Jalopnik: chrysler aspen hybrid

How The Not-So Big Three Rolled Into Washington, D.C.

Matt Hardigree — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST

The not-so-Big Three learned from their corporate travel mistake deciding to drive to D.C. this week for testimony before Congress. Thanks to our man on the scene, here's a look at the cars they chose and their meaning.

Ford: Escape Hybrid SUV

Ford CEO Alan Mulally started this trend by first claiming that he'd drive to D.C and, not surprisingly, showed up in a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. It shows to Congress and the world how Ford, which is in a better financial position than the other two, is making fuel efficient cars people want to buy and already has good hybrid technology. Ford also showed up with a 2009 Ford Flex to, we assume, move staff around.

Chrysler: Aspen Hybrid SUV

Chrysler's Bob Nardelli also drove to Washington, D.C. in a hybrid SUV: the 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid. How does the Aspen Hybrid stack up against the Escape Hybrid? It gets worse gas mileage, it uses mediocre hybrid technology developed in conjunction with GM and is built into a car that's proven to be wildly unpopular.

But don't worry, they've already cancelled it — just four months after starting production. This not only demonstrates the company is unable to build attractive, efficient vehicles. It's another reminder parent company Cerberus is just waiting for Chrysler to get sold off to someone else.

He showed up to the hearing in a JEEP EV, a futuristic electric vehicle that will be a great halo vehicle for whichever company ends up owning Jeep.

General Motors: Chevrolet Volt Mule/Malibu Hybrid

General Motors' man at the helm Rick Wagoner drove to Washington, D.C. in a 2009 Chevy Malibu Hybrid but drove to the Senate hearing in a 2011 Chevy Volt test mule. There was also a Chevy Suburban and Cadillac CTS in the area, perhaps to shuttle executives around when not in front of the camera.

The fact that GM brought two different hybrid vehicles down shows the company is willing to work hard for the money, so hard for the money. The Volt prototype clearly demonstrates they're on the path to creating a mass production hybrid vehicle. The Malibu just shows they're not dumb enough to drive around Washington, D.C. in something unreliable.

The Entourage

Special thanks to STR8SIX for getting these live shots togther. His report below.

I made a short trip into downtown DC this afternoon. I was only able to spend about a half an hour snooping around the senate buildings. I found the Ford Flex and Escape hybrid from the Ford convoy. I also found an Aspen hybrid. Each of the vehicles had a driver sitting in it with the engine running. Unfortunately, I was unable to locate the Chevy Volt mule. One of the security officers said that GM was giving test drives in the Volt and did not know if it would reappear this afternoon. A dark red Cadillac CTS with the engine running was parked in front of the Ford vehicles. That may have been Wagoner's ride back to the hotel.

[Additional Photos From Win McNamee/Getty Images, Ford, Chrysler GM]

Chrysler Closing Aspen, Durango Plant December 31; Hybrids DOA

Andrew Stoy — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 10:30:00 EDT

Chrysler's Aspen Hybrid and Dodge Durango Hybrid are apparently destined to become a tiny footnote in the annals of automotive history, as Chrysler has announced the closure of the Newark Assembly Plant that builds the SUVs effective December 31. The plant was already operating on one shift, but the closure will still result in about 1,000 jobs lost and the temporary exit of Chrysler from the full-size SUV market, not to mention the premature death of Auburn Hills' version of the two-mode hybrid. So is this Chrysler sloughing off more detritus in preparation for a sale? After all, those hybrids would have conflicted with the Yukon and Tahoe hybrids in any merger with GM. [Detroit News]

Aspen, Durango Two-Mode Hybrid Fuel Economy Hits 20 MPG City, 22 Highway

Andrew Stoy — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 16:30:00 EDT

Chrysler's actually getting a little non-financiapocalyptic press today with the announcement that the Chrysler Aspen hybrid and Dodge Durango hybrid have managed an EPA-estimated 20 MPG city and 22 MPG highway rating. Coupled to the 5.7L Hemi V8 with cylinder-deactivation capability, the powertrain is good for 385 HP and 380 lb-ft of torque. The two-mode gas-electric hybrid system used in the Aspen and Durango is fundamentally the same as that used in the Chevy Tahoe hybrid and, while not Prius smooth, we can attest to it providing a great blend of performance and economy in our tester. [Chrysler]

