Chrysler and Dodge news - Double trouble - 2007

Inspired by buoyant Toyota Prius sales in the US, Chrysler has released a pair of hybrids - the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango.

Utilising a similar petrol-electric drivetrain to the ubiquitous Prius, the Aspen and Durango are each powered by a small electric motor bolted to a... 5.7-litre V8 Hemi.

Seriously.

Chrysler says the hybrid SUVs will return a giddy 18mpg in the city and 19mpg out on the highway. Admittedly that's a fair improvement on the standard version's 13mpg urban economy, but it's hardly going to save the planet.

Of course, with the Lexus LS640h doing good business over here we can't really mock, but it seems Chrysler hasn't quite grasped the point of hybrids. Especially when it boasts that the combined drivetrain provides EVEN MORE POWER than a standard Hemi when you're tackling a steep slope or overtaking.

Still, it's all progress.

Rumours that the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT-10 will come with an optional double-AA battery for extra power remain unconfirmed.