Dodge Durango 4X4

2001 model year Dodge Durango, right. Daimler Chrysler announced (Oct 2000) that it will offer a hybrid power system in the Durango from 2003. The hybrid uses a 3.9 litre V6 petrol engine with an automatic gearbox driving the rear wheels. An electric AC induction motor drives the front wheels, a novel way of getting four wheel drive. The electric motor assists the petrol motor under heavy acceleration and recovers energy by regenerative braking. A relatively small battery provides an energy buffer for short term power demands. The system is said to improve fuel consumption by 20% to 15.2L/100km (combined city and highway) against 18.2L/100km for the 5.9 litre V8 Durango. The hybrid's acceleration from 0-100km/h is faster than the V8's.

Daimler Chrysler believes that tax incentives for buyers of hybrid's could make the option cost competitive with petrol engined Durangos. But given that the fuel saving is only 20% one must wonder why the company does not simply concentrate on modern diesel engines - 4wd.sofcom.com/4WD.html

1998: Right: 1998 --> Dodge Durango 4x4 is the station wagon version of the Dodge Dakota pickup. In the USA this is termed a mid-size to full-size SUV, i.e. it is big enough for a third row of seats to be an option. Standard engine is a 5.2 litre V8 with four-speed automatic transmission. Options include a 5.9 litre V8 and a limited-spin diff'. The Durango is not available in Australia.

Go to the Dodge pages