2007 Chrysler Aspen Preview

Something a Little Different in the Almost Premium Class

When Chrysler Group first announced that it would be expanding its sport utility lineup in coming years (see automotive news section of this website for Oct 1, 2005: Chrysler Group Announces Five New SUVs on the way Amid Fuel Crisis), even some of the automotive media were up in arms. What? More SUVs, some of which are to be full-size gas guzzlers? As if the world needs any more. But, to be fair to the Auburn Hills, Michigan-based automaker, Chrysler Group really never took full advantage of the sport utility craze when it should have, during the last decade and a half.

Even Jeep, the iconic SUV brand, doesnt make as many sport ute models, let alone large V6- and V8-powered 4×4s, as eco-minded Toyota. Thats hard to believe, but its true. When compared to Ford or GM, Chrysler Group should be ashamed of its lack of fortitude, merely making do when others were cashing in. Even its newest full-size Jeep Commander is just barely longer than midsize, with exterior dimensions that are dramatically more compact than GMs Tahoe/Yukon, Fords Expedition, Toyotas Sequoia or Nissans Armada. Chrysler Groups largest SUV, the Dodge Durango, isnt anywhere near as big as GMs Suburban/Yukon XL duo, or Fords super-sized Excursion, while its still smaller than Expedition, Sequoia and Armada. Chrysler, on the other hand, has never even had a single SUV in its lineup, ever!

This will change shortly, however, with the Durango-based Chrysler Aspen, due to arrive in showrooms across the nation this coming autumn as a 2007 model. Chrysler dubs it the “300 of SUVs”, which might be a stretch unless its marketing staff is merely referring to the SUVs bold, chrome plated grille with stylish winged logo set atop. Interestingly, while making reference to the 300, Chrysler says the grille is inspired by the absolutely gorgeous V10-powered Chrysler Chronos concept car that debuted at Cobo Hall in 1998, which is actually ovoid in shape, not rectangular. I suppose the Aspens high-shouldered stance is 300ish too, but really, to most who have spent time with the Ram-brands new Durango, this Chrysler sport utility apple hasnt fallen too far from Dodges tree.

Just the same, there are completely unique body panels all-round that are much softer in their form than those on Dodges SUV, a new more rectangular front fascia with 300C-like circular fog lamps, simply shaped, rectangular tail lamps, compared to the tougher looking bulbous ones on the Durango, and just like the Crossfire, those classy vertical strakes embossed into the hood. The Aspen also features headlamp clusters that bulge slightly on their lower sections to imitate those on the 300, and optional 20-inch chrome-plated wheels that come close to mirroring the 19-inch chrome alloy rims available on the stylish Pacifica crossover, and I suppose those on the 300C as well.

Chrome is the highlighted theme here, with Chrysler even pointing out that “individual chromed “CHRYSLER” lettering adorns the body side on each of the front doors.” Additionally, chrome trim can be found on the body-side moldings, door handles, side mirrors, belt molding and the roof rack, adding an upscale touch and separating it from its more common roots.

“With a unique and distinctive design, the all-new 2007 Chrysler Aspen brings a new look to the SUV segment,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President - Design.  “Encompassing design cues from Chrysler 300 and Crossfire - including the signature chromed grille and sculpted hood - Chrysler Aspen is an elegant, yet striking premium SUV that is unmistakably Chrysler.”

Sharing the almost full-size Durango platform is smart, of course, as it reduces lead time and costs, allowing the Aspen to come to market quicker at a more affordable price, which will be necessary if its going to attract a buyer who has been looking down-market, to smaller compact and mid-size SUVs in recent months. Of course, while the press material Chrysler provided speaks only of a range of gasoline-powered engines, starting with the automakers 4.7-liter V8 and finishing off, so far, with its class-dominating, cylinder-deactivation-equipped 5.7-liter HEMI V8, a new hybrid electric derivative is no doubt forthcoming, with a powertrain developed alongside the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid, shown in Detroits Cobo Hall two days prior on Friday, January 8. Strange bedfellows? Maybe so, but if you cant beat Toyota, Honda, and now Ford to market with hybrid technology, youd better join forces with your enemys enemy, so to speak, which DaimlerChrysler has done with GM, and BMW. But Im getting ahead of myself.

