2007 Chrysler Aspen: live shots from the NAIAS debut

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2007 Chrysler Aspen: live shots from the NAIAS debut

by Joel Arellano (RSS feed) on Jan 10th 2006 at 3:30PM

Autoblogger Chris had some interesting comments to say about his experience over in Detroit. Here he is in rare form at the DaimlerChrysler press conference for Aspen (see here and here for earlier posts):

"That Daimler-Chrysler's press conferences often have more in common with theatre than they do with information has long made them a favorite with the press. From crashing through plate glass to leapfrogging minivans, there's always been an element of flair and fun that has made their P.R. team the toast of the industry. That was certainly the case with the pressers for Chrysler's 'Don't-call-me-Durango' Aspen and Dodge's Caliber."

"DCX literally blew away the Nikon-toting masses in a blizzard of marketing madness, which was just as well, because despite all of the amusing histrionics, it doesn't take a keen Autoblog reader to see the Durango lurking underneath."

(more photos and details after the jump)

"But where that particular Dodge product is a bit aesthetically challenged and overwrought, the 2007 Aspen pleases with a more conventional and dignified nose. Up front, Chrysler's signature front eggcrate grille has taken up residence, along with a scalloped hood (see also: Crossfire), and as one works rearward, there are chromed accents everywhere, which Chrysler hopes will make people think that the Aspen is the "300" of SUVs.

"The interior's improvements are predictable but pleasant, particularly in view of the Durango's acres of hard plastic. White-faced gauges marked out with chrome bezels make up the instrument cluster, and as seems to be the way with all vehicles aspiring to luxury these days, an analog clock is lodged top dead center. Seats are available in two-tone leather or a leather/suede mix, but cloth comes standard. Of course there's plenty of faux tree inside as well, but it's rather convincing stuff."

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, SUV

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

2Suave 3:43PM (1/10/2006)

All that hoopla for a badge-engineered Durango? Why waste so much dry ice and confetti on such a yawner?

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Jon 3:45PM (1/10/2006)

I feel bad for whoever had to clean all that up.

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jwhite 3:58PM (1/10/2006)

A lot better looking than I expected. Huge improvement on the Durango donor. They really should show it in Black though.

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dante 5:45PM (1/10/2006)

those were the most pathetic set of promo pictures i have seen in a long while...like a politician they say a lot... but you end up with nothing..i still have no idea what the vehicle looks like

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mark fynn 5:50PM (1/10/2006)

Hey market a little alternative fuel option - hybrid or diesel -set up and this baby will sell.

A lot nicer than your Mom's mini-van?

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Brian 6:04PM (1/10/2006)

This would have been a good idea if DamChry's announcement was, "Look! We redesigned that ugly pig-truck Durango into something that doesn't completely turn your stomach ... aren't we great?" Instead, they chose to follow Caddie and Lincoln into the truck market. Brilliant! Too bad they're 10 years too late to have a prayer for success and absolutely NOBODY cares.

Attention Detroit: Enough with the SUVs, already. Spend your shrinking R&D dollars creating vehicles that are fast, efficient and innovative or you are TOAST. The Greatest Generation is dying, as you will notice by your ever-shrinking sales numbers. The rest of us won't waste our money on inferior/inefficient products just because it's draped with Old Glory - we go where the value is, period.

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Christian 6:10PM (1/10/2006)

Oh no, not a Durango..Oooh like that's a bad thing.

C'mon. DCX has two vehicles on the same platform and you give them shite.

That's common practice. For example, unassailable Toyota does this quite a bit. The LX470 shares the same floorplan and most body panels with the Toyota Land Cruiser. The ES is just a Camry with Gold badges. What a ripoff.

How many does GM have on the GMT360 platform, mores the question? Give up? TEN antiquated SUVs, all more or less the same.

They really need to shed some models. -C

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David 12:40PM (1/12/2006)

So much for pics of the new Chrysler Aspen. 4 photos of the vehicle, 7 of the introduction. If you're going to show photos of a new vehicle, show photos of the vehicle, not of the introduction hoopla. The Aspen does look much better than the Durango, reguardless of what all the other yahoo's said( or wrote about it ).

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pat 5:52PM (1/14/2006)

wow i dont get why people complain when a company makes more then one car off the same platform...if they did a whole different platform for every car, they wouldnt have money. people need to stop making a big deal. i think the new aspen is great looking. i love the crossfire inspired hood, and the signiture grille. u cant go wrong with a 5.7hemi either. i think it will sell well. go chrysler!

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pat 5:53PM (1/14/2006)

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J.B. 12:26AM (1/17/2006)

Hey Im not a huge Chrysler fan but I am rather excited about this vehicle. My wife needs something to park next to my custom Sebring JXI and this is just the perfect vehicle. Its classy and stylish just as an SUV should be. Im actually looking more at Chryslers these days after the release of the 300C cause other than my 98 Sebring I am actually a GM buyer. Keep up the good work Chrysler you got my attention!

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nick 8:31PM (1/22/2006)

I don't think people are upset at the fact that two cars are built on the same platform as it is that they are upset that the two cars look identical to each other, except for some minor changes.

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Dibley 7:35PM (1/24/2006)

Oh, wow, Aspen. What are they thinking? Let's name another SUV after an awful 70's car - Dodge Aspen!! I know they want us think snow bunnies and what not, but, jeez, come on, another SUV!! Where's the Volare?!??

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