Yorkregion.com - Wheels - Chrysler's first SUV has the heart of a Hemi
Chrysler's first SUV has the heart of a Hemi
The 2008 Aspen is Chrysler's first entry into the premium full-size SUV segment. In Canada, we get the Limited version with almost every option as standard including the chrome capped, 20-inch alloy wheels.
Wheels
Dec 21, 2007 01:30 PM
2008 Chrysler Aspen
By: Jim Robinson
Much has been happening with Chrysler in the last half year. It is now a standup automaker with the departure of its former partner Daimler-Benz, but that doesn't seem to have had much impact on the perception of the company.
For that you can thank the made-in-Brampton Chrysler 300C and Chrysler's iconic Hemi V8.
Chrysler knows the Hemi is more than a brand name. It conjures up the vision of American power and engineering.
And that includes the 2008 Aspen Limited that Chrysler calls "the 300 of SUVs".
While it shares much in common with the Dodge Durango, it is by no means the same truck with leather and a softer suspension package.
The Aspen is aimed at some pretty big game in this segment like the Chevrolet Tahoe, Honda Pilot and the Toyota Sequoia.
What Chrysler intends to do is beat them on packaging and pricing.
Canada only gets one version of the Aspen, the Limited.
Ours is what the Americans call their Limited with the optional "J Package" that includes full leather, quad captains chairs with full heating (second row 40/20/40 split/fold bench optional), backup sonar and the list goes on. About the only options are the rear seat DVD entertainment system, navigation system, skid plate and towing package.
Base price is $49,995. My tester with just about every option available including the centre row split/fold seat that turns the Aspen into an eight-seater was $56,795 and that included a $1,300 shipping fee.
While the U.S. gets two engines, including a 4.7-litre V8 that can run on a wide range of gasoline/alcohol mixtures, in Canada only the best is coming to us in the form of the legendary 5.7-litre Hemi V8 producing 335 hp and 370 lb/ft of torque.
The Hemi features Chrysler's Multi-displacement System (MDS) that lets the engine switch to four-cylinder mode when it is on cruise. When passing or launch power is needed, the engine fires on all eight-cylinders. Fuel consumption is rated at 16.4L/100 km (17 mpg) city and 11.0L/100 km (26 mpg) highway.
Also standard on the Aspen Limited is four-wheel-drive (4WD) that uses a two-speed transfer case. There are three modes that can be selected by a switch on the dash. Most of the time, the Aspen will be driven in four-wheel-drive (4WD) that functions with torque split 48 per cent front, 52 per cent rear. By using the switch, it can also be locked in four-wheel-drive (4WD) for 50:50 torque split for use in snow or the wet. Lastly there is 4WD low for serious situations. Most people will probably never use anything but the AWD, but it's reassuring to know real 4X4 capability is there if needed.
With the grunt of the Hemi, Chrysler is claiming best-in-class towing of 3,969 kg. The five-speed automatic transmission in tow/haul mode holds lower gears longer in order to quell the tendency for the automatic to hunt for the correct cog. It also shifts itself down to a lower gear when the Aspen is towing downhill.
In addition to anti-lock braking (ABS) and pitch and yaw program (ESP), the Aspen comes standard with Trailer Sway Control that detects when something you're towing is starting to weave. It then steps along with the ESP and uses the brakes and engine retardation to gets things back on track.
Because of the lessons learned on the Dodge Durango, Chrysler was able to give Aspen the same sturdiness thanks to a hydroformed frame, but it honed the independent front suspension and the solid rear axle (with coil springs) to handle heavy towing but also to give a limo-like ride around town.
On top of that, the Aspen has a turning circle of 12.2 metres. That's great on any 4WD crossover SUV, but impressive on something as big as the Aspen.
With the optional 20-inch wheels on chrome-capped alloy wheels, it's a big step up and into the cabin where it is a very pleasant place to be.
Chrysler and Dodge interiors are now as remarkable as the exterior styling. As mentioned, my tester had the optional 40/20/40 split/fold second row seat. I used the Aspen to pick up my daughter and friend in London and bring them back after writing winter exams.
As they had to clear out their rooms in residence, they brought just about everything they had in their rooms down to go back. By flipping the third row bench seat flush, there was room for all their "stuff" freeing up the second row for themselves and a bevy of stories about campus life, some of which dad didn't really want to hear.
With the threat of an oncoming snowstorm, I was glad to have all the attributes of the Aspen, because I was driving into the snow-belt region with the Weather Network predicting what sounded like the snowstorm of the century.
Coming back along Highway 401, we were well ahead of the storm but there was some drifting snow and then rain along the way. With the Aspen in normal 4WD, it more than coped with the occasional slip.
What I really noticed was, being seated so high, a lot of the spray from cars ahead didn't hit the windshield. I had to use the wiper/washer but not constantly.
With Sirius satellite radio set on Soul Town and sending the sounds of the Spinners and more through the optional eight-speaker Alpine sound system, I actually kind of enjoyed the drive and I let the girls in the back chatter away without the dread they might have felt in a subcompact in the same conditions.
The Aspen abounds with lots of extras like heated seats and outside mirrors that all added up to make for a pleasing ride. Just a few I noticed were: the brilliant white LED interior lighting, a power rear liftgate, and a 115 V AC inverter for things like laptops and gaming.
Aspen is a critical vehicle for the new Chrysler Corporation.
From the outside, the Aspen with its signature wide mouth grille and those sparkling 20-inch wheels makes as visual an impact as the 300C.
And as its first entry in the premium SUV market, and the highly competitive full-size segment at that, Chrysler believes Aspen has what it takes to be the 300 of SUVs.
CHRYSLER ASPEN LIMITED SUV 2008 AT A GLANCE
BODY STYLE: Full-size SUV.
DRIVE METHOD: Front-engine, four-wheel-drive.
ENGINE: 5.7-litre OHV V8 (335 hp, 370 lb/ft.)
FUEL ECONOMY: 16.4L/100 km (17 mpg) city, 11.0L/100 km (26 mpg) highway.
PRICE: $49,995, as tested, $56,795 including $1,300 shipping fee.
WEBSITE: daimlerchrysler.ca