Dude, that hybrid got a Hemi?

What a hemi-powered hybrid is all about?

One of the most interesting displays of hybrid technology happened at the Chrysler section of the LA Auto Show. Both the Dodge Durango hybrid and the Chryser Aspen hybrid made their debuts connected to big boats and campers.

I'll post a picture later, but seeing Hemi and hybrid badged together onto some large SUVs just didn't seem right. All that I could think of when looking at these hybrid SUVs was, 'Dude, that hybrid got a Hemi'?

Still, a Hemi-powered hybrid SUV is better than a Hemi-powered SUV.

Can Press give Chrysler some kaizen?

Not enough: Hybrid SUVs?

Now that Jim Press has left Toyota to become the Vice Chairmen and President of Chrysler, I have some hope that Press can bring some kaizen, or a constant strive towards efficiency, to Chrysler.

Press witnessed the birth of Toyota's hybrid cars, and he has been a huge advocate of the Toyota Prius. Let's hope Press can help Chrysler realize that SUVs and trucks cannot be the sole source of Chrysler's future success, even if they are hybrid SUVs, such as the Aspen hybrid pictured above.

Wanna make a big move Mr. Press? Make Chrysler the first U.S. automaker to mass produce a hybrid car that compares with the Prius.

Finally, Chrysler hybrids confirmed

Push towards fuel economy

Well, I was right.

According to Reuters Chrysler has now confirmed that "it would roll out new hybrid vehicles, streamline its cars and trucks and introduce more diesel engines in a bid to improve the fuel economy of its product line-up."

Chrysler's 2008 hybrid vehicles, much like GM, will probably focus on large SUVs - an ideal platform for the dual mode hybrid powertrain that the two automakers developed together. Thus far, Chrysler has confirmed the Dodge Durango hybrid and the Aspen hybrid.

Chrysler's gas-guzzling hybrids?

Chrysler adds Aspen to hybrid lineup

Move over Durango, here comes the Aspen. In addition to the Dodge Durango hybrid, Chrylser has announced that the 2008 Aspen will also be available as a hybrid.

Overall, Chrysler claims that both hybrid vehicles will offer a 25 percent overall increase in fuel economy. In city driving, however, both hybrids could achieve as much as a 40 percent increase in fuel efficiency.

While that's great news for SUV fans whom want to increase their fuel economy, how long do car fans have to wait for a U.S.-manufactured Toyota Prius contender?