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Chrysler
Aspen/2007 (22-1)
By Garth W. Cane
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The
fuel efficient Aspen will get you to the lake with power
to spare.
(The Aspen boasts the towing prowess to expand your
boating destinations.)
The new upscale
Aspen by Chrysler is one classy SUV - a premium ride
that is designed to tow almost 9000 pounds (4060 kg)
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
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 5.7 litre
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 ¨C 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 ¨C 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.
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