There are two significant changes in the Chrysler Aspen line-up for 2009. The first is a 41-hp gain in the 5.7L Hemi V8 engine. The second is the availability of a 399-hp two-mode Hemi Hybrid, which incorporates a detuned version of the Hemi as well as a 40-hp. 300-v battery. Chrysler claims the unit improves fuel efficiency by almost 54% in the city and nearly 40% overall. It comes as an AWD model paired with a continuously variable transmission.
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For 2008, the Chrysler Aspen's standard 4.7L V8 gets a nearly 30-percent increase in power and a 10-percent increase in torque, along with improved fuel economy. It's now E85 compatible as well. Inside, a recline feature is now standard for the second-row seats, and a 60/40-split bench seat is standard for the third row. Body-color running boards are newly available, as is a back-up camera system. The uplevel sound system adds DVD/HDD compatibility, and the MyGig hard-drive-based Multimedia Infotainment System, which comes with the back-up camera, is another new option. Also new for 2008 is the limited-edition Signature Series, which adds a long list of extra equipment, such as a power sunroof, MyGig entertainment system, the rearview camera, 18-inch chrome-clad wheels, two-tone leather seating, heated front seats, Sirius satellite radio, and special badging throughout. A new color, Light Sandstone Metallic, replaces Light Khaki Metallic.
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The 2007 Chrysler Aspen is an all-new truck-based sport utility vehicle closely related to the Dodge Durango SUV. Combining design cues from Chrysler's successful 300 sedan with a traditional SUV shape, the Aspen is offered as a slightly more maneuverable, slightly more fuel-efficient alternative to larger full-size SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition.
SelectBrowse ListingsThe first sport utility vehicle wearing Chrysler badging, the Aspen was essentially a premium-grade version of the Dodge Durango. Available with rear-wheel drive as well as four-wheel drive configurations, the Chrysler Aspen came to market for the 2007 model year.
Propelling the Chrysler Aspen, two V-8 engine choices were offered on the upscale sport utility vehicle. The base powerplant for the 2007 Aspen was a 4.7-liter Magnum engine generating 235 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. The Magnum powerplant was also available as a flex-fuel engine capable of running E85-blended fuel. For peak performance, s 345-horsepower 5.7-liter V-8 HEMI engine was also available on the 2007 Chrysler Aspen. Five-speed automatic transmissions were linked to both V-8 engines.
Configured to seat up to eight passengers, the 2007 Chrysler Aspens cabin included standard features such as front and head side curtain airbags, air conditioning, cruise control as well as a universal garage door opener. For 2009, an all-wheel drive hybrid model of the Chrysler Aspen was introduced. The 2009 Aspen Hybrid used a two-mode transmission that was co-developed with General Motors and BMW in a technical alliance.
Containing four conventional gears, the two-mode transmission operated as a hybrid through a pair of electric motors fed through a 300-volt battery pack. Functioning similar to a continuously variable transmission, the Chrysler Aspen Hybrid arrived with gasoline power from the 5.7-liter HEMI engine. With minimal impact to the sport utility vehicles comfort and versatility (towing capacity was reduced from 8,600 to 6,000 pounds), the Aspen Hybrids fuel economy averaged out at an EPA-rated 21 miles per gallon.
Sales of the Chrysler Aspen was less than expected based on inflating gas prices and motorists generally losing favor with sport utility vehicles as car-like crossovers obtained greater popularity.
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