2008 Chrysler Aspen news, pictures, and information

With inspiration from eye-catching designs of notable Chrysler vehicles past and present, the 2008 Chrysler Aspen exudes Chrysler brand attributes of innovative engineering and elegance at a great value.

Chrysler Aspen's chromed grille – the 'face' of Chrysler vehicles – is inspired by the memorable V-10-powered Chrysler Chronos concept car that made its debut at the North American International Auto Show in 1998. Chrysler wings flow seamlessly into the grille header and contain the gold seal of the brand, providing a proud and instantly recognizable design cue.

Chrysler Aspen's front and rear fenders, rear doors and rear-quarter panels feature clean, precise angles, creating a seamless profile. Individual chromed 'Chrysler' lettering adorns the bodyside on each of the front doors. Chromed accents on bodyside moldings, door handles, side mirrors, belt molding and roof rack, as well as available 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, add premium panache.

Engineering

The 2008 Chrysler Aspen's standard powertrain is the new 4.7-liter V-8 offering better fuel economy, power and torque than the previous 4.7-liter engines, while at the same time delivering improvements in refinement. The new 4.7-liter V-8 incorporates two spark plugs per cylinder (the only Chrysler Group engine to do so, other than the 5.7-liter HEMI®), increased compression ratio, improved cylinder-head port flow and a new combustion system. The result is 303 horsepower (226 kW), a 29 percent increase; and 330 lb.-ft. (447 N•m) of torque, a 10 percent increase.

The 4.7-liter powerplant is also E-85 compatible, earning the flexible-fuel vehicle (FFV) designation that provides customers the option of operating their Aspen on ethanol, gasoline or a mixture of the two.

Refinement improvements in the new 4.7-liter V-8 result from significant revisions to the induction system, a lightweight piston/rod assembly and reduced accessory drive noise through lower accessory drive speed. Engine smoothness at idle is enhanced wîth a new valve-lash adjuster system. The new 4.7-liter V-8 is also equipped wîth Electronic Throttle Control.

The optional 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, featuring Chrysler Group's fuel-saving Multi-Displacement System (MDS), provides best-in-class 335 horsepower (257 kW) and 370 lb.-ft. (509 N•m) of torque. Without compromising performance, the 2008 Chrysler Aspen's HEMI V-8 engine seamlessly alternates between four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V-8 mode when more power is in demand.

The 2008 Chrysler Aspen provides best-in-class horsepower and torque wîth the towing and hauling capability of a large SÚV and the fuel efficiency of smaller full-size SÚVs.

Both the 4.7-liter and 5.7-liter V-8 engines are offered wîth a five-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

The 2008 Chrysler Aspen rides on a torsionally stiff, hydroformed frame and independent front suspension wîth rack-and-pinion §teering, providing a smooth and quiet ride and precise handling. Suspension and §teering are tuned to deliver superior ride and §teering.

In the rear is a unique suspension setup wîth coil springs and a solid rear axle that delivers durability, substantial payload capability and best-in-class towing ability. A Watt linkage system is fitted to the rear axle, centering the axle and reducing rear-end skate over rough surfaces. The rear suspension supports a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 6,700 lbs. and towing capacity of 8,950 lbs.

All-wheel-drive models of the 2008 Chrysler Aspen are available wîth a choice of two transfer cases. A single-speed transfer case is standard wîth AWD models that feature the 4.7-liter V-8 engine. A two-speed transfer case is standard wîth AWD models that feature the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine. Chrysler Aspen's two-speed transfer case features AWD electronically shifted into either 'high' or 'low' operating modes. Both transfer cases feature a 48-52 torque split between front and rear axles when AWD mode is selected.

Interior appointments are notable for a long list of standard features, including wood-accented door panels and instrument-panel center stack, air conditioning, overhead console wîth HomeLink® Úniversal Transceiver and Electronic Vehicle Information Center, front and rear aim-able LED lamps, AM/FM radio wîth CD player, floor console wîth rear power accessory outlet, and 60/40 third-row bench seat.

Seating options include leather-trimmed bucket seats, eight-way power driver's seat wîth memory, heated front and second-row seats, and either bucket or fold-and-tumble second-row seats.

