Chrysler Aspen Hybrid

Description:

One should not mix two things together since the outcome is never predictable. They might end up being something great or can just fall flat on their face. At times they might cause confusion too. This was the case with the initial hybrid offerings of Chrysler, the Chrysler Aspen & the Chrysler Dodge Durango that shall punch a hybrid gas-electric system along with a dominant Hemi engine, which is used in racecars. Diehard fans of hybrid cars might get offended at this offering that goes against the basic ideals. They will not accept the unnecessary horsepower, approximately 350, that has been merged into Chrysler’s 5.7-liter V8 Hemi hybrids that provides just 13 miles per gallon in the city and 18 miles per gallon on the highway.

It is doubtful that these vehicles will be able to break the 20 miles per gallon barrier. The average Prius provides far more. Ever since General Motors and DailmerChrylser started collaborating for development of the gas-electric technology, they have set their sights on producing hybrid vehicles that are both powerful and big. These two have christened their innovative hybrid system as a `two-mode’. This signifies the usage of a 2^nd set of gears that are specially configured to move heavy vehicles competently at high speeds. Deactivating the cylinders, 4 of which shut down under favorable conditions like highway cruising, does this.

The underlying principle of improving the fuel efficiency of big sports utility vehicles might make sense and the technology to make this possible is inspiring, but it is useless if targeted goals in the form of car sales are not achieved. The owners of hybrid cars are a highly aggravated bunch and they will be pleased about the benefits of an increase in mileage from 16 miles per gallon to 20 miles per gallon. On the other hand, SUV purchasers will have a doubt before going in for their first hybrid, and pay a premium price for the same, just because their new purchase offers them an increase of 4 miles per gallon. In fact they might consider that these hybrid badge is doing injustice to their trucks.

It is high time that manufacturers of big SUVs like DaimlerChrysler ned to address the issue of fuel economy of their vehicles and push it ahead of the mid-teens that they are currently offering. Releasing two Hemi hybrids triage is just a type of technological separation. This is the type of green consumerism that is being throttled down the gullets of the consumers. Until the gap is covered and a mid path found out, it might be difficult for these specialty vehicles to prove themselves in the market. As it is Chrysler has joined the green brigade quite late. It needs to offer something special that the others have not, at a price that will make consumers smile all the way to the bank. Until this means are achieved, it might be difficult for Chrysler to penetrate the green vehicle segment. Are they going to provide something different from the pack or…?