26^th October, 2000

Dodge Durango hybrid for Australia?

DaimlerChrysler is to offer the Dodge Durango with a hybrid powertrain in the USA in 2003.

The company expects that up to 15 per cent of total Durango volume will be equipped with the new petrol-electric propulsion system. The hybrid Dodge Durango 4WD wagon, with patented through-the-road powertrain technology, gives consumers the option of an environmentally-friendly vehicle that continues to provide performance, size and versatility.

"You can get V-8 power out of a V6 while burning much less fuel," said Bernard Robertson, DaimlerChrysler senior vice president - engineering technologies and general manager - truck operations.

"It’s exactly what people want—to be able to have a positive impact on the environment without having to pay for it. We are doing this with a large 4WD wagon, one of the most popular segments of the market today."

Rear and front drive
The hybrid Durango combines two separate propulsion systems: a 3.9-litre, V6 engine with automatic transmission that powers the rear wheels, and a three-phase, AC induction electric motor that drives the front wheels. The electric motor assists the petrol engine during acceleration, and recaptures energy normally lost during deceleration.

This combination provides the power, acceleration and performance of a conventional V8 engine. In fact, it is quicker than a 5.9-litre V8-powered Durango from 0-100km/h.

The hybrid powertrain yields a 20 per cent increase in fuel efficiency, achieving 15.2 litres/100 kilometres combined city/highway, compared with 18.2 litres/100 kilometres for the conventional V8 Durango. The application of fuel-saving hybrid technology in a popular sport-utility vehicle results in greater overall savings in fuel consumption than the same technology applied to a smaller passenger car.

"This has the potential of saving hybrid Durango owners nearly 19 million litres of fuel a year, in the aggregate," Robertson noted. In addition, the improved fuel efficiency results in reduced emissions of carbon dioxide.

The gains in fuel efficiency result in part from the downsizing of components in the hybrid vehicle. A smaller engine can be used, permitting use of smaller related components, including catalytic converter, fan and fan clutch, radiator, and drive shaft. The improved fuel efficiency, in turn, permits use of a smaller fuel tank (75 litres vs. 95 litres).

With the performance provided by the petrol-electric hybrid, the Durango can be adapted for the U.S. and European markets to meet consumers’ differing demands for fuel efficiency, lower emissions and performance.

And for the Australian market, there is a possibility that the Durango could be seen here in the future according to managing director of Chrysler Jeep Australia, Judith Wheeler.

"While we are not in the habit of commenting on future product, we are currently looking at the possibility of importing the Durango," said Ms Wheeler.