The Aspen that is here and now, at least in prototype form, gets that 4.7-liter V8 that I just mentioned in standard trim. The engine produces an acceptable 235-horsepower and a respectable 300 lb-ft of torque, while delivering smooth operation and responsive acceleration in anything Ive previously tried it in; Dodge Durangos and Jeep Grand Cherokees included.

Those wanting to take advantage of Chrysler Groups industry might, may want to up the ante to the 5.7-liter HEMI V8, tuned to produce 335-horsepower and 370 lb-ft of torque in Aspen trim.

“With the most powerful engine in its class - the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 - the all-new 2007 Chrysler Aspen delivers unrivaled capability and performance with fuel-saving MDS technology,” said Mike Donoughe, Vice President - Body-on-frame Product Team.  “Impressive off-the-line acceleration combined with enough torque to tow 8,950 lbs, Chrysler Aspen is a premium SUV where beauty is backed with brawn.”

Yes, I dont doubt that the Aspen will perform when pulling a heavy load thanks to the same “Tow/Haul” transmission function that comes with the Durango, which holds lower gears longer and therefore, reduces annoying gear hunting. The transmission also automatically selects a lower gear for engine braking when loaded and going downhill.

And the MDS (Multi-Displacement System) technology Donoughe was referring to means that when performance is needed, like towing or just passing a bigger rig, the beefy V8 can pull as strongly as needed nine times out of ten, but when cruising under light loads it can shut down four of the engines eight cylinders to reduce fuel consumption and therefore harmful emissions by up to 20 percent.

“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.

Real-wheel drive will be standard, just like it is with the Durango. For a little more cash, Chrysler will provide one of two 4×4 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.

In my experience, the Durango is not only a good people and cargo hauler, but also quite agile at high speed and easily maneuverable when crawling along through parking lots, feeling a fair bit smaller than its outward dimensions would suggest. This is partially thanks to its torsionally stiff, hydroformed frame and independent front suspension, as well as its rack-and-pinion steering system.

“The all-new 2007 Chrysler Aspen provides exceptional handling that sets a new standard for SUVs,” said Donoughe. “From twisting, winding roads to narrow city streets to dirt or snow-covered trails, Chrysler Aspen provides sure-footed grip and responsiveness. And with a 39.9-ft turning circle, Chrysler Aspen is easily maneuverable in tight situations.”

In the rear, the Aspen gets coil springs and a solid rear axle, in an attempt to offer the smooth ride and sporting handling of an independent setup with the towing and hauling characteristics of a live axle; a best of both worlds scenario. To maximize control by “centering the axle and reducing rear-end skate over rough surfaces”, a Watt linkage system connects to the rear axle. Therefore, while reportedly enjoyable to drive, the SUV can still manage a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 6,700 lbs and a max towing capacity of 8,950 lbs, the latter as was mentioned earlier.

It will feature some pretty top-scale options too, such as a power rear liftgate, just like the Pacifica, its CUV stable mate, plus an available navigation and audio interface out of the 300C. Of course, the brands best-in-class DVD entertainment system will be included for a sum, plus Chrysler is promising SIRIUS satellite radio connectivity as well, to optimize the electronic experience.

Parents will likely care more about its standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system, and ParkSense rear back-up system, but the Aspens standard interior LED lighting should also create a relaxing ambiance, while heated first- and second-row seats will no doubt complement the mood in colder weather. Furthermore, Chrysler talks about “express-up windows”, the plurality of which is true. Close inspection of the photo, however, shows only the front driver and passenger windows as having express up and down functionality. On the one-touch theme, the Aspen will feature the ability to quickly press down part way on the turn signal stalk to initiate an automated three-blink program that immediately turns off after its finished. This makes sure the turn signal gets turned off after making a pass on the highway; when turn signals are most commonly left on unawares.

A long list of safety and security features, some standard and others optional, include ABS brakes with Brake Assist (BA), a child seat anchoring system with LATCH for easily securing new-style safety seats, an energy absorbent steering column, Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and ParkSense Rear Back-up Detection System that were just mentioned, side-curtain airbags, side-impact airbags and, of course, dual front advanced multi-stage airbags will be standard, as will side-curtain airbags for all three rows, plus three-point seatbelts all-round, with pretensioning capabilities up front.

Those seats can be had in either a premium cloth, the fabric itself dubbed as YES Essentials and said to be an “easy-care, soil-repellant and anti-microbial textile that protects seats from stains, odors and discoloration,” or two variations of leather; the first being a two-tone design and the second leather featuring suede-like inserts - the latter also designed to repel stains.

