Chrysler Confirms 2010 Turbodiesel Dodge Ram and Fuel-efficient HEMI® Hybrid Ram Pickups at Chicago Auto Show-New Powertrains for Chrysler's Best-Selling Trucks

They're coming soon! More fuel-efficient versions of Dodge's mid-sized pickup trucks will have greater power and utility, as well. Chrysler LLC's Executive Vice President for Product Development, Frank Klegon, boasted about the newest additions to the Dodge Ram lineup coming later this year and next year, both as 2010 models. Klegon spoke at the Chicago Auto Show, and said that a Dodge Ram 1500 HEMI® Hybrid will come to market later this year and it will be joined by a Cummins Turbodiesel in the Ram Powertrain Lineup next year. The new Ram powertrains improve fuel efficiency, and also bring better capability, utility and performance.

Chrysler's two-mode hybrid system, used now in the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen will bring added light-duty pickup fuel economy by nearly 40 percent in the city and up to 20 percent overall. Dodge will also add a Cummins turbodiesel engine for the Ram 1500 that will meet 50-state emissions standards, and bring a 30-percent fuel economy improvement.

"Dodge Ram is known for capability, utility and performance," said Frank
Klegon, "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."

In 2008, Chrysler added a 4.7-liter flex-fuel V-8, that also resulted in an increased fuel economy while producing 310 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque. The HEMI hybrid powerplant will feature Chrysler's Multi-displacement System (MDS), which allows the engine to 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
marries automatic-transmission technology with a patented hybrid-electric drive system for the world's first two-mode full hybrid. Low- and high-speed electrically variable transmission (EVT) modes make it a "two-mode hybrid." There are also four fixed-gear ratios for high efficiency and power-handling capabilities. The two EVT modes allow the use of electric motors to improve fuel economy, acceleration, and for regenerative braking to capture and use energy that is normally lost during braking or deceleration; energy is stored in batteries for later use. The truck's two modes are optimized for city and highway driving; the first mode is for low speeds and light loads. The Ram 1500 Hybrid can operate in three ways: electric power only; engine power only; and any combination of engine and electric power.

This two-mode hybrid achieves all of the fuel-saving benefits of a full-hybrid system, with an electric-only operation. In this mode, the engine is "shut off," when the truck moves under electric-only power at low speed, which can bring a significant reduction in fuel consumption in heavy stop-and-go traffic. The second mode is mostly for highway speeds, and uses electric assist, along with full power from the 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 when needed, for passing, pulling a trailer or climbing a steep grade.

Hybrid Development Center
Located in Troy, Mich., the Hybrid Development Center ( developed in20partnership with 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 cleandiesel technology, biofuel capable powertrain and zero-emission fuel cell vehicles.

For further information on the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Hybrid Electric or 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 Cummins Turbo-Diesel, go to www.dodge.com,

--Sue Mead