover is its superior truckiness. In other words, this Dodge can tow more than any sissified crossover. The Durango Hybrid can yank 6,000 pounds — more than the 5,000-pound rating of the Chevrolet Traverse or the 5,200-pound rating of the Toyota Highlander, yet 2,700 pounds less than a standard 4WD Hemi-powered Durango. So the Durango Hybrid can tow a bit more than a crossover, yet substantially less than a standard SUV.
In terms of capacity — as in cargo capacity — things look even more muddled for the Durango Hybrid. A Chevy Traverse offers more maximum cargo space by about the equivalent of a Honda Accord's trunk capacity, while the Ford Flex offers considerably less maximum cargo capacity. So if you're shopping with maximum interior space in mind, the Durango has the same compromises as any body-on-frame SUV.
Oh Yeah, the Drive
But the most important thing that limits the Durango Hybrid's appeal to us is that, for the most part, it drives like a Durango. The driving experience is best described by The Who, which coined the phrase, "meaty, beaty, big and bouncy." A new generation of car-based utes provides better ride quality, handling and braking. The level of sophistication achieved by these new utility vehicles makes us wonder yet again that so many people were willing to overlook the shortcomings of traditional SUVs for so long.
As far as the Durango Hybrid goes, all the shuffling of power sources at low speeds and changing throttle loads adds a confusing array of surges and pauses to the driving experience. This is also true of the General Motors two-mode hybrids and vehicles such as the Toyota Prius. So while this might not be a complaint that pertains exclusively to the Durango Hybrid, it's not exactly a welcome trait, either.
Once up and running, this hybrid feels just like a normal Durango. Just to remind you that this is, in fact, something special, the tachometer has been replaced with an analog power-delivery gauge that features segments that indicate hybrid, gas or electric modes, plus charging, economy and ready modes. This instrument isn't especially useful, as it swings back and forth without telling you anything specific. A schematic of the power flow (similar to that of the Toyota Prius) is displayed on a screen mounted on the center console, and it's a lot more informative, although blinking arrows and colors may be something of a driving distraction.
So What Is It?
So what the hell is this thing, this gas-guzzling hybrid? It's the result of the need to offer three rows of seats in a relatively fuel-efficient package that can tow a boat. The gains are impressive compared to the base model. And nobody is going to complain about getting better gas mileage, particularly at current prices.
But it's hard to imagine the 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid as anything other than a niche vehicle, a slightly more efficient truck in a world that wants people-moving crossovers. Poor sales of the Chevy and GMC hybrid utes would seem to bear this out.
For most people, most of the time, there are better options currently available.
By Daniel Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit
Date posted: 07-24-2008
Last month the New York Times pointed out that if it weren't for a loophole in the federal regulation of motor vehicles, the 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid would be eligible for a hybrid-vehicle tax credit and also subject to a gas-guzzler tax.
Now, the folks over at the Times have not always been what you might call tolerant of sport-utility vehicles. In fact, around the turn of this century, when the SUV-as-commuter-car phenomenon was nearing its zenith, you could find plenty of folks around Detroit who were convinced the mighty Times was waging a Holy Journalistic Crusade against vehicles such as the Dodge Durango.
The truth is that the 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid will be eligible for a hybrid-vehicle tax credit (estimated to be $1,800) and will not be subject to a gas-guzzler tax. When the gas-guzzler tax was instituted as part of the Energy Tax Act in 1978, SUVs and pickup trucks did not represent a significant portion of the mainstream and they were exempted from meeting the minimum threshold of 22.5 mpg (combined).
This inconsistency certainly says more about the federal government's inability to deal with reality than it does about the Durango Hybrid. (Or the Chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon Hybrids, which fall into the same bizarre regulatory boat.) But, well, the government's simultaneous pat on the back and theoretical slap on the wrist does nicely highlight the paradox that this full-size, V8-equipped SUV represents.
Seriously, what the hell is this thing?
And Eat It, Too
According to the Dodge folks, the 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid (and the 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid) is a no-compromise vehicle. You can still have your big SUV, with all its towing and hauling capabilities and a huge chrome grille, and get 46 percent better city fuel mileage!
An enticing claim, but it's not exactly what you think. For example, a 46 percent improvement on 13 mpg is still only 19 mpg. This is a notable increase that's the result of sophisticated technology engineered by the four companies involved in developing the two-mode hybrid technology (BMW, Chrysler, Daimler and GM). But for all this investment, cost, complexity and weight, the bottom line here is still just 19 mpg.
That's a lot of fuel (and money) to be saved, yet this is not exactly a miraculous makeover of a boat-towing, people-moving SUV into a fuel-sipping Honda Fit. There are compromises to be made, and whether the compromises of the Durango Hybrid outweigh the benefits is going to depend on your circumstances and needs. Our early experience with this vehicle and past experience with the mechanically similar 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid make us believe this SUV hybrid is suited to a very small segment of the population.
Here's how it plays out.
Moot Ute
The traditional body-on-frame SUV like the Durango is not going away, but to say that it is diminishing in popularity is a pretty massive understatement. Both General Motors and Ford will be ditching their midsize body-on-frame trucks in favor of crossovers. And rumor is that Chrysler will be doing the same in the not-so-distant future.