2009 Chrysler Aspen And Dodge Durango Hybrids Begin Production

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:40:00 EDT

The 2009 Chrysler Aspen HEMI Hybrid and the 2009 Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid, the first hybrids from the penta-star brand, are finally rolling off the lines in Newark, Delaware. With its two-mode hybrid system and cylinder deactivation capability reigning in the big 5.7-liter HEMI engine, the hybrid twins are expected to return a 25% increase in fuel economy, up to 19 MPG city, 20 highway. Yes, even though they've been hybridized, they can still tow 6,000 pounds, along with all your rugrats and their junk. We suspect the market for these vehicles will be pretty strong, and sales may swell into the hundreds. [MotorAuthority]

Hybrid SUVs Skip Gas-Guzzler Tax, Still Get Hybrid Credit Thanks To Tax Code Loophole

Andrew Stoy — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:40:00 EDT

GM's two-mode hybrids, the Tahoe and Yukon, along with Chrysler's versions, the Durango and Aspen, have come to an ironic intersection in the tax code: These vehicles are eligible for a hybrid tax credit, yet theoretically should also be hit with the gas-guzzler tax. Does that sound like the world's loopiest loophole to you? We certainly think so.

A little history first. Back in '78, when the guzzler tax came into existence, it penalized vehicles that got fewer than a combined 22.5 MPG; however, trucks, vans and SUVs weren't included because they made up such as small percentage of personal vehicles. Fast forward 30 years, there's a Grand Cherokee in every garage and some folks say it's high time to revisit the gas-guzzler tax...and perhaps the hybrid tax credit. Let's just say we can see both sides of the argument.

It's probably evidence of how far we haven't come that 22.5 combined MPG doesn't seem all that low to us. Regardless, if we're going to have a tax, then a true gas-guzzler tax should apply to gas guzzlers — vehicles that can't top 18 MPG combined — and be made an across-the-board rule, regardless of vehicle type. Yeah, there'd have to be an out for contractors, and yeah, some folks would cheat. What's new?

What about the hybrid tax credit? The intention was to help folks afford hybrids until the costs have been amortized enough for automakers to lower the price. But guess what? Prices ain't coming down. Instead, it's nothing more than a cheap gimmick. A better alternative would be to apply a "gas-sipper credit," a sort of reverse gas-guzzler tax that would credit buyers of the most fuel-efficient vehicles.

In the end, Americans are going to buy what they want, burn what they want, and drive as fast as they like. It's what we do here, and that's all good by us. But a little cash under the table to "do the right thing" is apparently part of the American way too — especially when it's complete hypocrisy. [blogs.nytimes.com]

Chryslerberus: Durango Hybrid Is Cheaper Than Tahoe Hybrid!

Mark Arnold — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:20:00 EDT

Have you been ~~greenwashed~~ convinced into thinking you can drive a big SUV and still do your part for the environment? Chrysler says you'll be saving big bucks driving an Aspen or Durango Hybrid over a "competitive vehicle" from GM. "$8,000 below the competition," they crow. But wait, GM doesn't make a 7-seat hybrid Trailblazer or Envoy. So what Chrysler is really referring to as the competition are the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon hybrid twins. Ok, so technically the Durango/Aspen and Tahoe/Yukon are both classified as full-size SUVs, but doesn't it go without saying that a Tahoe is going to cost more than a Durango? What's more, the Tahoe Hybrid starts at $49,590 while the Durango Hybrid starts at $44,540; hardly the $8,000 difference Chrysler's advertising.

An apples-to-apples comparison requires careful examination of the fine print. Prospective buyers have to compare pricing between the more-expensive and less-efficient 4WD models, because Chrysler doesn't make Durango or Aspen hybrids with 2WD. Of course, Chrysler touting a pricing advantage over the GM Two-Mode Twins is humorous by itself when you consider that both Chrysler and GM use essentially the same hybrid drivetrain connected to their unique engines. So basically Chrysler is letting us know that a Durango is cheaper than a Tahoe. You know, just in case you forgot.
[KickingTires]

LA Auto Show Preview: 2009 Chrysler Aspen HEMI Hybrid

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 10:15:00 EST

That's right, it's Chrysler's first production hybrid... and it's their biggest SUV... and it's gotta HEMI! The 2009 Aspen HEMI hybrid comes with the hybrid two-mode system (developed with GM, Mercedes-Benz and BMW) mated to a 5.7-liter HEMI tuned for 385 horsepower. The setup is good for more than a 25-percent overall increase in fuel economy and almost a 40-percent increase in city driving. The model you see here is set to hit driveways somewhere around mid-2008. When it arrives, standard equipment will include front and rear "aiming" LED lamps, the MyGIG entertainment system with navigation, rear power accessory outlets and a 60/40 third-row bench. No word yet on price, but we imagine you're looking at a decent premium over the stock Aspen. Full press release below the jump.

