Chrysler Aspen

Manufacturer	Chrysler (2007–2009)
Production	2006–2008
Model years	2007–2009
Assembly	Newark, Delaware, United States
Class	Full-size SUV
Body style	5-door SUV
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Engine	4.7 L (287 cu in) PowerTech V8 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi V8
Transmission	5-speed 545RFE automatic
Wheelbase	119.2 in (3,028 mm)
Length	200.8 in (5,100 mm) Hybrid: 202.1 in (5,133 mm)
Width	76.0 in (1,930 mm)
Height	74.3 in (1,887 mm) Hybrid: 73.6 in (1,869 mm)
Related	Dodge Durango

The Chrysler Aspen is a full-size sport utility vehicle from Chrysler. Launched for the 2007 model year, the Aspen is essentially a rebranded Dodge Durango SUV. Together with its twin Durango, it was the first production hybrid vehicle from Chrysler. It was discontinued in late 2008. The Aspen name was previously used by Dodge (on a twin of the Plymouth Volaré) from 1976 to 1980.

Features

The Aspen was the first truck-based Sport Utility Vehicle commercialized under the Chrysler brand, although the PT Cruiser was the first truck-based Chrysler brand vehicle as classified under Corporate Average Fuel Economy's (CAFE) regulation. With this introduction, as of 2006, all American automobile brands had an SUV in their range.^{[1][unreliable source?]} The truck was unveiled at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. The Aspen came equipped with three rows of seating for 8 passengers and available all-wheel drive.^{[2][dead link]}

The Aspen came in one series, the Limited, with several optional equipment packages to customize the vehicle. Only a few standalone options were offered.

The Aspen had three engines available, a flex-fuel 4,701 cc (4.7 L; 286.9 cu in) V8 engine (capable of running on E85 or gasoline in states where E85 ethanol is legal under emission standards), a gasoline 4.7 L V8 (for California and other states where the E85 4.7 L V8 will not meet emissions requirements)^{[citation needed]}, and the 5,654 cc (5.7 L; 345.0 cu in) Chrysler Hemi V8 with MDS.^[3]

Hybrid

A hybrid version of the Aspen was introduced for the 2009 model year.^[4] It was the first production hybrid vehicle from Chrysler, along with its twin, the Durango.^[5] It had the 340 hp (254 kW) 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi engine with MDS, as well as the new Two-Mode Hybrid system developed with General Motors and BMW. Reports by Chrysler^[6] indicated a 25% gain in highway fuel economy and a 40% gain in the city.

Chrysler announced that the 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid would have a starting MSRP of $45,570.^[7]

The hybrid was discontinued a few months after production in 2008.^[5]

Total U.S. sales

Discontinuation

In October 2008, as demand for full-size SUVs dropped off, Chrysler announced that the shutdown of the Newark Assembly facility, which produced the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen, would move one year early to the end of 2008, effectively ending production of the Aspen and Aspen Hybrid for the 2009 model year.^{[5] [12]} Production ceased on December 19, 2008.

References

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