Detroit 2008: Chrysler will introduce a Dodge Ram hybrid in 2010
If anyone's talking about the Dodge Ram today, it's because Chrysler stampeded a herd of cattle through the streets of Detroit as part of the company's announcement for the 2009 Dodge Ram. But, according to what is - we think - a leaked Chrysler press release on CJRJ.com, a Chinese website, it looks like the really big news (for ABG readers, anyway) is that the Dodge Ram 1500 will be getting a two-mode hybrid system in 2010. This will expand Ram buyers' choices to three gasoline, the HEMI hybrid and also a new Cummins turbodiesel engine coming after 2009.
The hybrid powerplant is the same two-mode system that we can see in the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango. The press release (also pasted after the jump) says "the engine will meet 50- state emissions standards, and will deliver a 30-percent fuel economy improvement." Don't worry, we'll track down all the details we can before we leave the Detroit Auto Show.
UPDATE: we found a more standard/official press release that matches the earlier find here.
[Source: Chrysler LLC (we're pretty sure) via JRJ.com]
Chrysler''s Fuel-efficient HEMI(R）Hybrid to Power All-New Dodge Ram
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Chrysler LLC added to its list of fuel efficient powertrain offerings for the all-new Dodge Ram 1500 pickup today, announcing that the company's advanced two-mode hybrid will join the light-duty Dodge Ram powertrain lineup for 2010.
The Dodge Ram HEMI Hybrid joins the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango in the Chrysler hybrid vehicle lineup.
Last year, the company also announced that it would introduce a Cummins turbodiesel engine after 2009 for the Dodge Ram 1500. The engine will meet 50- state emissions standards, and will deliver a 30-percent fuel economy improvement.
"Dodge Ram is known for capability, utility and performance," said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President - Product Development, Chrysler LLC. "The addition of hybrid and diesel powertrains to our all-new Dodge Ram 1500 lineup is sure to attract an array of new customers looking for the ultimate combination of full-size pickup fuel efficiency, performance and capability."
The hybrid and diesel offerings for Dodge Ram are in addition to three gasoline powertrain options:
-- An all-new 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, that delivers a 4 percent increase in fuel economy for 2009 while producing 380 horsepower and 404 lb.-ft. of torque
-- A new for 2008 4.7-liter flex-fuel V-8, that resulted in an increase in fuel economy while producing 310 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque
-- A 3.7-liter V-6 that generates 215 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of torque
The renowned HEMI powerplant, in hybrid form, will continue to feature Chrysler's Multi-displacement System (MDS), which allows the engine to seamlessly alternate between four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V-8 mode when more power is in demand. The two-mode hybrid system provides assistance from electric motors allowing the HEMI V-8 to remain in four- cylinder mode more often than without a hybrid powertrain, improving overall fuel economy.
The Advanced Two-mode Hybrid System
Chrysler's advanced, state-of-the-art two-mode full hybrid system - developed in partnership with General Motors, Mercedes-Benz and The BMW Group - integrates proven automatic-transmission technology with a patented hybrid- electric drive system to deliver the world''s first two-mode full hybrid.
As a result of low- and high-speed electrically variable transmission (EVT) modes, the system is defined as a "two-mode hybrid." In addition, the sophisticated fuel-saving system incorporates four fixed-gear ratios for high efficiency and power-handling capabilities. During the two EVT modes, the system can use the electric motors to improve fuel economy, acceleration, and for regenerative braking to utilize energy that would normally be lost during braking or deceleration. The energy is stored in the batteries for later use.
The system's two modes are optimized for city and highway driving.
In the first mode - at low speed and with light loads - the vehicle can operate in three ways:
-- Electric power only
-- Engine power only
-- Any combination of engine and electric power
The two-mode hybrid provides all of the fuel-saving benefits of a full- hybrid system, including electric-only operation. In this mode, the engine is "shut off," with the vehicle moving under electric-only power at low speed. The result is a significant reduction in fuel consumption in heavy stop-and-go traffic.
The second mode is used primarily at highway speeds. In addition to electric assist, the second mode provides full power from the 5.7-liter HEMI? V-8 when conditions demand it, such as when passing, pulling a trailer or climbing a steep grade.
