Stellantis Media Site 2009 Chrysler Aspen: Chrysler’s First SUV and First Production Hybrid                                                Contact:                                                             Amy                         Knight                                                                                                Bryan                         Zvibleman                                                                                                                                                                                   2009 Chrysler Aspen: Chrysler’s First SUV and First Production Hybrid                                                                                                                                                           August 31, 2008,                                                                                                                      Auburn Hills, Mich.                                                       -                                               Chrysler has an alternative to premium sport-utility vehicles that come with premium prices: the 2009 Chrysler Aspen, which offers sophisticated styling, luxurious amenities, performance and capability – plus great value. And for the first time, a hybrid powertrain is available.The 2009 Chrysler Aspen offers customers the kinds of features found in competitors costing thousands more, including the available uconnect gps, three-row seating, abundant standard safety features including Chrysler Group’s exclusive Trailer Sway Control, plus best-in-class cargo capacity and towing ability.Compared with mid-size SUVs, Chrysler Aspen features more interior passenger space and cargo room, unmatched towing and hauling capability, and more fuel efficiency and maneuverability.The 2009 Chrysler Aspen is offered in Limited trim and 4x2 or 4x4 configurations. Powertrain choices include a standard 4.7-liter V-8 engine producing 303 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque; and an available new 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine featuring best-in-class 376 horsepower and Chrysler LLC’s fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS) that seamlessly alternates between four- and eight-cylinder modes depending on power demand.The new 2009 Chrysler Aspen HEMI Hybrid offers a blend of performance, utility, capability and vastly improved fuel economy, in a single package. Combined with fuel-saving MDS technology, the advanced, two-mode hybrid technology delivers an overall improvement of more than 25 percent in fuel economy and up to a 40 percent improvement in the city.WHAT’S NEW FOR 2009EXTERIOR    New exterior colors: City Teal Metallic Clear Coat, Deep Crimson Crystal Clear CoatINTERIOR    SIRIUS Streaming Video packaged with rear-seat video system    uconnect gps now with 30-gigabyte hard drivePOWERTRAIN/CHASSIS    Chrysler’s advanced, state-of-the-art two-mode full hybrid system, integrating proven automatic-transmission technology with a patented hybrid-electric drive system    Hybrid system produces 385 horsepower (287 kW) and 380 lb.-ft. (515 N•m) of torque, while delivering an overall improvement of more than 25 percent in fuel economy and up to a 40 percent improvement in the city    New 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with fuel-saving MDS technology provides 376 horsepower (280 kW) at 5,600 rpm and 401 lb.-ft. of torque (544 N•m)DESIGNFrom its broad chromed grille, to its distinctive straked hood to the winged badge on its tailgate, Chrysler Aspen is bold and distinctive.Chrysler wings flow seamlessly into the grille header and contain the gold seal of the brand, providing a proud and instantly recognizable design cue. 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 and the liftgate. 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.ENGINEERINGOffered in the Chrysler Aspen for the first time is Chrysler’s advanced, state-of-the-art two-mode full hybrid system, developed in partnership with General Motors, Mercedes-Benz and The BMW Group. It delivers a “two-mode” full hybrid system by integrating proven automatic-transmission technology with 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, with 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. Unlike 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 with 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 with Electronic Throttle Control, which provides engine torque control while compensating for changes in engine load caused by the air conditioning compressor, alternator and power-steering 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 with 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 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 2009 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’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 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 Home Security System Transceiver and Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), front and rear aimable LED lamps, uconnect gps, 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 HIGHLIGHTSFirst Chrysler SUV, first Chrysler production hybrid vehicle    The “300” of SUVs comes loaded with performance, premium amenities and hybrid fuel efficiencyStyling: Elegant Chrysler styling in an SUV    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 with center console provide a first-class passenger environment    Bigger than its full-size SUV competitors yet smaller than large SUV competitors, Chrysler Aspen is a luxury SUV in a class all its ownEngineering: Unmatched 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 with 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 delivers 376 horsepower and 401 lb.-ft. of torque    Fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (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    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 8,900 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 seatEquipment: Loaded with 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, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) display and side-curtain airbags with 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 SUVs    Vehicle alternative to competitors including the Cadillac Escalade, Lexus GX 470 and Lincoln Navigator, offering equal or better contentMODEL LINEUP2009 Chrysler Aspen Limited with E PackageStandard Features    E85-compatible, 4.7-liter Flexible-fuel Vehicle (FFV) V-8 engine with five-speed automatic transmission    Roof rack side rails    Power driver seat    Dual manual lumbar adjustments    Fog lamps    Bright bodyside moldings    uconnect tunes    40/20/40 folding second-row seats    Rear HVAC    Driver/passenger express-up/-down power windows    Luxury floor mats    18-inch chrome-clad wheels    Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Trailer Sway Control    Side-curtain air bags with roll-sensing technology    Stain Repel 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    ParkSense® Rear Park Assist System and ParkView™ Rear Back-up Camera    Three-passenger 60/40 third-row