The SUV you see above is the Dodge PowerBox concept truck. Back in 2001 it made a splash on the auto-show circuit with its unusual styling (which we now recognize as a precursor to the current Durango) and its hybrid powertrain, which teamed up a CNG-fueled V-6 and an electric motor. Well, it took a while, but it looks like Dodge will finally offer a hybrid in the Durango. The production version, available in 2008 as an '09 model, will couple a 5.7L Hemi with the two-mode hybrid system developed jointly by DaimlerChrysler, GM, and BMW. The combo should improve the current Hemi Durango's fuel economy by 25 percent overall and 40 percent in the city, says Chrysler.
There is some question as to how the DaimlerChrysler split will affect the hybrid's launch, though all current indications point to an introduction on schedule next year.
Probably, if you agree with the conclusions from a recent wind-tunnel test conducted by SEMA's Market Research Department. SEMA's testers put Ford, GM, and Dodge fullsize pickup trucks with 13 different tonneaus from nine different manufacturers into a wind tunnel in Mooresville, North Carolina. Their goal was to see what effect the tonneaus would have on the trucks' drag coefficient-its slipperiness through the air. Their thinking was that an improvement in drag would translate into better mileage, since drag is a big drag on fuel economy.
All 13 tonneaus did improve the trucks' drag coefficient, by an average of 5.73 percent. How that improvement would translate to fuel economy is difficult to peg, though, because so many other factors affect fuel economy, such as powertrain efficiency, rolling resistance, and vehicle weight-including how much weight the tonneau adds to the vehicle.
"Other tests would need to be conducted in order to determine the exact effect on fuel economy," wrote SEMA's Megan McKernan about the test. "Aerodynamicists often say that a 10 percent improvement in aerodynamic performance is good for a 2 to 3 percent improvement in gas mileage, based on an EPA road speed of 48 mph. Therefore, an improvement in Cd of 5.73 percent could account for a 1.8 percent improvement in gas mileage."
They hoped it would be a match made in heaven. As it turned out, not so much. So after a rocky, nearly-10-year marriage, Daimler went looking for a buyer for Chrysler. That search ended in May when an "affiliate of private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management, L.P., New York, [made] a capital contribution of $7.4 billion in return for an 80.1-percent equity interest in the future new company, Chrysler Holding LLC," said the official press release. DaimlerChrysler will hold a 19.9-percent equity interest in the new company. The Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep brands will be part of the "future Chrysler Corporation LLC," as it's being called, solely held by Chrysler Holding LLC.
What does all this mean to us? Too early to tell. The sale won't be final until later in the year, but corporate types already sound upbeat. "We are confident that this transaction will create a standalone Chrysler that is financially stronger, with a winning combination of people, industry know-how, operational expertise, and spirit of innovation that will accelerate the company's recovery and help us regain our position as a competitive industry leader," said Tom LaSorda, president and CEO of the Chrysler group, in a statement to the press.
Even more encouraging was this from LaSorda: "As a private company, Chrysler will be better positioned to focus on its long-term plan for recovery, rather than just short-term results. It will allow Chrysler to renew its focus on what has always made us special-our passion, creativity, and commitment to delivering exciting Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge vehicles and quality Mopar parts to our customers, along with unparalleled customer service." Let's hope "long-term plan for recovery" means exciting new 4WD product that doesn't further "minivan" a certain Trail Rated brand we know and love.
On a waiting list for one of Jeep's new Wrangler Unlimited hardtops? Join the crowd. According to a recent Automotive News, DaimlerChrysler has been "stunned" by the popularity of the option and is revamping its product mix to add more hardtops.