2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid news, pictures, and information

	Vital Stats
Engine : 5.7 L., 8-cylinder Power: 345 hp Torque: 380 ft-lbs
4-speed Automatic

Offered in the Chrysler Aspen for the first time is Chrysler's advanced, state-of-the-art two-mode full hybrid system, developed in partnership wîth General Motors, Mercedes-Benz and The BMW Group. It delivers a 'two-mode' full hybrid system by integrating proven automatic-transmission technology wîth a patented hybrid-electric drive system.

The two modes in the hybrid system result from low- and high-speed electric continuously variable transmission (ECVT) modes. During the two ECVT modes, the system uses electric motors for acceleration, improving fuel economy, or for regenerative braking to utilize energy that would normally be lost during braking or deceleration. The energy is stored in a 300-volt battery pack for later use. The system's two modes are optimized for city and highway driving. In addition, there are four fixed gear ratios for high efficiency and power-handling capabilities.

The first mode is designed for low speeds and light loads. In this mode, the vehicle can operate in three ways: electric power only, engine power only, or any combination of electric and engine power.

In electric-only operation, the engine is shut off, wîth the vehicle moving under electric-only power at low speed. The result is a significant reduction in fuel consumption in heavy stop-and-go traffic.

The second mode is used primarily at highway speeds. In addition to electric assist, the second mode provides full power from the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 when conditions demand it, such as when passing, pulling a trailer or climbing a steep grade.

A sophisticated controller determines when the vehicle should operate in the first or second mode. Input from the controller determines the necessary torque for driving conditions and sends a corresponding command to the engine and electric motors. The engine and electric motors transfer torque to a series of gears in the transmission, which multiply torque similar to a conventional automatic transmission in order to propel the vehicle. Únlike conventional continuously variable transmissions, however, the two-mode full hybrid's electrically controlled system uses no mechanical belts or bands. Shifts between the two modes do not require engine speed changes, resulting in seamless accelerations.

A 300-volt battery pack provides electric power for the system, and is designed to fit in the vehicle without compromising passenger space. A rectifier located under the vehicle's hood converts AC to DC in order to power conventional 12-volt accessories including interior lighting, climate control and the audio system. The Chrysler Aspen Hybrid's 5.7-liter HEMI engine efficiently maintains the battery pack. The Chrysler Aspen Hybrid's powertrain produces a total of 385 horsepower (287 kW) and 380 lb.-ft. (515 N•m) of torque.

The 2009 Chrysler Aspen's standard powertrain wîth the E Package is the 4.7-liter V-8 offering better fuel economy, power and torque than previous 4.7-liter engines, while at the same time delivering improvements in refinement. The 4.7-liter V-8 incorporates two spark plugs per cylinder (the only Chrysler 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) and 330 lb.-ft. (447 N•m) of torque.

The 4.7-liter V-8 is remarkably refined as a result of a quiet and efficient induction system, a lightweight piston/rod assembly and low accessory drive noise through lower accessory drive speed. The 4.7-liter V-8 is equipped wîth Electronic Throttle Control, which provides engine torque control while compensating for changes in engine load caused by the air conditioning compressor, alternator and power-§teering pump.

The 4.7-liter powerplant is also E85 compatible, earning the flexible-fuel vehicle (FFV) designation that provides customers the option of operating their Chrysler Aspen on ethanol, gasoline or a mixture of the two.

Standard on the 2009 Chrysler Aspen wîth the J Package is the new 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, featuring Chrysler's fuel-saving MDS technology, provides best-in-class 376 horsepower (280 kW) and 401 lb.-ft. (544 N•m) of torque. Without compromising performance, the 2009 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 2009 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 2009 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's 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 6,650 lbs. and towing capacity of 8,900 lbs. The 2009 Chrysler Aspen HEMI Hybrid is capable of towing 6,000 lbs.

All-wheel-drive models of the 2009 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 Home Security System Transceiver and Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), front and rear aimable LED lamps, uconnect gps, 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.

PRODÚCT HIGHLIGHTS

First Chrysler SÚV, first Chrysler production hybrid vehicle

• The '300' of SÚVs comes loaded wîth performance, premium amenities and hybrid fuel efficiency
Styling: Elegant Chrysler styling in an SÚV


• Signature Chrysler chromed grille, winged badge and sculpted hood; 20-inch chromed wheels; and eye-catching chromed accents

• Interior boasts rich bird's-eye wood-grain accents; available 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, Chrysler Aspen is a luxury SÚV in a class all its own

Engineering: Únmatched capability and performance, fuel-saving technologies

• HEMI Hybrid provides more than 25 percent overall fuel economy improvement (nearly 40 percent in the city)

• Best-in-class powertrain wîth 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 delivers 376 horsepower and 401 lb.-ft. of torque

• Fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (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

• 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 8,900 lbs. and a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 6,650 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

• Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), anti-lock brakes and next-generation front air bags; ParkSense® Rear Park Assist System, ParkView™ Rear Back-up Camera, power rear liftgate, SIRIÚS Satellite Radio, Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) display and side-curtain airbags wîth roll sensing technology

• Available remote start (standard on J Package), security system, heated front- and second-row seats, rear-seat DVD entertainment system and uconnect gps (standard on J Package)

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

MODEL LINEÚP