Windsor, Ontario – Chrysler Canada has announced that its new full-size 2009 Aspen Hemi Hybrid will retail for $55,995, more than $12,000 below its competitors, says the company. Additionally, customers may be able to capitalize on provincial tax rebates. The model is Chrysler’s first entry into the hybrid market.

“The 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hemi Hybrid provides customers the balance they need between performance, utility, capability and fuel efficiency,” said Mark Bosanac, vice-president of Marketing. “Chrysler’s multi-displacement system (MDS) combined with the advanced two-mode hybrid system provide the Chrysler Aspen with a 40 per cent fuel economy improvement in the city and 25 per cent overall fuel economy improvement.”

The multi-displacement system allows the Aspen’s 5.7-litre V8 engine to switch seamlessly between four-cylinder and eight-cylinder mode when less power is needed. The engine is mated to a two-mode system which provides assistance from electric motors, allowing the engine to remain in four-cylinder mode more often. The company said that in a typical year, it expects customers will reduce their fuel consumption by $1,000 worth of gasoline.

The Aspen is capable of towing 2,722 kg (6,000 lbs) and its total output, when combined with the two-mode hybrid system, is 385 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. The model is built at the company’s Newark Assembly Plant in Delaware and will arrive in showrooms this September.