As it turns out, the all-wheel-drive version of the V6-powered three-row GM Lambda crossovers (Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook) as well as the new 2009 Ford Flex deliver essentially identical combined gas mileage to the Durango Hybrid's without any expensive hardware, plus the AWD crossovers provide better highway fuel economy. The four-wheel-drive 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid (it's available only with 4WD) provides better city fuel economy than these AWD crossovers, but of course, the front-wheel-drive versions of the GM crossovers have an overall advantage in fuel economy.
(Incidentally, all of the vehicles we've mentioned here would be liable for a gas-guzzler penalty, were they not exempt. And a diesel-powered alternative would offer better fuel economy than either the Dodge Hybrid or the GM crossovers, but that's another story.)
Two-Mode Hardware
We've got to give Chrysler LLC credit for the way the two-mode hybrid components are discreetly packaged in the 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid. The battery pack of 300V nickel-metal hydride cells resides under the second row of seats without compromising passenger or cargo room. The twin electric motors are mounted within the transmission case and take up no more space than a conventional automatic. The transmission also carries four gear ratios.
All this hardware developed by the BMW, Chrysler, Daimler and GM think tanks makes the Dodge Durango a two-mode hybrid, a label that the Durango proudly wears. At speeds up to 25 mph under light throttle load, the Durango can run on electric power only. It can also run on gasoline-engine power only. Or it can run on any combination of the two. At higher speeds, electric assist is used when needed.
Of course, since this truck can run on electric power only, it has to be fitted with electric-boosted steering, electrically controlled air-conditioning and electrically controlled brakes. All told, these and all the other portions of the hybrid pie add 300 to 400 pounds to the weight of a comparably equipped gas-only Durango. The result is a hefty 5,553-pound truck, a good half-ton more than a crossover.
Although GM added lots of aluminum (the hood, tailgate, front bumper beam and wheels) as well as lightweight seats to the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid to reduce its curb weight, and then improved the big beast's aerodynamics with a bluff, low-hanging front fascia, the Dodge Durango Hybrid doesn't differ from the standard Durango in these respects.
What It Costs
All that aluminum in the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid costs money. But by changing only what needed to be changed to convert the Durango into a hybrid, Chrysler can offer the 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid at just $3,600 more than a similarly equipped 4WD Durango Limited. At $45,340 including destination charge, the Durango Hybrid is substantially cheaper than the Tahoe Hybrid, as even the rear-wheel-drive Chevy goes for $50,490.
Chrysler estimates that the 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid will get 19 mpg in the city/20 mpg on the highway plus 19 mpg combined. The rear-wheel-drive Chevy — which is lighter by a few hundred pounds despite its larger size — gets 21 mpg city/22 mpg highway. Even the 4WD Tahoe, with its rating of 20 mpg city/20 mpg highway, gets slightly better fuel economy than the Durango Hybrid.
Meanwhile, you would have to work hard to get any of the GM Lambda crossovers up to $45,000. Doing so in the Ford Flex would be a little simpler. Either way, the Durango Hybrid's modest price premium reduces the time period in which fuel savings can offset the added cost, but this is an advantage only in relation to other body-on-frame SUVs, not crossovers.
Capacitors and Capacity
The hole card for the Durango Hybrid compared to a unibody, V6-powered crossover is its superior truckiness. In other words, this Dodge can tow more than any sissified crossover. The Durango Hybrid can yank 6,000 pounds — more than the 5,000-pound rating of the Chevrolet Traverse or the 5,200-pound rating of the Toyota Highlander, yet 2,700 pounds less than a standard 4WD Hemi-powered Durango. So the Durango Hybrid can tow a bit more than a crossover, yet substantially less than a standard SUV.
In terms of capacity — as in cargo capacity — things look even more muddled for the Durango Hybrid. A Chevy Traverse offers more maximum cargo space by about the equivalent of a Honda Accord's trunk capacity, while the Ford Flex offers considerably less maximum cargo capacity. So if you're shopping with maximum interior space in mind, the Durango has the same compromises as any body-on-frame SUV.
Oh Yeah, the Drive
But the most important thing that limits the Durango Hybrid's appeal to us is that, for the most part, it drives like a Durango. The driving experience is best described by The Who, which coined the phrase, "meaty, beaty, big and bouncy." A new generation of car-based utes provides better ride quality, handling and braking. The level of sophistication achieved by these new utility vehicles makes us wonder yet again that so many people were willing to overlook the shortcomings of traditional SUVs for so long.
As far as the Durango Hybrid goes, all the shuffling of power sources at low speeds and changing throttle loads adds a confusing array of surges and pauses to the driving experience. This is also true of the General Motors two-mode hybrids and vehicles such as the Toyota Prius. So while this might not be a complaint that pertains exclusively to the Durango Hybrid, it's not exactly a welcome trait, either.
Once up and running, this hybrid feels just like a normal Durango. Just to remind you that this is, in fact, something special, the tachometer has been replaced with an analog power-delivery gauge that features segments that indicate hybrid, gas or electric modes, plus charging, economy and ready modes. This instrument isn't especially useful, as it swings back and forth without telling you anything specific. A schematic of the power flow (similar to that of the Toyota Prius) is displayed on a screen mounted on the center console, and it's a lot more informative, although blinking arrows and colors may be something of a driving distraction.
So What Is It?
So what the hell is this thing, this gas-guzzling hybrid? It's the result of the need to offer three rows of seats in a relatively fuel-efficient package that can tow a boat. The gains are impressive compared to the base model. And nobody is going to complain about getting better gas mileage, particularly at current prices.
But it's hard to imagine the 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid as anything other than a niche vehicle, a slightly more efficient truck in a world that wants people-moving crossovers. Poor sales of the Chevy and GMC hybrid utes would seem to bear this out.
For most people, most of the time, there are better options currently available.
07-27-2008, 10:11 AM
#64
The sizzle in the Steak
Refreshed page 3?!?!?!
07-27-2008, 01:14 PM
#65
99 TL, 06 E350
Originally Posted by stright-(paint)balling
My sister has a 08 Hemi Aspen.
on the highway she get 13-14 mpg
they have a 18 ft ski boat when pulling that 10 mpg
on the highway she get 13-14 mpg
they have a 18 ft ski boat when pulling that 10 mpg
07-27-2008, 03:26 PM
#67
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Originally Posted by stright-(paint)balling
My sister has a 08 Hemi Aspen.
on the highway she get 13-14 mpg
they have a 18 ft ski boat when pulling that 10 mpg
on the highway she get 13-14 mpg
they have a 18 ft ski boat when pulling that 10 mpg
07-28-2008, 01:08 PM
#68
The sizzle in the Steak
I can't wait for page 3...so I can see the refresh 
07-28-2008, 01:51 PM
#69
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by Moog-Type-S
I can't wait for page 3...so I can see the refresh
Smart ass...
There was a page 3 when threads were 20 or 25 posts a page.
What a waste of time and money this hybrid is.
06-10-2010, 05:41 PM
#70
I shoot people
I know this won't be anything exciting to y'all... but I've wanted to see Dodge do a SUV based on the front of the Ram... and I think they are finally going to do it...
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/09/s...-near-chrysle/
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/09/s...-near-chrysle/
Just as Chrysler puts the finishing touches on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, our spies have captured its platform mate, the 2012 Dodge Durango/Magnum (we still aren't sure what the final name will be), out testing near the company's Auburn Hills, Michigan headquarters. Not much has changed since the last time the new Dodge crossover was spied, but seeing the prototype running around near Chrysler HQ means that more of the swirly camouflage could be coming off in the next few months.
When the new Durango/Magnum officially launches next year, expect it to be available with Chrysler's new 3.6-liter V6 and possibly a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 (much like the new Jeep). The front end looks similar to that of the Ram pickup, and since the Ram brand has been spun off to house Dodge's truck offerings, don't be shocked if the new Durango falls under that umbrella. If development and testing continue at a steady pace, we'll likely get to see the finished product at either the 2010 Los Angeles or 2011 Detroit Auto Show.
When the new Durango/Magnum officially launches next year, expect it to be available with Chrysler's new 3.6-liter V6 and possibly a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 (much like the new Jeep). The front end looks similar to that of the Ram pickup, and since the Ram brand has been spun off to house Dodge's truck offerings, don't be shocked if the new Durango falls under that umbrella. If development and testing continue at a steady pace, we'll likely get to see the finished product at either the 2010 Los Angeles or 2011 Detroit Auto Show.
06-10-2010, 06:09 PM
#71
God even with camo I can tell it's going to be ugly
06-10-2010, 06:21 PM
#72
I shoot people
06-10-2010, 06:35 PM
#73
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It looks good to me. Classy and elegant but still "rugged" SUV.
Being based on the new Grand Cherokee, I have high hopes for this vehicle. I wonder if it will borrow luxuries from the Ram, such as the heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, or cooled front seats, or even the wireless internet access.
Back on the topic, the rear lights seem to be a mix of 2011 Grand Cherokee and GMC Acadia.
Being based on the new Grand Cherokee, I have high hopes for this vehicle. I wonder if it will borrow luxuries from the Ram, such as the heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, or cooled front seats, or even the wireless internet access.
Back on the topic, the rear lights seem to be a mix of 2011 Grand Cherokee and GMC Acadia.
06-10-2010, 07:00 PM
#74
06-10-2010, 07:07 PM
#75
The sizzle in the Steak
I don't think this is RAM size....and the front end looks Charger-ish.
...and yes, ANYTHING is better looking than the new QX ....and the Crosstour.
...and yes, ANYTHING is better looking than the new QX ....and the Crosstour.
06-10-2010, 08:45 PM
#77
even the rear lights are the same shape as the Cherokee's, including the horizontal chrome bar running along the rear tailgate.
06-10-2010, 08:56 PM
#79
Cherokee looks good. Dunno about the camo'd Durango though
06-10-2010, 09:21 PM
#80
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They need an SUV with three real rows. They're still profitable and sell well enough (Durango in later years excepted).