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The Chrysler Aspen is offered only in a single trim level for 2008, the Limited, available with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.A newly reworked 4.7L V8, now making 303 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, is standard and a 5.7L Hemi V8, making 335 horsepower and 370 lb-ft, is optional. The 4.7L will now run on blends of ethanol and gasoline up to 85 percent ethanol (E85), and the 5.7L benefits from the Multi-Displacement System, which only runs four of the cylinders to save fuel when less power is needed.Aspens equipped with the 4.7L engine and AWD get a single-speed transfer-case system, while Hemi AWD models get a low range good for creeping up steep off-road inclines or boat ramps, or getting through sand. Both systems have a 2WD mode, and they revert to a 48/52-percent split front/back in AWD mode.The Aspen's truck-based underpinnings are closely related to those of the Dodge Durango. It rides on a stiff hydroformed frame, and has an independent front suspension and solid rear axle with coil springs, combined with a Watt linkage, which helps in roadholding.Inside, the Aspen is oriented more toward passenger comfort that bare-bones utility. Standard features include wood accents, air conditioning, a garage door opener, front and rear LED lamps, a CD sound system, and a rear power outlet. Eight can be seated comfortably with the standard layout, which includes a second-row bench seat and a 60/40-split folding third-row seat, but there's also an optional seven-passenger layout with second-row bucket seats.Standard safety equipment includes electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, front side air bags, and roll-sensing side-curtain air bags.The Signature Series, which is promoted as a limited-edition model, is essentially a feature-rich option package that brings a long list of additional equipment at a low price. Features include 18-inch chrome-clad wheels, two-tone leather seating, first-row heated seats, a power sunroof, the MyGig entertainment system, a backup camera, and Sirius satellite radio. The Signature Series is only available in Bright Silver, Brilliant Black, Steel Blue, Light Sandstone, or Cognac exterior colors.Other major options include heated second-row seats, full leather upholstery, a power memory driver's seat, a back-seat DVD entertainment system, and several flashy wheel designs, including huge chrome-clad 20-inchers.
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