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January 15, 2008

This Week:

• Lexus LF-A Takes on Roadster Form - An Open Version of the Supercar Concept Revealed

• Introduction of the New 2009 Ford F-150

• Kia Motors America Introduces All-New Borrego SUV

• World Premiere of the Volkswagen CC

• Mercedes-Benz at the 2008 NAIAS in Detroit: Mercedes brings Hollywood to COBO Hall

• Ford Reveals Small-Car Vision for North America

• 2008 North American Car/Truck of the Year Winners

• Land Rover LRX Hybrid Concept Unveiled In Detroit

• Chrysler's Fuel-efficient HEMI(R) Hybrid to Power All-New Dodge Ram

• Lincoln Unveils Ultimate Touring Vehicle Concept

• BMW Presents Innovative Hybrid Concept Named BMW X6

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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(R) V-8 when conditions demand it, such as when passing, pulling a trailer or climbing a steep grade.

Photos: Dodge

(Jan 13, 2008)