“The interior of the all-new 2007 Chrysler Aspen offers first-class travel,” added 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.”

At first glance the Aspens dash design doesnt look all that different from the Durangos, but there are some significant variances. For instance, the similarly shaped instrument binnacle only caps the gauge package with the new Chrysler, while arcing all the way across the center stack in the Dodge. This allows for a modified center stack, the Aspens alternatively reaching up and over the top of the dash. Is it more elegant than the Durangos? Not necessarily, at least if you were to strip away the wood and metal trim. But such features come standard with the Aspen, giving it a more upscale appearance than Dodges large SUV.

And again, other than the wood and metal upgrades, the general shape of the steering wheel is almost identical to the Durango too, as are the door panels and pulls. The gauges under that unique cowl are, you guessed it, the same as those in the Durango, other than the surface materials applied.

What other aspects of the cabin are unique? Chrysler has fixed a classic analog clock where the center stack flows over the top of the dash, very nice, and the 300C audio/navigation head unit looks much nicer than the rather basic looking Dodge appliance. The automatic climate control unit looks very similar if not identical, as does the switch package just below that, at the base of the center stack, which includes an ESP system defeat button, two heated seat switches and a power outlet covered with a rather cheap looking cap.

Overall, the Aspen features plastics quality which is so much better than that in the Durango that youll think youre in a completely new machine. This is a big surprise actually, not that Chrysler wasnt capable of doing so before, mind you. Just take a look at the Pacifica, which is as good as many premium CUVs and SUVs inside. But when the automaker introduced its latest Grand Cherokee, with downgraded dash plastics, and then the Commander showed up with the same less-than-premium pickup truck-like interior surfaces, and, well, the Durangos interior is less than inspirational from a dash plastic quality perspective too, the fact that the new Aspens cabin is extremely impressive is refreshing to say the least, with soft-touch plastics just about everywhere. This higher quality fortunately comes when (of all automakers) GM is bringing a new Chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon pairing to market featuring its best interiors to date, soft-touch plastics and premium-like switchgear to boot. And now with Chrysler picking up its game in this respect with the new Aspen, there are few vehicles wearing the winged-brand that offer anything less than a premium experience - important to those of us who rely on our kinesthetic sense as much as our visual one.

An upscale feature that is sure to delight backseat drivers just like the aforementioned second-row seat heaters is the addition of temperature controls for rear passengers, attached to the rear of the center console.

Another set of switchgear that benefits only the driver is steering wheel mounted audio controls, these among the best to operate in the industry because theyre situated on the rear sides of each upper steering wheel spoke, leaving the front sides less cluttered and allowing for more natural actuation while hands are positioned properly, at 9 and 3 oclock on the wheel. Cruise control buttons, which are normally used less often, neatly fit into the front of each top spoke.

Those buttons, or at least the former ones, connect through to what should be an excellent dash-mounted six-disc CD changer that pumps sound through eight Infinity speakers, with theater-style surround-sound if hooked up to the DVD system.

A glass sunroof is optional, with controls integrated into a roof-mounted console, which also features a button for the power liftgate and universal garage door opener. Included as optional equipment in this overhead interface is an Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), providing owner-programmable features, such as audio and security settings, as well as access to the trip computer, compass and outside temperature information.

Just like the Durango, the Aspen has many storage compartments strewn throughout the cabin. The largest, ahead of the rear cargo area, is under the center armrest up front, also featuring twin cupholders and a truly convenient 115-volt power inverter to power up your laptop, cellphone, PDA, BlackBerry, or other electronic device. Such a feature was first introduced (as far as I can remember) in the Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix, and I was surprised that it didnt catch on. Maybe, if Chrysler starts to fit more and more vehicles with the handy feature, other carmakers will catch on.

Chrysler will be offering the new Aspen in two interior color schemes, two-tone Slate Gray or Dark Khaki, both complemented with Light Greystone. That light woodgrain on the center stack, steering wheel and door armrests truly completes the look, especially when highlighted by the chrome door pulls and additional bright metal trim.

If you like what you see, and my guess is that their will be plenty of takers for a classy mid- to full-size SUV featuring a whole bunch of class-leading features, one of which saves on fuel without robbing power when you need it, look for the Aspen to start rolling off its Newark, Delaware assembly plant in late summer and then arrive in dealerships this coming fall, ready to do battle with the all-new Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and recently revised Ford Explorer, among others.