Ear to the ground “Mom, you have a squishy butt.” -A local toddler unaware that Mother’s Day is just a few short days away A brand new Durango The word “Durango” may no longer be synonymous with a gas-guzzling SUV. DaimlerChrysler has announced that the Dodge Durango, one of the biggest gas pigs on the road, is going green next year. The large SUV that’s now lucky to get 18 miles to the gallon will now be available with the hybrid option. In 2008, DaimlerChrysler is rolling out a hybrid version of the Durango. The green Durango will boast a 5.7-liter, eight-valve Hemi engine and is expected to get 25 percent better fuel economy than the standard version. In city driving, where hybrid technology really shines, the Durango’s fuel efficiency will go up 40 percent. Analysts say that the “two-mode” hybrid system, developed jointly with General Motors Corp. and BMW, could put SUVs and trucks at the same efficiency as larger sedans, an average of 23 mpg. The hybrid system uses a computer to link two electric motors with the V-8 engine. The engine also has the ability to operate on either four or eight cylinders. The goal was to improve gas mileage while staying true to the Durango’s big boy roots. “We have to think hard about the consumer who buys vehicles like the Dodge Durango,” said Mark Chernoby, Chrysler Group vice president for advanced vehicle engineering. “These are people who want to have hauling capability.” Durango is not only city getting a motorized makeover in 2008. The Chrysler Aspen and Chevy Tahoe are also going with hybrid technology in the new year. Gassed out Speaking of gas pigs, Durangoans have an opportunity to take a stab at Big Oil this week. With current gas prices hovering around $3.15 per gallon and expected to hit $4 this summer, a nationwide movement is hoping to send a strong message on May 15. The “Gas Out” is modeled on a similar effort in 1997. At that time, people protested nationwide by not buying gas for an entire day. Gasoline prices dropped 30 cents a gallon overnight. Next Tuesday, a similar effort will be staged. Organizers are hoping that at least 73 million Americans will bypass the pump on May 15, keep nearly $3 billion out of oil companies’ pockets and send a message that consumers won’t stand for price gouging.
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