Cars service manual

2007 Chrysler Aspen Preview

Overview

The Chrysler Group staged a furious blizzard inside the 2006 North American International Auto Show to create the proper environment for the debut of the all-new Chrysler Aspen, its first-ever full-size SUV.




As the flying snow began to subside, the first view of Chrysler’s first-ever SUV began to emerge, revealing a very formal and classically styled vehicle that Chrysler refers to as the 300C of sport-utility vehicles.

With a signature Chrysler grille similar to the 300C, a winged badge, available 20-inch chrome wheels and chrome trim, the Aspen is immediately recognizable as a Chrysler product.
Also familiar is the famous HEMI engine; Aspen can come equipped with an available 335-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with Multi-displacement System.

The Aspen offers seating for up to eight adults and premium amenities such as an available power rear liftgate, remote start, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, full-screen navigation radio, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, standard Electronic Stability Program, Park Sense, and tire pressure monitoring.

Aspen is smaller than many of the current full-size SUVs on the market, and should offer better fuel economy and better maneuverability while still offering full-size interior passenger and cargo room.

Other features include interior LED lighting, express-up windows, a full-screen navigation radio, heated first- and second-row seats, Electronic Roll Mitigation, and side-curtain airbags for all three rows.

"The all-new 2007 Chrysler Aspen offers customers guilt-free indulgence," said Jeff Bell, Vice President - Chrysler, Chrysler Group. "Loaded with premium features, stunning Chrysler design, fuel-saving MDS technology, standard safety features and best-in-class horsepower, torque and interior room, Chrysler Aspen offers more for less." While this last claim, "Chrysler Aspen offers more for less," is difficult to backup without any information about its purchase price, the Aspen does offer a pretty sophisticated top-line powerplant, and both engines come standard with Chryslers sophisticated five-speed automatic transmission, a gearbox that incidentally is derived from the unit which currently harnesses turbocharged V8 and V12 power from Mercedes-Benzs supercar-like AMG models.

First-class Interior

With three rows of seats, Chrysler Aspens interior is spacious and sophisticated. "

The interior of the all-new 2007 Chrysler Aspen offers first-class travel," said Creed. "A warm and inviting, yet purposeful interior environment features soft touch surfaces finished with fine materials, as well as precise gauges and controls — details that exemplify the Chrysler brands image of beauty and elegance."

Chrysler Aspens instrument panel cluster features a large, centrally located speedometer and white-faced gauges outlined in chromed trim, providing easy-to-read displays for fuel, oil, volt/battery, odometer and speedometer readings. The center stack features Chrysler brands signature analog clock and an available full-screen navigation radio and temperature controls for front and rear occupants.

Available steering wheel-mounted controls keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road while adjusting audio settings. An overhead console conveniently provides switch controls for the optional sun roof, power liftgate and universal garage door opener. In addition, an Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) is available with the overhead console and provides customer-programmable features, such as audio and security settings, as well as trip computer, compass and outside temperature data.

Designed for ease of use and added utility, Chrysler Aspens center console features a large covered storage bin and integrated cup holders. A 115-volt power inverter conveniently powers lap-top computers, cell phones and electric coolers.

Two interior color schemes are offered: two-tone Slate Gray or Dark Khaki with Light Greystone. Light wood-grain trim is featured throughout the cabin — on the center stack, steering wheel and door armrests — complemented by chromed door handles and trim.

Real-wheel drive will be standard, just like it is with the Durango. For a little more cash, Chrysler will provide one of two 4x4 systems, designed to tackle varying road and/or trail surfaces.

These are all-wheel drive electronic-shift transfer cases. The first, standard with the 4.7-liter V8, is a single-speed transfer case, capable of four-wheel-drive "high" operating modes only, and the second, a two-speed transfer case, standard with the 5.7-liter HEMI V8, features an all-wheel drive high mode plus a four-wheel-drive low mode, for tackling more challenging terrain. Both transfer cases incorporate a 48/52 torque split between front and rear axles in AWD mode.

While the Aspen isnt small, if it indeed measures up to the Durango when in production trim, it will extend beyond the length of Chevys new 2007 Tahoe by about 2 inches. It will do so with three rows of seats, the rearmost of which can actually carry two adults in reasonable comfort when fitted to Dodges version of the big sport utility, carrying up to eight occupants when optioned with the second row bench seat.

Actually, Chrysler states that it has more passenger room and the largest cargo volume in its class, equaling 68.4 cu-ft behind the 40/20/40 split flat-folding second row of seats. Whether choosing the second row buckets or bench, their seatbacks recline by 11 degrees allowing a relaxing environment even for those in the rear.


Spacious and Versatile

With multiple seating and cargo configurations, the all-new 2007 Chrysler Aspen achieves significant occupant flexibility. Second- and third-row seats feature ample leg, shoulder and hip room and conveniently fold flat.

Chrysler Aspen is available with a second-row 40/20/40 split bench seat or second-row heated bucket seats, each providing 11-degree reclining seat backs. Second-row bucket seats include a center console with dual cup holders, covered storage area and adjustable air outlets.

A flip-down, roof-mounted DVD screen is available for rear-seat occupants and a theater-style surround-sound audio system comes complete with eight Infinity® speakers. An available power rear liftgate opens with the touch of a button to provide easy loading and unloading of gear. In addition, rear doors open 84 degrees to provide passengers with easy entry and exit.

With best-in-class cargo capacity, offering 68.4 cu. ft. of cargo room with the third-row seats folded — the most common configuration of three-row seat SUVs — Chrysler Aspen easily surpasses other full-size SUVs.

Look for Aspens to show up in dealerships by fall 2006 with a starting price nearing $38,000. And, given the popularity of fully loaded special packages, expect a tuxed-out ride to push $48,000.

Other features include 60/40 fold-flat rear seats, a fold-flat front passenger seat, heated cloth seats with available leather, Yes Essentials easy-clean fabric, a heated and cooled cupholder, side and curtain airbags, and an available rear-seat DVD system. Again, pricing was not announced, but a chart showed it coming in under the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima.



Specs


On Sale Date Fall 2006
Body Style Four-door SUV
Category Sport Utilities
Drivetrain Rear-wheel drive; Four-wheel drive
Engine 4.7-liter 235-horsepower V85.7-liter 335 horsepower HEMI V8