Hybrid Development Center
Located in Troy, Mich., the Hybrid Development Center (General Motors, Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz and The BMW Group) jointly developed the overall modular two-mode hybrid system and the individual components: electric motors, transmission, high-voltage battery, high-performance electronics, wiring, safety systems, energy management and hybrid-system control units. In addition, the Hybrid Development Center is responsible for system integration and project management.
Chrysler Advanced Propulsion Technology
Hybrid technology is one part of Chrysler's advanced propulsion technology umbrella, which also includes efficient gasoline engines, advanced clean- diesel technology, biofuel capable powertrain and zero-emission fuel cell vehicles.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
jeff 7:12PM (2/02/2008)
I like the new Dodge especially the interior, I disagree about the people who say that Toyota doesn't support the U.S. economy though, Thier trucks were designed in the U.S. for the U.S, They don't get anymore outsourced parts from outside of the country then the big three and yes most of the are assembled in the U.S. by American workers which does support our economy, not Mexicos and Canadas. The only person really profiting in Japan would be the CEO, but the rest of Toyotas design team and North American Management are in the U.S.
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Franko 3:05PM (2/27/2008)
My 2006 Quad Cab w/ 5.7 HEMI (MDS) and 20" wheels gets 16.7 mpg combined. I frequently pull a 25' Center Console boat on a dual axle trailer. What in the world are you guys doing that get 10 mpg, using a straw in your tank filler?! Since buying it new I've only had to change the oil and the brake pads. Take care of your ride regularly and it will give you a long life. I've owned American trucks exclusively and Dodge has won me over. Besides, in this "Global" economy if you don't support American industry you'll be learning a foreign language soon. I'll be buying a 2008 this month and I'm sticking with the same setup because it works. To all you naysayers, I guess it takes all kinds.
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Steve 9:08AM (3/28/2008)
I have a 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 with Hemi MDS. I have 10k on it its been twice for 4wheel drive front end vibration still not right. Also MDS is a crock I get 11.9 - 12.2mpg. This is my 3rd dodge ram my 2004 hemi got 13.8-14.4mpg. I never had any vibration problems with my other two dodge rams. Any ideas what to do?
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JK 12:19PM (9/26/2008)
Your problem could probably be a bad tire,broken belt ,or a bad wheel. Put the tires on the front and vice versa and see what happens. You 're under warranty. Different wheels require different types of balance weights. If the dealer isn't using the correct weights for the wheel you will loose them at high speeds hence reocuring problem. Dealers usually use people who aren't authorized mechanics to do their tire work,HMMMM. As far as your mileage goes either you're hot footing it or you are not using your on board computer correctly. Read your manual.
Doug 8:36PM (1/14/2008)
What ever... it's still a Dodge.
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smc 9:08PM (1/14/2008)
Lets see here. Im getting 11.5 mpg on the highway with my 2006 hemi-powered 1500 Mega Cab right now. For 2009 the new hemi will get 4% better gas mileage which equuates to about 12mpg. Nice job Chrysler. Way to go after fuel efficiency! I'm going to save so much money!! The MDS is a pharse!
It may work if your doing 12mph, definitely does not work in any other conditions though. Nice try Chrysler . Next question?
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Jerry Kenth 10:51AM (9/26/2008)
SMC
You had better change the way you drive. If you drive like a teenager thats the economy your'e going to get,plain and simple.Try ,on cruise, holding 1800 to 1900 RPMS on the freeway, which yields on my 2007 5.7 HEMI Quad cab anywhere from 19.9 to 20.9 mpg. Naturally when you power up your computer tells you your economy is going down the tube.
If you are getting this lousy mileage ,shown on your cab computer, you probably are not using the computer correctly. Look in your manual and it tells you to set it by pressing the 2nd button from the left and wait for the beep. If you don't do this every time you check your mileage you will get the last read out you acquired which will be false. Once you beep your computer it takes 10 miles or so for the computer to average out and beyond that you will see your mileage increase . Remember,if you go to passing gear the mileage plummets and the cycle on the computer must restart the averaging because of the excessive fuel use in the passing gear mode.Hope this info helps you.
