Chrysler 2007 Aspen (35-7)
By Garth W. Cane
Towing
in Luxurious Style for the Right Price
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Chryslers'
2007 Aspen SUV boasts elegant styling, an attractive price compared
to competitors, and a 9,000-pound (4060kg) tow rating.
Multi-displacement technology lets the engine act as a fuel-saving,
four-cylinder on the highway, and an eight-cylinder when you
need the extra oomph to tow up a steep hill. With premium technology,
generous comfort, more than 30 safety and security features,
and fuel-saving technology, the Aspen offers tremendous bang
for your buck.
This full-sized sport utility vehicle is more fuel efficient
and maneuverable in tight spots than many other comparable models.
The 39.9-foot turning circle was a great benefit in crowded
mall parking lots. The Aspen delivers best-in-class power and
torque, coupled with a 4x4 system that enables you to tackle
a variety of driving conditions. Thanks in large part to the
Hemi 5.7-litre engine that puts out 335 horsepower and 370 pounds-feet
of torque, as well as the vehicle's rear-axle ratio of 3.92:1,
pulling large trailers is made easier.
Instantly recognizable as a Chrysler, complete with the signature
chromed grill and wings that contain the gold seal of the brand,
its 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.
Interior
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 (complete with mini-trip computer and compass) will keep
you informed on the road. Models with cloth upholstery have
been treated with YES Essentials products to resist stains,
odors, and static.
With three rows of seats, the Aspen can seat up to eight people,
and still has 19 cubic-feet of storage space. With the third
row lowered, that storage space increases to an impressive 67
cubic-feet, and if you still need extra room, fold down the
second row for a total of 102 cubic-feet. There are 48.2-inches
of space between the wheel wells inside for large items.
Our test unit came 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.
Safety
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, which monitors the vehicle's
directional movement relative to the driver's intended path.
This feature has three settings, allowing the drive more control
over the vehicle during spirited driving. The vehicle yaw sensor
recognizes sway. Once the system determines the sway is increasing
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 its 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
(for 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
especially liked the ParkSense feature (as it notifies you of
objects behind when you back up), and a Tire Pressure Monitoring
system (which will let you know the instant a tire becomes soft).
Built in Newark, Delaware, and arriving at dealerships in October,
the 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 (TSC) technology. TSC reduces
trailer sway (by alternating the yaw of the vehicle), and improves
handling in adverse towing conditions (caused by crosswinds
and traffic), providing increased towing safety. The feature
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, pressure is increased to the opposite side of the
vehicle. TSC will continue to apply alternating brake pressure
and reduce engine torque until the trailer is under control.
Trailer Sway Control will also be offered on the 2007 Dodge
Durango.
The Aspen also 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.
A stiff hydroformed frame gives the Aspen excellent structural
strength and saves on weight (compared to a stamped frame built
with equivalent strength and rigidity). With independent front
suspension and rack-and-pinion steering, this SUV provides 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 4 x 4 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.
Bottom Line
The "E" package offers exceptional value with a 4.7-litre
engine with a five-speed automatic transmission. The engine
is E-85 compatible, giving 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 the 4x4 for $34,265.
The "J" package is the best choice for towing larger
trailers, and retails for $36,905 for the 4x2, and $39,225 for
the 4x4.
Overall, the all-new Chrysler Aspen has great fuel-efficiency
and maneuverability compared to some other full-sized SUVs.
It also features great interior passenger space and cargo room,
coupled with outstanding towing and hauling capability. This
is a worthy competitor to the Cadillac Escalade, the Lexus G470,
and the Lincoln Navigator.
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