Chrysler Aspen

Chrysler Aspen is a premium SUV that offers elegant styling, premium amenities and innovative engineering with the room and capability of a sport-utility vehicle. Bigger than its full-size SUV competitors, yet smaller than large SUV competitors, Chrysler Aspen offers unique benefits as a luxury SUV in a class all its own.

Chrysler Aspen exudes styling elegance, with clean, angular front and rear fenders, rear doors and rear-quarter panels creating a seamless profile. Individual chromed "Chrysler" lettering adorns the bodyside on each of the front doors. Premium touches also include chromed accents on bodyside moldings, door handles, side mirrors and roof rack, as well as 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels. Chrysler Aspen's broad, chromed grille is crowned by a sculpted hood, a signature of Chrysler vehicles.

Standard interior appointments include 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 LED lamps that can be individually aimed, MyGIG Entertainment System with navigation, floor console with rear power accessory outlet, and 60/40 third-row bench seat.

Standard equipment also includes leather-trimmed bucket seats, eight-way power driver's seat with memory, four-way power passenger seat, heated front-row seats, and a second-row bench seat, providing seating for eight.

Chrysler Aspen rides on a torsionally stiff, hydroformed frame with an independent torsion-bar front suspension setup featuring rack-and-pinion steering that helps provide a smooth and quiet ride and precise handling. An isolated torsion bar crossmember helps minimize road noise. Suspension and steering are tuned to deliver optimum comfort and driveability.

In the rear is a unique suspension setup with coil springs and a solid rear axle that delivers durability and strength. A Watt's linkage system is fitted to the rear axle, centering the axle and reducing rear-end skate over rough surfaces.

Standard safety features include Chrysler's exclusive 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.

New 2009 Chrysler Aspen HEMI® Hybrid and Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid

Chrysler LLC's First Production Hybrid Vehicles

• Hybrid fuel efficiency combined with full-size SUV performance, capability and utility

• HEMI® Hybrid delivers more than 25-percent overall fuel economy improvement

• Full-size SUVs boast nearly 40-percent fuel economy improvement in city

• HEMI Hybrid features Chrysler's Multi-displacement System (MDS)

Chrysler and Dodge are bursting onto the hybrid scene in a big way.

With the introduction of the new 2009 Chrysler Aspen HEMI® Hybrid and 2009 Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid, Chrysler LLC delivers two hybrid-electric vehicles that combine fuel-efficient advanced-hybrid technology with full-size sport-utility vehicle (SUV) performance and capability.

"The new 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid vehicles will offer our customers the sought-after blend of performance, utility, capability and vastly improved fuel economy — all in one package," said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President - Product Development, Chrysler LLC. "Combined with Chrysler's Multi-displacement System (MDS), our advanced, two-mode hybrid technology immediately delivers a more than 25-percent fuel economy improvement to our full-size SUVs — and up to a 40-percent improvement in the city."

The 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid vehicles are Chrysler's first entries in the hybrid market.

Capable of towing 6,000 lbs., the 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid vehicles deliver 385 horsepower — seamless, dependable power and performance on demand, in an efficient package. With an electrically variable transmission (featuring the best characteristics of an automatic transmission and hybrid drive) and two different hybrid modes of operation, the drive system dramatically improves fuel economy around town and at highway speeds.

The new 5.7-liter HEMI Hybrid is expected to deliver an overall fuel economy improvement of more than 25 percent, including an improvement of nearly 40 percent in the city. For customers who desire the performance and capability of a large SUV, the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango Hybrid vehicles will reduce fuel consumption by several hundreds of gallons of gas per year.

The renowned HEMI powerplant, in hybrid form, will continue to feature Chrysler's MDS, which allows the engine to seamlessly alternate between four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V-8 mode when more power is in demand. The two-mode hybrid system provides assistance from electric motors allowing the HEMI V-8 to remain in four-cylinder mode more often than without a hybrid powertrain, improving overall fuel economy.

Built at the Newark Assembly Plant in Delaware, the new 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid vehicles arrive in showrooms in mid-2008.