| The
fuel efficient Aspen will get you to the lake with power to spare.
By Garth W. Cane
Chrysler Aspen/2007
The new upscale Aspen
by Chrysler is one classy SUV - a premium ride that is designed
to tow almost 9000 pounds (4060kg) of loaded trailer, and present
a value alternative to luxury-priced competitors.
Multi-displacement technology that lets the engine act as a
fuel-saving four-cylinder on the highway can shift seamlessly
to eight-cylinder mode when you need the extra grunt to pull
your boat out of a launch ramp or tow up a steep hill. With
premium technology, generous comfort, more than 30 safety and
security features, and fuel-saving technology, the Aspen is
a tremendous value compared to larger, higher priced SUVs.
The all-new Chrysler Aspen for 2007 boasts elegant styling,
unsurpassed performance and many premium amenities in a full-sized
Sport Utility Vehicle. More fuel efficient and more maneuverable
in tight spots than many other SUVs, the Aspen delivers best
in class power and torque coupled with a 4x4 system that enables
you to tackle a variety of driving conditions. With the Hemi
5.7Litre engine that puts out 335 horsepower and 370 pounds-feet
of torque, and a rear axle ratio of 3.92:1, this vehicle can
pull some of the larger boats in complete comfort. It’s
agile as well - the 39.9-foot turning circle is ideal for towing
maneuvers, and when the boat is in the water the Aspen is nimble
enough to hold its own in crowded mall parking lots.
Instantly recognizable as a Chrysler, complete with the signature
chromed grill and wings that contain the gold seal of the brand,
the Aspen’s hood was inspired by the Crossfire and the
“300". Detailed “jewel-like” headlamps
complement the grill with a projector low-beam contained in
a unique circular lamp bezel and an inboard high-beam lamp contained
in a smaller square bezel.
Inside, there are all of the creature comforts you would expect
from a more expensive vehicle. The leather-wrapped steering
wheel has the remote audio controls on the back so that you
don’t have to take your hands off the wheel to change
stations. A 115-volt inverter will provide enough power for
your laptop, and an Electronic Vehicle Information Center with
mini-trip computer and compass will keep you informed as you
drive down the road. Models with cloth upholstery have been
treated with “YES Essentials” stain resistant, odor
reliant, and anti-static fabric.
With three rows of seats, the Aspen can seat up to eight people,
and still have room for 19 cu-ft of storage. With the third
row of seats lowered, the storage increases to 67 cu-ft, and
if you still need extra room, fold down the second row for a
total of 102 cu-ft. You’ll be impressed with the 48.2-inches
of space between the wheel wells for those big items. For some
longer items, you can fold down half the rear seat, and still
leave room for a passenger to ride in comfort.
Our test unit came with turn signals that had a one-touch feature
that activated a three-blink signal when changing lanes –
an interesting and useful new idea, and the Aspen also arrived
with interior LED lighting, express-up windows, heated first-
and second-row seats, remote start, an optional rear seat DVD
entertainment system, and a full-screen navigation radio.
Advanced safety features include side-curtain air bags for all
three rows of seats with sensors that will keep them inflated
for a longer period of time in the case of a roll-over, and
Electronic Stability Control software that monitors the vehicle’s
directional movement relative to the driver’s intended
path. This feature has three settings, allowing the driver more
control over the vehicle during spirited driving.
The vehicle yaw sensor recognizes sway, and when the system
determines that the sway is increasing – but not as a
result of the driver’s steering input, it keeps the vehicle
going the direction that you point it. “Electronic Roll
Mitigation” prevents the vehicle from leaning in quick
turns, freeing you from that feeling that the vehicle might
roll over. If necessary, the engine torque is reduced and a
short burst of full braking is applied to the appropriate wheel
to help stabilize the vehicle attitude and reduce the vehicle’s
lateral force. “Brake Assist” senses a panic braking
situation and applies maximum braking power, providing the shortest
possible stopping distance.
The “J” package includes 20-inch chrome wheels,
265/50R20 tires, three-passenger 60/40 third-row seat, reclining
second-row seats, running boards, power driver and front-passenger
seats, leather seats, power liftgate, “ParkSense”
rear back-up system, six-disc audio system, SIRIUS satellite
radio, memory system (seats, mirrors, radio and temperature),
dual zone automatic temperature control, adjustable pedals,
laminated front and rear door glass, and premium audio system
with subwoofer. We found the “ParkSense” to be a
pleasure as it notifies you of objects behind when you back
up. We also liked the “Tire Pressure Monitoring System”
that lets you know the instant a tire becomes soft.
Built in Newark, Delaware, and arriving at dealerships in October,
the all-new 2007 Chrysler Aspen will be the industry’s
first full-size SUV to give customers more peace of mind in
towing conditions by offering standard “Trailer Sway Control”
technology. Trailer Sway Control reduces trailer sway (an alternating
yaw of the vehicle) and improves handling in adverse towing
conditions caused by crosswinds and traffic, providing greater
trailer stability and increased towing safety. Trailer Sway
Control applies brake pressure on one front wheel to counteract
the yaw induced by the trailer and applies brake pressure to
all four wheels to slow the vehicle. As the trailer sways to
the other side of the vehicle, Trailer Sway Control will increase
pressure to the opposite side of the vehicle. The technology
will continue to apply alternating brake pressure and reduce
engine torque until the trailer is under control. Trailer Sway
Control technology will also be offered on the 2007 Dodge Durango.
The Aspen has innovative tapered front frame rail tips that
reduce repair costs in an accident, advanced multi-stage air
bags, anti-lock brakes, child seat anchor system, constant force
retractors, an energy absorbing steering column, and side-impact
door beams to protect you in a collision.
The Aspen has a stiff hydroformed frame with independent front
suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. The suspension is tuned
to give a superior ride and steering feel. The rear suspension
is unique with coil springs and a solid rear axle that provides
durability, and substantial payload. The four by four transfer
cases are electronic-shift with a 48-52 torque split between
the front and rear axles when all-wheel drive is selected. A
Watt’s linkage system is fitted to the rear axle to center
the axle and reduce rear-end skating over rough surfaces.
The “E” package offers exceptional value with a
4.7L engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The 4.7L
engine is E-85 compatible that gives drivers the option of operating
their Aspen on ethanol, gasoline, or a mixture of the two. The
4x2 model will retail for $31,490 and $34.265 for the 4x4.
The “J” package, which is the best unit for those
towing larger boats, retails for $36,905 for the 4x2 and $39,225
for the 4x4 model. The four-wheel-drive system features standard
full-time, all-wheel-drive and available low range.
Compared to large SUVs, the all-new 2007 Chrysler Aspen is more
fuel-efficient and maneuverable. Compared to full-sized SUVs,
Chrysler Aspen features more interior passenger space and cargo
room, coupled with unmatched towing and hauling capability.
This is a great alternative to the Cadillac Escalade, the Lexus
G470, and the Lincoln Navigator. |
The Aspen dash with navigation system,
Spacious cargo area with third seat folded.
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