2007 L.A. Auto Show
The Two-Mode system on the 2009 Dodge Durango and 2009 Chrysler Aspen hybrids employs twin electric motors, a dual-range automatic transmission, a 300-volt battery pack, and various electronic controllers.

Now independent and private, if not strictly all-American, Chrysler rolled out the promised gasoline/electric versions of its slow-selling Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen midsize SUVs. Both mate a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 and four-wheel drive with the Two-Mode hybrid system devised with General Motors, BMW, and former parent Mercedes-Benz at the joint-venture Hybrid Development Center in Troy, Michigan.

The Two-Mode system employs twin electric motors, a dual-range automatic transmission, a 300-volt battery pack, and various electronic controllers. It's a "full hybrid" system, meaning the vehicle can run on electricity alone. It also provides such expected hybrid functions as battery-charging regenerative braking and fuel-saving automatic engine stop/start. Helped by Chrysler's MDS cylinder deactivation, the Hemi Hybrids are expected to earn EPA fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg highway and 18 city--respective improvements of 5 percent and a startling 40 percent versus non-hybrid 4WD models. Combined maximum net horsepower is 385, but the hybrids weigh about 500 pounds more than their conventional cousins, so towing capacity slips from 8950 pounds to 6000. Pricing won't be announced until close to the on-sale date, which should be well before next summer.

The same applies to the 2009 Dodge Journey, the Dodge brand's first midsize crossover SUV, which made its U.S. premiere in L.A. after a world debut in October at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Journey should start sales in the first quarter of 2008.

2007 L.A. Auto Show
The 2009 Dodge Journey made its North American debut at the L.A. Show.

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