2008 Durango Hybrid - It's "official" (video!)

[BrewSwillis]

"2008 Dodge Durango - The first DaimlerChrysler Two-Mode Hybrid"

"DaimlerChrysler/General Motors two-mode full hybrid system features patented technology that leapfrogs today's hybrid systems."

"Under hard acceleration the two-mode system routes power from both the engine and electric motors to the wheels for high performance." (check out the squealing tires simulation at 2:12 into the video)

Here's a link to a Windows Media Video file showing animations of how the system works:

2008 Dodge Durango Hybrid Video (2:30)


(picture appears to be a 2006)

From oh2o on Allpar

[Cadillacfan]

Is it safe to assume that the GM hybrids will be out by then too?

[Flybrian]

Next up: A hybrid of the Durango and an attractive SUV.

[Drew Dowdell]

I'll take a CTS with a 5.3 DOD and hybrid please. Should be good for around 330hp and 29mpg.

[Northstar]

I thought the Tahoe was supposed to get it before the Durango, so maybe that means it gets it for 2008 too?

[FAPTurbo]

Nice to see the American companies roll out something that's heavy duty and does not use an ounce of Toyota tech. I just hope that 'diesel hybrids' may be rolled out someday.

[Paolino]

Is it me or does it not seem any different than how the Toyota Hybrid system works? I just got the impression by saying it was a "Two-mode" hybrid system, it would work differently.

[76ChevyTrucker]

From the way I undestand it, the Toyota and Honda hybrid systems really don't use the gasoline engine at all and mostly run on the electric motors, using the gas engine as essentially a big damn generator. Meanwhile the two-mode system still uses the gas engine as a driving engine when needed, meanwhile reverting back to the electric engine at speed to conserve fuel. And of course, if I'm wrong, then it won't be the first time.