seating    Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)    Premium I Audio (eight Alpine speakers with 276-amp subwoofer)Optional Equipment    New 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with five-speed automatic transmission    Heated leather-trimmed front- and second-row bucket seats    Rear entertainment system with SIRIUS Backseat TV™    Popular Equipment Group – adjustable pedals, body-color running boards, remote start    Trailer Tow Package (two-wheel-drive models) – 3.92 axle ratio, Class IV receiver hitch, 4- and 7-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)2009 Chrysler Aspen Limited with J PackageStandard FeaturesIn addition to standard features on the Chrysler Aspen with the E Package,the J Package adds the following:    New 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with five-speed automatic transmission    Heated leather-trimmed front-row power bucket seats    Automatic-dimming rearview mirror with uconnect phone    uconnect gps navigation system    Memory seats, mirrors, adjustable pedals, HVAC and radio    Power, heated, folding driver-side auto-dimming mirrors    Remote start    Automatic temperature control    Embroidered logo on front seatbacks    20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels    Heated first-row seats    Running boards with body-color finish    Front and rear laminated glass    Two-speed transfer case (AWD models only)    Premium II Audio (eight Alpine speakers and 368-amp subwoofer)Optional Equipment    Heated leather-trimmed second-row bucket seats    Power sun roof    Rear entertainment system with SIRIUS Backseat TV™    Trailer Tow Package II – 3.92 axle ratio, Class IV receiver hitch, 4- and 7-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 FEATURESPlease refer to the Safety and Security Glossary in the Safety and Technology section for descriptions of the following available features:      Advanced Multi-stage Air Bags    All-speed Traction Control    Anti-lock Braking 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 SensorsHeight-adjustable Seat Belts    Homelink Universal Home Security System Transceiver    Interior Head-impact Protection    Knee Bolsters    Laminated Glass Windshield    Low-risk Deployment Air Bag    Lower Anchors and Tethers For Children (LATCH) Child Seat Anchor System    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) with Display    Trailer Sway Control    uconnect phoneCOLOR AVAILABILITY    Light Sandstone Metallic    Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl    Cool Vanilla    Bright Silver Metallic    Mineral Gray Metallic    Steel Blue Metallic    City Teal Metallic Clear Coat    Deep Crimson Crystal Clear CoatMANUFACTURING INFORMATION    2009 model year production start: July 2008    Production location: Newark Assembly Plant in Newark, Del.    5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine: Saltillo Engine Plant in Saltillo, Mexico    4.7-liter V-8 engine: Mack Avenue Engine Plant I in Detroit    5-speed automatic transmission: Indiana Transmission I in IndianapolisMARKET POSITIONThe Chrysler Aspen has style, looks, technology and comfort at a great value – the perfect package for individuals seeking a premium sport-utility vehicle. For those buyers, owners and intenders who are having second thoughts about sport utilities, the Aspen offers guilt-free indulgence. The Aspen is not too big, possesses fuel-saving technology such as Chrysler’s first hybrid powertrain system, and has the same premium amenities and looks of luxury competitors but for thousands of dollars less.DEMOGRAPHICS    Gender: 55 percent male/45 percent female    Median Age: 45-55    Median Annual Household Income: $100,000    Household: 85 percent marriedMARKET ADVANTAGES    Full-size SUV performance, capability and utility combined with hybrid fuel efficiency (more than 25 percent overall and nearly 40 percent in the city)    Most affordable premium SUV – alternative to competitors including the Cadillac Escalade, Lexus GX 470 and Lincoln Navigator, offering equal or better content    Best-in-class power – 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine features 376 horsepower and 401 lb.-ft. of torque    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    Premium convenience and safety amenities – available remote start, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, uconnect tunes, full-screen navigation radio; standard SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Electronic Stability Program, Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) and ParkSense® Rear Park Assist System with ParkView™ Rear Back-up Camera    Elegant Chrysler design – signature Chrysler chromed grille, winged badge and sculpted hood; available 20-inch chromed wheels and eye-catching chromed accents    Spacious and agile – combines seating for up to eight adults, and class-leading cargo volume with the refinement, drivability and efficiency of smaller full-size SUVsPRODUCT CHRONOLOGY2008 MODEL YEAR    Light Sandstone Metallic exterior color (replaces Light Khaki Metallic)    Available body-color running boards    60/40 split bench standard for third-row seating    AM/FM radio with single-disc CD player and MP3 auxiliary input jack    AM/FM radio, DVD/HDD-compatible, with MP3 auxiliary input jack    MyGIG® Multimedia Infotainment System with ParkView™ Back-up Camera    New 4.7-liter V-8 engine producing 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    Single-speed AWD transfer case    3.92 axle ratio now available only with Trailer Tow Group (if equipped with 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine)    ParkView™ Rear Back-up Camera available    Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system2007 MODEL YEAR    Chrysler Aspen introduced    The “300” of SUVs comes loaded with performance, premium amenities and fuel-saving MDS technology    Signature Chrysler chromed grille, winged badge and sculpted hood; available 20-inch chromed wheels and eye-catching chromed 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, Chrysler Aspen is a premium SUV in a class all its own    Best-in-class powertrain with 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 delivers 335 horsepower and 370 lb.-ft. of torque. The 4.7-liter Magnum V-8 provides 235 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft of torque    Multi-displacement System (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    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    Available power rear liftgate, remote start, security system, heated front- and second-row seats, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, UConnect® full-screen navigation radio and SIRIUS Satellite Radio    Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), anti-lock brakes and next-generation front air bags are standard; ParkSense® Rear Back-up System, Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) and side-curtain airbags with roll sensing technology are also available    Vehicle alternative to competitors including the Cadillac Escalade, Lexus GX 470 and Lincoln Navigator, offering equal or better content