2008 Chrysler Aspen – Chrysler's First SUV – Sets New Standard in Performance, Amenities, Value
Boasting elegant Chrysler styling, unsurpassed capability and performance and abundant premium amenities, the 2008 Chrysler Aspen is a premium SUV that is a value alternative to luxury-priced competitors.
'The 2008 Chrysler Aspen offers customers the kind of signature design, engineering and value they expect in a Chrysler vehicle, but with the advantages of a sport-utility package,' said George Murphy, Senior Vice President – Global Brand Marketing, Chrysler Group. 'Loaded with lavish yet practical features such as the MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System, three-row seating, abundant standard safety features including Chrysler Group's exclusive Trailer Sway Control, plus best-in-class cargo capacity and towing ability, Chrysler Aspen tops competitors that cost thousands more.'
Compared with large sport-utility vehicles (SUVs), the 2008 Chrysler Aspen is more fuel-efficient and maneuverable. Compared with full-size SUVs, Chrysler Aspen features more interior passenger space and cargo room, coupled with unmatched towing and hauling capability.
The 2008 Chrysler Aspen is offered in Limited trim and 4x2 or 4x4 configurations. Powertrain choices include a standard new 4.7-liter V-8 engine producing 303 horsepower (a 29 percent increase) and 330 lb.-ft. of torque (a 10 percent increase), but also better fuel economy and increased refinement; and an available 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine featuring best-in-class 335 horsepower and Chrysler Group's Multi-displacement System (MDS) that seamlessly alternates between four- and eight-cylinder modes depending on power demand, for improved fuel economy.
Design
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 with a new valve-lash adjuster system. The new 4.7-liter V-8 is also equipped with 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 with the towing and hauling capability of a large SUV and the fuel efficiency of smaller full-size SUVs.
Both the 4.7-liter and 5.7-liter V-8 engines are offered with a five-speed automatic transmission.
The 2008 Chrysler Aspen rides on a torsionally stiff, hydroformed frame and independent front suspension with rack-and-pinion steering, providing a smooth and quiet ride and precise handling. Suspension and steering are tuned to deliver superior ride and steering.
In the rear is a unique suspension setup with 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 with a choice of two transfer cases. A single-speed transfer case is standard with AWD models that feature the 4.7-liter V-8 engine. A two-speed transfer case is standard with 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 with HomeLink® Universal Transceiver and Electronic Vehicle Information Center, front and rear aim-able LED lamps, AM/FM radio with CD player, floor console with rear power accessory outlet, and 60/40 third-row bench seat.
Seating options include leather-trimmed bucket seats, eight-way power driver's seat with memory, heated front and second-row seats, and either bucket or fold-and-tumble second-row seats.
Product Highlights
First Chrysler SUV
• The '300' of SUVs comes loaded with performance, premium amenities and fuel-saving MDS technology
Styling: Elegant Chrysler styling in an SUV
• 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 with center console provide a first-class passenger environment
• Bigger than its full-size SUV competitors yet smaller than large SUV competitors yet offering unique benefits, Chrysler Aspen is a luxury SUV in a class all its own
Engineering: Unmatched capability and performance
• Best-in-class powertrain with 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 delivers 335 horsepower and 370 lb.-ft. of torque
• Fuel-saving MDS standard with 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 with 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 with upscale amenities and safety features
• Available power rear liftgate, remote start, security system, heated front- and second-row seats, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, UConnect®, full-screen navigation radio, SIRIUS 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 with roll sensing are also available
Value: Alternative to luxury-priced SUVs
• 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 with E Package
Standard Features
• E85-compatible, 4.7-liter V-8 engine (FFV) with five-speed automatic transmission
• Roof rack side rails
• Power driver seat
• Dual manual lumbar adjustments
• Fog lamps
• Bright bodyside moldings
• AM/FM radio with 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 with P265/60R18 BSW tires
• ESP with Trailer Sway Control
• Side-curtain air bags with 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 steering wheel with wood accents and remote controls
• Analog clock
• Bright fascia accents
• Interior Convenience Group
• Power liftgate with 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 with five-speed automatic transmission
• Premium floor mats
• Heated leather-trimmed front and second-row bucket seats
• Rear entertainment system with 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 with 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-steering oil coolers (plus two-speed transfer case, tow hooks, skid plates for fuel tank and transfer case with AWD models)
• MyGIG Group – 6.5-inch touch/flip screen, single CD/DVD with MP3, SIRIUS Satellite Radio
• Body-color running boards
2008 Chrysler Aspen Limited with J Package
Standard Features
In addition to standard features on the Chrysler Aspen with the E Package, the J Package adds the following:
• 6.5-inch touch/flip screen, single CD/DVD with MP3
• Premium II Audio with subwoofer
• Heated leather-trimmed front-row power bucket seats
• Automatic day/night mirrors
• Memory seats, mirrors, adjustable pedals, HVAC and radio
• Power, heated, folding driver-side auto-dimming mirrors
• Automatic temperature control
• Embroidered logo on front-seat backs
• SIRIUS Satellite Radio
• 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels
• Power liftgate with ParkSense
• Heated first-row seats
• Running boards with body-color finish
• Premium floor mats
• Front and rear laminated glass
• Two-speed transfer case (AWD models only)
Optional Equipment
• Heated leather-trimmed second-row bucket seats
• 6.5-inch touch/flip screen with navigation system
• Sun roof
• Popular Equipment II Group – remote start, UConnect® Hands-free Communication System, rear entertainment system
• Trailer Tow Package II – 3.92 axle ratio, Class IV receiver hitch, four- and seven-pin wiring harness, auxiliary transmission and power-steering oil coolers (plus two-speed transfer case, tow hooks, skid plates for fuel tank and transfer case with AWD models)
SAFETY AND SECURITY FEATURES
• Advanced Multi-stage Air Bags
• All-speed Traction Control
• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
• Auto-reverse Windows
• BeltAlert
• Brake Assist
• Brake/Park Interlock
• Child Protection Rear Door Locks
• Constant Force Retractors (CFR)
• Crumple Zones
• Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Energy-absorbing Steering Column
• Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS)
• Front Crush Sensors
• Height-adjustable Seat Belts
• HomeLink® Universal Home Security System Transceiver
• Interior Head-impact Protection
• Knee Bolsters
• Laminated Glass
• Low-risk Deployment Air Bag
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
• Octagonal Front Frame-rail Tips
• ParkSense® Rear Park Assist System
• ParkView™ Rear Back-up Camera
• Power-adjustable Pedals
• Remote Keyless Entry
• Roll Sensing
• Seat Belt Pretensioners
• Security Alarm
• Sentry Key® Engine Immobilizer
• Side Occupant Protection System
• Supplemental Side-curtain Air Bags
• Three-point Lap-shoulder Belt
• Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) System
• Trailer Sway Control
• UConnect® Hands-free Communication System
COLOR AVAILABILITY
• Light Sandstone Metallic
• Brilliant Black
• Cognac Red
• Cool Vanilla
• Bright Silver Metallic
• Marine Blue
• Mineral Gray Metallic
• Steel Blue Metallic
by Chrysler
by Chrysler