Just the same, there are completely unique body panels all-round that are much softer in their form than those on Dodge's SUV,
a new more rectangular front fascia with 300C-like circular fog lamps, simply shaped, rectangular tail lamps, compared to the tougher looking bulbous ones on the Durango, and just like the Crossfire, those classy vertical strakes embossed into the hood. The Aspen also features headlamp clusters that bulge slightly on their lower sections to imitate those on the 300, and optional 20-inch chrome-plated wheels that come close to mirroring the 19-inch chrome alloy rims available on the stylish Pacifica crossover, and I suppose those on the 300C as well.
Chrome is the highlighted theme here, with Chrysler even pointing out that "individual chromed "CHRYSLER" lettering adorns the body side on each of the front doors." Additionally, chrome trim can be found on the body-side moldings, door handles, side mirrors, belt molding and the roof rack, adding an upscale touch and separating it from its more common roots.
"With a unique and distinctive design, the all-new 2007 Chrysler Aspen brings
a new look to the SUV segment," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President - Design. "Encompassing design cues from Chrysler 300 and Crossfire - including the signature chromed grille and sculpted hood - Chrysler Aspen is an elegant, yet striking premium SUV that is unmistakably Chrysler."
Sharing the almost full-size Durango platform is smart, of course, as it reduces lead time and costs, allowing the Aspen to come to market quicker at a more affordable price, which will be necessary if it's going to attract a buyer who has been looking down-market, to smaller compact and mid-size SUVs in recent months. Of course, while the press material Chrysler provided speaks only of a range of gasoline-powered engines, starting with the automaker's 4.7-litre V8 and finishing off, so far, with it's class-dominating, cylinder-deactivation-equipped 5.7-litre HEMI V8, a new hybrid electric derivative is no doubt forthcoming, with a powertrain developed alongside the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid, shown in Detroit's Cobo Hall two days prior on Friday, January 8. Strange bedfellows? Maybe so, but if you can't beat Toyota, Honda, and now Ford to market with hybrid technology, you'd better join forces with your enemy's enemy, so to speak, which DaimlerChrysler has done with GM, and BMW. But I'm getting ahead of myself.
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| The Aspen features completely unique body panels all-round, that are much softer in their form than those on Dodge's Durango. |
Chrome is the highlighted theme here, with Chrysler even pointing out that "individual chromed "CHRYSLER" lettering adorns the body side on each of the front doors." Additionally, chrome trim can be found on the body-side moldings, door handles, side mirrors, belt molding and the roof rack, adding an upscale touch and separating it from its more common roots.
"With a unique and distinctive design, the all-new 2007 Chrysler Aspen brings
 |
| Chrome is the highlighted theme here, with Chrysler even pointing out that "individual chromed "CHRYSLER" lettering adorns the body side on each of the front doors." |
Sharing the almost full-size Durango platform is smart, of course, as it reduces lead time and costs, allowing the Aspen to come to market quicker at a more affordable price, which will be necessary if it's going to attract a buyer who has been looking down-market, to smaller compact and mid-size SUVs in recent months. Of course, while the press material Chrysler provided speaks only of a range of gasoline-powered engines, starting with the automaker's 4.7-litre V8 and finishing off, so far, with it's class-dominating, cylinder-deactivation-equipped 5.7-litre HEMI V8, a new hybrid electric derivative is no doubt forthcoming, with a powertrain developed alongside the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid, shown in Detroit's Cobo Hall two days prior on Friday, January 8. Strange bedfellows? Maybe so, but if you can't beat Toyota, Honda, and now Ford to market with hybrid technology, you'd better join forces with your enemy's enemy, so to speak, which DaimlerChrysler has done with GM, and BMW. But I'm getting ahead of myself.