First Drive: 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid
It wasn’t long ago that the idea of a hybrid SUV was as inconceivable as basing an entire movie franchise on a certain swashbuckling theme-park ride. But times have changed, and now there’s a number of earth-friendly people-haulers. The latest automaker to hatch a hybrid SUV is Chrysler, whose Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen were in sore need of an mpg boost. Both hybrids will hit showrooms for 2009. We had a chance to drive an Aspen prototype at Chrysler’s test track in Michigan today.
Both SUVs hitch a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 to a two-mode hybrid system developed jointly by GM, BMW and Chrysler. It can scoot along in electric mode up to 25 mph for a mile or two, though anything beyond tiptoe acceleration calls the engine up for duty. Like most hybrids, if you tread lightly, the Aspen has enough power to crawl from one stop sign to the next. Harder acceleration sounds a telltale whump as the engine churns to life, signaled at times by the right-hand gauge shifting from “Economy” to “Performance.” Chrysler chief engineer Glenn Denomme said his team is still working to iron out the shift in power, and the gauge will probably be replaced with something that shows the transition in more definite terms.
The good news is, should you need it, the Hemi and electric motor will combine to muscle the Aspen up to highway speeds in a jiffy. The motor emits a noticeable whirr as the engine revs hard, but we have no complaints with the system’s overall sound.
We weren’t as impressed with the brakes. Typical of a hybrid, they incorporate a regenerative function that recharges the battery. That leaves the brake pedal’s resistance feeling like a brick. Actual deceleration is equally underwhelming.
There’s no such beef with the Aspen Hybrid’s steering system. It has a bouncy feel, but it springs back to center well.
With the EPA’s new testing procedures, city gas mileage should be around 19 mpg, with highway mileage a bit lower. That may not sound hybrid-esque until you consider the regular Aspen, which gets 13 mpg in the city. Denomme said our prototype is at least three revisions away from production status. The drivetrain seems ready for prime time, and if they can fix the brakes, this could be the spark these slow-selling giants need.
-Kelsey Mays reporting from Michigan
Previous
Subscribe to our feed
Email us your tips!
Why is Chrysler spending money on these trucks when their death is scheduled in a copule of years? Spend this money on getting the Sebring and Compass/Patriot/Caliber right...
Jay,
Who said their death was scheduled? Chrysler will have to sell at least one full size SUV in the U.S. unless they want to give up the segment to Ford and GM and I don't think they do. People TOW THINGS. We've said it again and again on this blog. There will always be a need for these types of vehicles. What has changed since the 90s are the buyers who didn't NEED the vehicle for towing but got them for taking the kids to school etc.
That said, hybrids theoretically make sense in an SUV because they are already more expensive vehicles than say a small car or midsize sedan where the technology forces prices up around 10-20%. In a large SUV the number will be closer to 5%. If they get the mileage better than the new 3 row crossovers, you might see a resurgence in large SUV sales. Plus, they will be putting out a lot cleaner exhaust than a regular gasoline powered vehicle.
i can see these lasting a very long time. i'm happy to see that the hybrid wont kick in till like 25mph. most hybrids (least from what i've read) turns off and switches to the motor around 10mph which is well...worthless unless your in New York City or something.
Dave, "sources on the net" say "if" there is a next generation (2010 or so) Durango it would be move to the Grand Cherokee platform, with the Aspen likely to be disappear. I'm sure "Ceberus" isn't going to spend a lot of money on a segment they think is not going to be profitable for them. Note they dropped Dodge conversion vans, Avenger/Sebring coupes, and suppliers have been told to cancel engineering on the next Pacifica...
Mr. Vent-
I know, I know, I'm nitpicking at at a typo, but this is a Chrysler product, not a GM.
This is one of the best vehicles for towing about 4.5 ton load. The Jeep platform is not currently rated for such a load.
i think making a hybrid is great for chrysler cause i have an aspen and a pt crusier i love them alot so its good news to hear a big suv like the aspen and durango being a hybrid i think it will draw more buyers there now than ever cause most of my friend drive chrysler dodge or jeeps.My aspen gets between 16-18 in city and 18-24 on the hwy which is good but a hybrid i will be sure to buy for me an aspen. i think chrysler is the best car company ever
Pfaugh... the 2009 Aspen "Hybrid" is just more smoke and mirrors - 90% hype and 10% hybrid - just like similar hoaxes from GM & Ford. To wit:
The 2009 Dodge Aspen "Hybrid" is... a 5.7 L Hemi mated to a 15 hp electric motor and a 100 pounds of batteries. When Mama wants to GO she'll just mash it like always. Which system does anyone think will get 90% of the use? So much for saving the planet.
Only the Toyota Prius has a power package that is anywhere close to a 50/50 balance between fossil and electric power.
Check this out:
http://www.blocksandborders.com/nice/gwarm.html#-ETHANOL-
Hybrids (both SUV and auto) turned out to be more of a waste of time and, would-be waste of money. Not only do dealers mark them up with a premium, especially in Taxifornia, they take 4-10 years to pay for themselves, in which time everything, technology and the energy market, will be different. Once the early generation hybrids have 100,000 to 150,000 miles on them (150k California Air Resources Board Mandated Hybrid Component Warranty) , they will be practically worthless and nobody, but a handful of mechanics, dabblers/hobyists, and used car lots will want to touch them. Think of the equivalent of purchasing used electronics that had non-user-removable NiCd batteries, while new, cheaper ones had removable Lithium Ion or even Lithium Polymer batteries. Which would you choose?
türkçe yaılım ve anlatım olmadığı için hiç bir şey anlamadım fiyatı nedir servisi türkiye/trabzonda varmı beni bilgilendirirseniz sevinirim www.seragolukardelen.com saygılarımla.