Dave 2:04PM (12/03/2008)
You bought one of the largest non-commercial trucks ever made. What exactly did you expect? I am confused by your comment? If you don't need the space of the MegaCab, don't purchase one, simple as that. I went from an '02 2500 Ext. Cab to the MegaCab and really enjoy the added power and fuel savings over the older 5.9 liter engine.
I really don't understand your coment. Get a smaller vehicle if this does not suit your needs. They offer a Ram with a V-6.
tom luby 7:29PM (4/19/2009)
Trade in your 2006, get the new HEMI. I bought a 2009 crew cab 4wheel drive on Dec. 6th 2008, The truck now has 3307 miles on it. I regulary turn 17 to 19 mpg in a 50-50 mix of city driving and driving on county roads. Last week I turned 23.1 at times on a 276 mile trip. It appears to run more efficently on 89 octane than a 50-50 mix of 87 and 89 octane. I run synthetic 0W-20 oil after the break in Dino oil, changed it at 2500 miles. I also have a K&N air filter installed. Don't get me wrong when you stomp on it, those 390 horses gulf gas (7.8 mpg). I currently can keep it in 4 cylinder mode at 62-64 miles per hr. Once the engine is loose, I read and been told that 70 miles per hr in 4 cylinder mode is possible. It rides so good that my wife keeps asking me if I am doing the speed limit.. Really quiet in the cab, they have re gasketed every opening and done a really good job with the wind drag on the sheet metal.. Tom Luby
Les Stace 9:13PM (1/14/2008)
I am going to buy a new pick up soon. Don't know which brand yet, but it HAS to be made in U.S.A!
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isaiah madison 8:46AM (2/15/2009)
Racist Bitch! hahah jk lol
Doug 9:20PM (1/14/2008)
Dosen't matter Les, most parts are made out of the country, put together here. Even Toyota is made in the USA now.
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HECTOR 9:43PM (1/14/2008)
Not true Doug, Corvette from GM, and most Ford cars & trucks are at least 100 to 80% made in the good ol USA. Toyota is put toghether here but made almost completly out.
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TEEMEOFFFOUR4 10:05PM (1/14/2008)
2009 RAM LOOKS NICER THAN MY 2007 DODGE RAM FOUR DOOR HEMI
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pscarpelli 10:06PM (1/14/2008)
Wow...a 4% increase in fuel economy with the newly designed 5.7 liter Hemi!! That translates to one-half of one mile per gallon.
We are doomed...
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john 11:04PM (1/14/2008)
I own a 2007 dodge ram with the MDS hemi in it and am thoroughly interested in it,have owned 4 dodge rams in a row and just about went to a toyota for mpg reasons, but decided to try dodge one more time, dealer PROMISED me big results and the truck delivers! i pull a 12 foot job trailer and get 11.5 mpg, and am averaging 18.5 mpg on highway. recently took a 500 mile trip running 77-78 mph and got 17.8 mpg real world not off computer, it was pretty close though. Way to go dodge good product, good results. One statement to any hemi owner is just because there are 375 horses under the hood does not mean you need them all, believe me the right foot usage makes a big difference.
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Bob 11:40PM (1/14/2008)
Every been to Europe. If it is not diesel the
Europeans will not buy. Ethanol They may drink it
but will not put it in the
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Mike Matthews 11:13PM (1/14/2008)
When foreign name plate vehicles are assembled in USA, all the profits go to parasite foreign country of origin and are dollars drained from USA and weakens our USA buying power. Canada and Mexico are OK. At least we are all North America. Good for Dodge and all domestics. Go USA and the Unions. All complainers need to support our schools and assure our youths a good education so we can maintain cutting edge R&D. Mike
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Bob 11:38PM (1/14/2008)
If it is not diesel don't bother. A diesel hybrid
is evern better. The US gets smart gas not the European diesels. Us stuff does not sell in Europe
Corn is to eat not make fuel out of and\ethanol is for drinking not driving BB
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Scott Robbins 11:36PM (1/14/2008)
If you are looking at a ful-size truck with a V-8
,than you already know that mileage is the thing that you live without.If you want to drive big than you need to live with the fact you are going to be at the gas pumps. I drive big and spend around 400-500 a week in fuel. Just drive what you like and live with-it.
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