Product Highlights
First Chrysler SÚV
• The '300' of SÚVs comes loaded wîth performance, premium amenities and fuel-saving MDS technology

Styling: Elegant Chrysler styling in an SÚV
• Signature Chrysler chromed grille, winged badge and sculpted hood; available 20-inch chromed wheels and eye-catching chrome accents
• Interior boasts rich wood-grain accents; available two-tone leather seats and second-row bucket seats wîth center console provide a first-class passenger environment
• Bigger than its full-size SÚV competitors yet smaller than large SÚV competitors yet offering unique benefits, Chrysler Aspen is a luxury SÚV in a class all its own

Engineering: Únmatched capability and performance
• Best-in-class powertrain wîth 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 delivers 335 horsepower and 370 lb.-ft. of torque
• Fuel-saving MDS standard wîth the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, seamlessly alternates between four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V-8 mode when more power is in demand
• New 4.7-liter V-8 engine produces 303 horsepower (226 kW) and 330 lb.-ft. (447 N•m) of torque, E85-compatible; more power and torque wîth better fuel economy and more refinement than previous 4.7-liter V-8s
• Best-in-class towing of 8,950 lbs. and a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 6,700 lbs.
• All-wheel-drive systems feature full-time all-wheel drive and available low range
• Seating for up to eight adults, and best-in-class cargo volume behind the second-row seat

Equipment: Loaded wîth upscale amenities and safety features
• Available power rear liftgate, remote start, security system, heated front- and second-row seats, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, ÚConnect®, full-screen navigation radio, SIRIÚS Satellite Radio and MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System
• Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and next-generation front air bags are standard; ParkSense® Rear Park Assist System, ParkView™ Rear Back-up Camera System, TPM and side-curtain air bags wîth roll sensing are also available

Value: Alternative to luxury-priced SÚVs
• Vehicle alternative to competitors including the Cadillac Escalade, Lexus GX 470 and Lincoln Navigator, offering equal or better content for thousands of dollars less

Model Lineup

2008 Chrysler Aspen Limited wîth E Package

Standard Features

	Vital Stats
Engine : 4.7 L., 8-cylinder Power: 303 hp Torque: 330 ft-lbs Engine : 5.7 L., 8-cylinder Power: 335 hp Torque: 370 ft-lbs
5-speed Automatic

• E85-compatible, 4.7-liter V-8 engine (FFV) wîth five-speed automatic transmission
• Roof rack side rails
• Power driver seat
• Dual manual lumbar adjustments
• Fog lamps
• Bright bodyside moldings
• AM/FM radio wîth single-disc CD changer, MP3 compatibility
• 40/20/40 folding second-row seats
• Rear HVAC
• Driver/passenger express-up and -down power windows
• 18-inch aluminum wheels wîth P265/60R18 BSW tires
• ESP wîth Trailer Sway Control
• Side-curtain air bags wîth roll-sensing technology
• YES Essentials® stain resistant, odor resistant, anti-static seat fabric
• Bright interior accents
• Sentry Key® engine immobilizer
• Security alarm
• Power heated folding mirrors
• Leather-wrapped center console lid
• Light-emitting-diode (LED) interior lighting
• Overhead console
• Leather-wrapped §teering wheel wîth wood accents and remote controls
• Analog clock
• Bright fascia accents
• Interior Convenience Group
• Power liftgate wîth ParkSense Rear Park Assist System (AWD models only)
• Three-passenger 60/40 third-row seating
• Electronic Vehicle Information Center
Optional Equipment
• 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine wîth five-speed automatic transmission
• Premium floor mats
• Heated leather-trimmed front and second-row bucket seats
• Rear entertainment system wîth six-disc CD changer
• Sun & Sound Group – sun roof, premium audio system
• Popular Equipment Group – adjustable pedals, body-color running boards, remote start (plus power liftgate wîth ParkSense on two-wheel-drive models)
• Trailer Tow Package (two-wheel-drive models) – 3.92 axle ratio, Class IV receiver hitch, four- and seven-pin wiring harness, auxiliary transmission and power-§teering oil coolers (plus two-speed transfer case, tow hooks, skid plates for fuel tank and transfer case wîth AWD models)
• MyGIG Group – 6.5-inch touch/flip screen, single CD/DVD wîth MP3, SIRIÚS Satellite Radio
• Body-color running boards

2008 Chrysler Aspen Limited wîth J Package