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Chrysler has verified plans to launch a hybrid alternative of the Dodge Ram pickup in 2010. This will be a part of Chrysler’s effort to rejuvenate the company’s brand portfolio. The announcement was made by Chrysler’s Executive Vice President Frank Klegon, at the Detroit SAE 2008 World Congress. Chrysler has recently been acquired by Cerberus Capital Management LP after being in the Daimler AG wing.

The two-mode Chrysler Dodge Ram hybrid will be furnished with a 5.7 liter HEMI V-8, which will boost fuel economy by 4% and will possess horsepower of 380, for 2009. This unique HEMI engine has a Multi-Displacement System (MDS), which will enable the engine to switch smoothly between its four cylinder mode when less power is required and its V-8 mode when the cars operations are more energy-intensive. This will additionally improve fuel economy.

Chrysler has collaborated with General Motors, Mercedes Benz and BMW to build the two-mode full hybrid which operates on high and low speed electrically variable transmission modes (EVT). The pickup will also feature four fixed-gear ratios for optimizing fuel efficiency and power-handling ability. The two EVT modes are perfected for city and highway driving. In the first low speed, light load, city mode, the vehicle can operate on one of three options- with electric power only, with engine power only or a combination of the two. In the high powered highway mode, the vehicle provides full power as and when the situation demands, in addition to electric assist.

Although hybrid technology has not been implemented on full size pickup trucks as yet, consumers’ demands for better fuel economy could see this innovative technology been diversified to a variety of car segments, irrespective of size. Car companies are now almost in a race to be the first in every new hybrid section. If all goes according to schedule, Chrysler will still be two years behind General Motors in this particular sector. General Motors is likely to debut its Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid and GMC Sierra Hybrid pickups later this year.

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