durango

Another day, another smartwatch rumor. This time, it's Google that was feeling left out, what with all the "iWatch" rumors and Samsung throwing its hat into the ring. What do you think about Google's rumor smartwatch? What do you think would make it different from the plethora of other smartwatches that are out there? Leave a comment and let us know what you think!

Also on this week's show, the next-gen Xbox might not use its optical drive for games, according to leaked documents. At least it'll play Blu-ray (maybe)! Google Play might be … Read more

Microsoft's next Xbox won't allow gamers to play titles from an optical drive, according to a newly leaked document.

The folks over at VGLeaks recently released what they claim is the Microsoft documentation for its next console, code-named Durango. In the long-winded document, which makes mention of enhanced graphics and an improved Kinect sensor that will be sold with the console, Microsoft notes that only hard drive-based game playback will be offered.

"Every Durango console will have a hard drive, although its exact capacity has not been chosen," the company wrote in the documentation. "It will be large enough, however, to hold a large number of games. All games will be installed on the hard drive. Play from the optical disc will not be supported."… Read more

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the 2011 Ford Explorer seem to be getting all the headlines lately, but don't overlook next year's Dodge Durango.

The hefty 2011 Durango promises tighter handling, better fuel efficiency, and more options. The Durango comes in two sizes: the V-6 engine that has a towing capability of 6,200 lbs., and the V-8 engine has a towing capability of 7,400 lbs. Both variations offer "lifestyle packages," that one guesses include "sport" and other options.

The price on the new Durango starts at $29,195 for the rear-wheel … Read more

Last week, we took a look at the Dodge Durango Hybrid and, surprisingly, we liked it. Its combination of hybrid tech and cabin tech had us thinking that Dodge/Chrysler had a winner on its hands. Perhaps, the bean counters at Chrysler didn't agree, because they've just pulled the plug on the Durango and Aspen Hybrids, a mere two months after the vehicles entered full-scale production.

The phrase "shooting yourself in the foot" comes to mind, but perhaps it's not that simple.

The news comes as part of a larger announcement that Chrysler is closing … Read more

We were recently given the opportunity to kick the tires of a wide variety of hybrid electric and alternative fuel vehicles.

There were a few clean diesels, including a CR-V with a 2.2-liter four cylinder that we should see reach production in a diesel variant of the 2010 Acura TSX. Ford brought out its hydrogen fuel cell, Focus, and a pair of hybrids, one of which was a plug-in model.

According to Ed Kjaer, a representative from Southern California Edison, plugging in electric hybrid vehicles on an overnight cycle is better for the electric grid, because it evens out … Read more

Dodge brought by a selection of its newest vehicles at a recent media event. We had the chance to photograph and test drive the next generation of Dodge vehicles, including the 2009 Challenger (SRT-8 and R/T versions), the new 2009 Ram pickup truck, and the Durango Hemi Hybrid SUV. Also on hand was the 2009 Dodge Journey, which we've already reviewed.

View New Dodge vehicle slide show.

While GM used the LA Auto Show to display its new full-size hybrids, Chrysler was busy doing exactly the same thing. Chrysler may have parted company with Mercedes-Benz, but that hasn't stopped it from making use of the two-mode hybrid technology that it developed with its old partner together with BMW and General Motors. Both the Chrysler Aspen and the Dodge Durango will come with available hybrid drivetrains for the 2008 model year at an as-yet-undisclosed price. Get an eyeful of Chrysler's new full-size hybrids right here.