Info from Buzz- new 3.9L hybrid Durango will out accelerate 0-60 mph a
5.9L, and have better fuel ecomony.
Read below....
Patrick
DaimlerChrysler is preparing to offer a hybrid vehicle that
customers want -- a high performance sport-utility vehicle
with improved fuel economy and lower emissions at an
affordable cost.
The gasoline-electric hybrid Dodge Durango SUV, with
patented through-the-road powertrain technology, gives
consumers the option of an environmentally-friendly vehicle
that continues to provide the performance, size and utility
right for the U.S. market.
"You can get V-8 power out of a V-6 and make fewer stops
at the gas station," said Bernard Robertson,
DaimlerChrysler Senior Vice President, Engineering
Technologies. "It's exactly what people want – to be able to
have a positive impact on the environment without having
to pay for it. The added irony is that this is done in a
sport-utility vehicle."
Federal legislation to create up to $3,000 in tax incentives
for purchasers of hybrid vehicles could make the Durango
hybrid cost competitive with its gasoline-powered
counterpart.
The hybrid Durango combines two separate propulsion
systems: a 3.9-liter, V-6 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 gasoline engine during
acceleration, and recaptures energy normally lost during
deceleration.
The combination provides the power, acceleration and
performance of a conventional V-8 engine. In fact, it is
quicker than a 5.9-liter V-8-powered Durango from 0-60
miles per hour.
The hybrid powertrain yields a 20 percent increase in fuel
economy, achieving 18.6 miles per gallon combined
city/highway, compared with 15.5 miles per gallon for the
conventional V-8 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.
"If every SUV sold in this country got that kind of
improved fuel economy with a hybrid powertrain, we would
save 142 million gallons of gas a year," Robertson said.
In addition, the improved fuel economy results in reduced
emissions of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that is
produced in the combustion of fossil fuels.
Passengers also enjoy a quieter, smoother ride, with no
sacrifices in comfort or equipment options, although trailer
tow capability is reduced.
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
economy, in turn, permits use of a smaller fuel tank (20
gallons vs. 25 gallons).
With the performance provided by the gas-electric hybrid,
the Durango can be adapted for the U.S. and European
markets to meet consumers' differing demands for fuel
economy, lower emissions and performance.
DaimlerChrysler has been a leader in the development of
vehicles demonstrating hybrid technology, including the
ESX, ESX2 and ESX3 concept cars with mild hybrid, or
"mybrid" powertrain technology, and the Chrysler Citadel,
the first concept vehicle to implement DaimlerChrysler's
patented through-the-road technology.
"Consumers are in love with the size, safety, comfort and
versatility of the sport-utility vehicle. To offer them an
affordable SUV that is also more fuel efficient and lower in
emissions would have a major impact on our national oil
consumption and greenhouse gas emissions," said
Robertson.
Posted: 10/12/2000
Source:DC
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