It may be because the Hemi has the cylinder deactivation feature (MDS – Multi-Displacement System) and the V6 does not.

However in a couple of years when the next gen “Phoenix” engines come out they too will have MDS. They will also be more fuel efficient, have better emmisions, be quieter, etc. They will also find there way into Mercedes products (of course they will never admit to it), as well as the new DSG trannys Chrysler is developing with Gertrag (that’s why they still own about 20% of Chrysler LLC).

I think there’s a split in the market for vehicles. While a lot of the American middle class have stagnant wages and have been hit hard by rising costs of fuel and food, there seems to be a large upper middle class that is beating inflation.

I stopped at Sheetz (a growing fuel & convenience chain) last weekend. I bought a diet Pepsi (I always feel like I should buy something after using the restroom) and the guy before me was paying for his MTO (made-to-order sandwich), big coffee and gas. The cashier said $95, and without batting an eye, he peeled out five twenties to pay her. MTOs aren’t that expensive, so he probably bought 25 gallons at $3.19.

I’d say he’s part of the target market for these V8 SUV hybrids, but even he might get tired of carrying all that cash.

If Chrysler were to use a V6 in their hybrid power train instead, they could at least crack the 20 MPG barrier. As it is, I can’t see anyone paying a premium for a hybrid that still gets less than 20 MPG.