The diesel-powered Dodge Ram 1500 has been delayed, but the hybrid Hemi version is definitely happening for 2010 and our spy photographers caught it running undisguised in public during final testing. Our photographers even managed to get a great photo of the new hybrid engine.
The so-called two-mode hybrid powertrain was co-developed with GM, Mercedes and BMW. It’s the same setup found in the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra gas-electric hybrid pickups.
GM is supplying Chrysler with the advanced two-mode transmissions that will be used. The electrically variable transmission houses two 60kW electric motors that can power the truck on their own up to about 25 mph, depending on driving conditions. As the multi-displacement 5.7-liter pushrod HEMI V8 gas engine kicks in, the electric motors will seamlessly support it, individually or in tandem, at low and high speeds, helping the engine enter fuel-saving four-cylinder mode sooner and stay in it longer to achieve maximum gas mileage. Regenerative braking is used to capture energy that would normally be lost during braking or deceleration. The energy is stored in the batteries for later use.
The GM full-size hybrids can tow up to 6,100 pounds. The Ram is expected to tow about the same amount.
From the look of the latest shots, the Ram Hybrid is nearly complete, so look for the fuel-efficient pickup to roll into dealers during the second half of the year.
08/17, 1:29 PM
posted by:
A4
I can almost guarantee the diesel would outsell this 20:1
08/17, 1:35 PM
posted by:
2WheeledSpeed
How fuel efficient? If it gets like 2 more miles to the gallon than the regular or diesel version, yet costs thousands more…. No thank you. Not that I would buy a hybrid truck anyways, if I needed one for work it would be diesel.
08/17, 1:40 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
And the morons continue to reign. A diesel would have been so much better.
08/17, 1:40 PM
posted by:
Genesis101
the thing i like about diesels is .. you can let it sit with it on and it really won’t burn anything… my father’s old RV was like that .. gotta love diesel.
08/17, 1:47 PM
posted by:
Vroom
Dodge Ram powered by a Hybrid Hemi? Isn’t that a double oxymoran? Sounds like wedded bliss.
08/17, 1:55 PM
posted by:
cab396
Unanimous decision…..diesel! All Three domestics have a diesel offering for a 1/2-ton platform, probably even for a mid-size platform. All 3 claim it’s cost that prevents a 1/2-ton diesel option. I have to suspect the two-mode hybrid is way out of the price range, the GMC/Chevy 2-mode version hasn’t sold squat compared the the regular gas model. Factor in the cost to repair a hybrid, what the HELL. Obama-nomics might have some influence here?
08/17, 2:14 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Not only has Chevy failed to move their version but Chrysler couldn’t give away a Durango or Aspen with this system.
By the way, just where the heck is the Phoenix V6?
08/17, 2:16 PM
posted by:
A4
Uhhh Genesis… yeah the diesel is better but with this hybrid the engine doesnt even run when you sit. So you burn even less.
08/17, 2:28 PM
posted by:
Z06ified
Hybrid and Hemi doesn’t sound right together. A V-8 Cummins turbo diesel sounds much better – I hope they’re still working on it.
08/17, 3:34 PM
posted by:
eff1Fifty
I vote deisel.
I do have a hybrid question for u guys tho: isn’t a bit of gasoline wasted everytime the engine starts? Or have they remidied this over the past several yrs?
08/17, 3:43 PM
posted by:
worst 3
they should make a hybrid diesel, and a regular deisel
08/17, 3:56 PM
posted by:
HoosierHero
Ya dude, I got a Hemi!…Hemi Hybrid.
08/17, 4:16 PM
posted by:
greg
Crisisler buys this 2-mode hybrid frm GM and they can’t sell ‘em at the 410K premium.
Better idea (besides diesel) is the Ford 3.5L V6 EcoBoost (6-speed) in the F150 that will produce 400HP and 400ft-lbs (diesel like) torque (at 1500 RPM) plus get up to 25MPG (2WD) and only cost about $1K premium.
08/17, 4:54 PM
posted by:
Genesis101
A4
no i knew that i was just talking about diesels in general .. yea thats pretty cool to i guess. im not a hybrid person.
08/17, 4:57 PM
posted by:
Genesis101
in result of the “voting” going on.. i vote diesel.
08/17, 6:40 PM
posted by:
tyler_is_aero_tt
Why would anybody need a hybrid truck? You use a truck for the power and hauling things, if you want gas mileage then get a Prius.
08/17, 7:14 PM
posted by:
elmdodge
chrysler and jim press take another wrong turn !
08/17, 9:23 PM
posted by:
bigp
greg is a smart man .
08/18, 3:24 PM
posted by:
Noah
Anyone who buys a chrysler product now and for years to come is crazy
09/16, 2:16 PM
posted by:
kthorkveen
I Vote on the 1500 diesel… it will out run and out sale the 1500 hybrid….