The introduction of Chrysler’s first hybrids could be misconstrued as a bad practical joke. That’s because Chrysler’s Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen Hybrids will pair up a hybrid gas-electric system—the symbol of automotive virtue—with a powerful Hemi engine, which is best known for winning car races. Blending such different technologies may turn out to be either a great idea, a source of confusion, or a cause for outrage—or all of these things at the same time.
The Aspen hybrid has an MSRP of $44,770 - $8000 more than a conventional, base Aspen. However, when you equip a standard Aspen with the same amenities and equipment, the price difference between the the Aspen hybrid and the conventional Aspen - including an $1800 (approximately) tax credit - is just a couple of thousand dollars.
So, what are premium amenities? Well, wood-accented door panes and instrument-panel stack, leather-trimmed bucket seats, eight-way power drivers seat, heated seats, and 60/40 third-row bench seat that provides seating for up to 8.
Like most hybrid vehicles, the Chrysler Aspen hybrid offers, as standard, a navigation that also seconds as a power flow management system. Thus, drivers can monitor whether power is coming from the gas engine, motors, battery or some combination of the above. While drivers shouldn't pay close attention to such systems, peripheral monitoring can teach drivers to maximize their fuel economy.
But it's a hybrid, and it's all about fuel economy, right?
Offering an overall 25 percent improvement in fuel economy, the Chrysler Aspen hybrid achieves about 19/20 mpg city/highway with its hemi-powered, two mode, electronically controlled variable transmission.
The 5.7-liter, 385 horsepower HEMI also offers the Multiple Displacement System (MDS), which helps Chrysler's dual mode hybrid technology to "leapfrog current technology," at least according to Chrysler.
By seamlessly alternating between four-cylinder and eight-cylinder modes, the two mode hybrid uses just the right amount of power based upon driving conditions. Combined with low- and high-speed electric continuously variable transmission (ECVT) the Aspen hybrid can use the electric motors for acceleration, improving fuel economy, or for regenerative breaking which can be stored in the 300-volt battery pack.
So, what are premium amenities? Well, wood-accented door panes and instrument-panel stack, leather-trimmed bucket seats, eight-way power drivers seat, heated seats, and 60/40 third-row bench seat that provides seating for up to 8.
Like most hybrid vehicles, the Chrysler Aspen hybrid offers, as standard, a navigation that also seconds as a power flow management system. Thus, drivers can monitor whether power is coming from the gas engine, motors, battery or some combination of the above. While drivers shouldn't pay close attention to such systems, peripheral monitoring can teach drivers to maximize their fuel economy.
But it's a hybrid, and it's all about fuel economy, right?
Offering an overall 25 percent improvement in fuel economy, the Chrysler Aspen hybrid achieves about 19/20 mpg city/highway with its hemi-powered, two mode, electronically controlled variable transmission.
The 5.7-liter, 385 horsepower HEMI also offers the Multiple Displacement System (MDS), which helps Chrysler's dual mode hybrid technology to "leapfrog current technology," at least according to Chrysler.
By seamlessly alternating between four-cylinder and eight-cylinder modes, the two mode hybrid uses just the right amount of power based upon driving conditions. Combined with low- and high-speed electric continuously variable transmission (ECVT) the Aspen hybrid can use the electric motors for acceleration, improving fuel economy, or for regenerative breaking which can be stored in the 300-volt battery pack.
Much like Toyota's hybrids, the Aspen hybrid will be able to use only the electric motors at low speeds. This ability makes the Aspen hybrid far more fuel efficient than a conventional Aspen, especially during city driving. According to Chrysler, the hybrid version of the Aspen will offer a 40 percent improvement in city fuel economy.
In addition, the Chrysler Aspen hybrid is capable of towing up to 6,000 pounds. Because the hybrid Aspen can perform on engine only power, the Aspen can provide full 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 performance, which helps with towing versus other single mode hybrids.
In addition, the Aspen hybrid offers Trailer Sway Control, Electronic Stability Program, Anti-lock Brake System and next-generation front air bags, ParkSense Rear Park Assist System, ParkView Rear Back-up Camera System, Tire Pressure Monitoring System and three-row side-curtain air bags with roll sensing.
In addition, the Chrysler Aspen hybrid is capable of towing up to 6,000 pounds. Because the hybrid Aspen can perform on engine only power, the Aspen can provide full 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 performance, which helps with towing versus other single mode hybrids.
In addition, the Aspen hybrid offers Trailer Sway Control, Electronic Stability Program, Anti-lock Brake System and next-generation front air bags, ParkSense Rear Park Assist System, ParkView Rear Back-up Camera System, Tire Pressure Monitoring System and three-row side-curtain air bags with roll sensing.
Full SUV performance with 4-cylinder sedan fuel efficiency - at least in the city - that's the Chrysler Aspen hybrid. For just a few thousand more than a conventional Aspen, the hybrid Aspen is a no-brainer, as the fuel economy savings provided by the hybrid Aspen will easily recover the costs Of course, that's before any incentives that are now quite common on large SUVs and trucks.
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