Something a Little Different in the Almost Premium Class
When Chrysler Group first announced that it would be expanding its sport utility lineup in coming years (see automotive news section
of this website for Oct 1, 2005: Chrysler Group Announces Five New SUVs on the way Amid Fuel Crisis), even some of the automotive media were up in arms. What? More SUVs, some of which are to be full-size gas guzzlers? As if the world needs any more. But, to be fair to the Auburn Hills, Michigan-based automaker, Chrysler Group really never took full advantage of the sport utility craze when it should have, during the last decade and a half.
Even Jeep, the iconic SUV brand, doesn't make as many sport 'ute models, let alone large V6- and V8-powered 4x4s, as eco-minded Toyota. That's hard to believe, but it's true. When compared to Ford or GM, Chrysler Group should be ashamed of its lack of fortitude, merely making do when others were cashing in. Even its newest full-size Jeep Commander is just barely longer than midsize, with exterior dimensions that are dramatically more compact than GM's Tahoe/Yukon, Ford's Expedition, Toyota's Sequoia or Nissan's Armada. Chrysler Group's largest SUV, the Dodge Durango, isn't anywhere near as big as GM's Suburban/Yukon XL duo, or Ford's super-sized Excursion, while it's still smaller than Expedition, Sequoia and Armada. Chrysler, on the other hand, has never even had a single SUV in its lineup, ever!
This
will change shortly, however, with the Durango-based Chrysler Aspen, due to arrive in showrooms across Canada this coming autumn as a 2007 model. Chrysler dubs it the "300 of SUVs", which might be a stretch unless its marketing staff is merely referring to the SUV's bold, chrome plated grille with stylish winged logo set atop. Interestingly, while making reference to the 300, Chrysler says the grille is inspired by the absolutely gorgeous V10-powered Chrysler Chronos concept car that debuted at Cobo Hall in 1998, which is actually ovoid in shape, not rectangular. I suppose the Aspen's high-shouldered stance is 300'ish too, but really, to most who have spent time with the Ram-brand's new Durango, this Chrysler sport utility apple hasn't fallen too far from Dodge's tree.
When Chrysler Group first announced that it would be expanding its sport utility lineup in coming years (see automotive news section
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| Chrysler really never took full advantage of the SUV craze when it should have, during the last decade and a half, but those days are over with the new Aspen. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
Even Jeep, the iconic SUV brand, doesn't make as many sport 'ute models, let alone large V6- and V8-powered 4x4s, as eco-minded Toyota. That's hard to believe, but it's true. When compared to Ford or GM, Chrysler Group should be ashamed of its lack of fortitude, merely making do when others were cashing in. Even its newest full-size Jeep Commander is just barely longer than midsize, with exterior dimensions that are dramatically more compact than GM's Tahoe/Yukon, Ford's Expedition, Toyota's Sequoia or Nissan's Armada. Chrysler Group's largest SUV, the Dodge Durango, isn't anywhere near as big as GM's Suburban/Yukon XL duo, or Ford's super-sized Excursion, while it's still smaller than Expedition, Sequoia and Armada. Chrysler, on the other hand, has never even had a single SUV in its lineup, ever!
This
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| Chrysler dubs the Dodge Durango-based Aspen, due to arrive in showrooms across Canada this coming autumn as a 2007 model. the "300 of SUVs". (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |