Upcoming Chryslers, Dodges, Rams, and Jeeps
Because this page has kept growing, we are now separating out cars (on this page) from trucks, Jeeps, and vans, and from engines and transmissions. Minivans and Journey remain here.
Platforms (sets of key dimensions): what Chrysler will be using in the future
A = very small (500), B = small (500L), C = compact (Dart), D = midsize (Avenger), E = large (Charger).
- SCSS — a lot of cars ride on this Fiat-GM B-platform; a new lengthened version was recently developed
- C-Evo — the compact/mid-sized (C and D) flex platform for cars and crossovers developed by Fiat
- CUSW — the American adaptation of C-EVO (C - U.S. - Wide) to be used by compact and midsized cars and crossovers
- E-EVO — the platform for large cars, crossovers, minivans, and possibly a light pickup, probably for both front and rear wheel drive
SCSS
Jeep ?? and Dodge ??A B-sized Jeep was part of the Five Year Plan back in November 2009, and Dan Minick believes it’ll be an open-topper on the revised SCSS platform, rather than a restyled Fiat Panda. Other vehicles on SCSS include the GM/Opel/Vauxhall Corsa, the Fiat Qubo and Fiorino, the Citroën Nemo, and the Peugeot Bipper, not to mention the Linea, 2012 Mito, Grande Punto, and Doblo. A Chrysler or Dodge hatchback and/or sedan is/are also set to be launched on this platform. The Jeep and Dodge based on this platform might be imported from Europe; the Jeep might be for non-US sales only. |
Fiat 500LThe Fiat 500L, five-passenger Fiat crossover (coded L-zero) is the replacement for the Fiat Idea, Lancia Musa, and Fiat Multipla, with Fiat 500 styling (Dan Minick predicted the latter). The five passenger version is to be sold in the United States while Europeans will also get a seven passenger. The platform is a lengthened, retitled SCSS, not the Fiat 500 B-platform. K. Oellinger wrote in mid-January, “It might be sold in the U.S. as a Fiat 500 four-door” and he was right. Currently the European 500L is slated to be made in Serbia. |
CUSW, C-EVO, D cars and crossovers
Dodge Avenger, Chrysler 200Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200/Lancia Flavia are out now Dodge Avenger, being too close to Dart on one side and Charger on the other, seems to be dead after 2012 or 2013; the next-gen Charger will be smaller to distance it from 300. The 200 is being led by Lancia people. See our Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger car pages. The Chrysler 200 replacement is reportedly to boast a turbocharged Fiat 1.4, Chrysler 2.4 (more powerful than the one in the Dodge Dart), or Pentastar V6. |
||
Dodge Dart, Chrysler 100CThe first of the new cars is the Dodge Dart, with a choice of Fiat 1.4 (turbo), Chrysler 2.0, and Chrysler 2.4 engines; optional AWD, and a choice of Fiat’s manual, Fiat's dual clutch automatic, and one other transmission — the Chrysler six-speed? A new source wrote that the manual would be based on the dual-clutch automatic (perhaps using Chrysler technology applied to Fiat's dual-clutch?) The Dodge due to start production in
For this car’s launch, CJDR Tech says the 2.0 will have its VVT system retuned for a broader power band, sacrificing some peak horsepower but increasing gas mileage and performance; swap the manifolds (so intake is in back); and update the valvetrain to roller cam followers, doing away with the buckets on the valve springs. No word yet on 2.4 changes but they are expected to be similar, with direct injection perhaps coming later. Both are being tagged "Tigershark" [sic]. Chrysler 100C appears to be coming as a hatchback; the planned B-sized Chrysler and Jeep have most likely been cancelled for the time being. | ||
Dodge JourneyThe Dodge Journey has gotten good reviews and sales are better than most competitors. Journey has been the #1 crossover in Canada for many months, is now #1 crossover in Mexico, and is selling well as Fiat Freemont. Replacement based on new CUSW platform due in calendar year 2013-2015 or so. At that time it can be built interchangeably at Sterling Heights, Belvedere, perhaps Toledo; and Toluca can be devoted to Fiat and Alfa cars, perhaps. |
LX, RT, and E-Evo: large cars and minivans
Challenger, Imperial, Charger, 300C, Maserati Quattroporte, Lancia Thema, MagnumChallenger continues through at least 2014 with minimal changes while a brand new E platform comes in. Lx cars come with a Pentastar V6 or Hemi; SRT8 versions get a 392 Hemi. Charger Super Bee is a decontented, cheaper SRT8, dropping the price by around 10% but still delivering performance. Lancia Thema (built on the same line) is a modified 300; some of its interior is used in the 300C Luxury Edition. Eight-speed automatics joined Charger and 300 V6 models and are to replace the five-speed when Kokomo starts building them. A Dodge Magnum, based on the Charger, is now rumored to appear around model-year 2013, partly to provide a Lancia Thema wagon for Europe. K. Oellinger pointed out that there are rumors in Europe of Lancia Thema getting an eight-speed diesel version and AWD; long term it might get the 3-liter turbo rather than a V8. A next-generation E-size platform which is to accommodate minivans, rear drive and front drive cars, and crossovers is being developed now. Charger is to get a bit smaller on that platform.
The next Maserati Quattroporte will reportedly use V6 and V8 engines with a ZF eight-speed automatic and four wheel drive, and stop/start technology to increase gas mileage; it will be made in Italy; the engines are likely to be Maserati and/or Ferrari ones, not the Hemi and Pentastar. A new Alfa 169 and a “baby” Maserati Quattroporte are assumed to be based on the Chrysler large-car platform and be built in the Bertone plant probably with different wheelbases. New source “autojunkie” wrote that start/stop technology would be implemented on Challenger, Charger, and 300 with Hemi, V6, and diesel engines in model-year 2013. Imperial was set for 2015 when last seen but might have been dropped in favor of the Alfa. |
Dodge Viper, Chrysler Firepower, Maserati GranTurismoThe 2013 Dodge Viper is being tested in mule form; it is unlike the current model, but observers said it was dramatic and awesome. Ralph Gilles said it would use expertise, materials, and technology (but not parts) from Ferrari to lighten the weight, with a V-10 engine derived from the current 8.4L engine. Gilles said the Viper will always be V10 powered and that there might be a V8 powered sibling. The Maserati GranTurismo may be based on the Viper, or might be co-engineered with it; and there is some thought that the Maserati itself might be based on the LX platform. Conner Avenue has been reopened. 2012 Dodge Viper details. |
Caravan, Town & Country2011 minivans page. Volkswagen Routan version. For 2014: 2014 minivans will be more differentiated, and all wheel drive will return. One version will be narrower and possibly smaller (for better Eurosales), the other will continue the “classic” minivan pattern. Nine-speed automatics will be used, possibly optional. The 2014 minivans will probably be based on a new E-Evo platform along with large cars. That would explain why we’ve been hearing rumors of a full sized front-drive / all-wheel-drive car based on the minivan platform; the same platform could be used for front drive and rear drive cars, as well as minivans. (LH was originally designed to be adaptable to RWD). Minivans were originally based on the compact K-cars. |
Telematics: UConnect
From an official Chrysler release: “We are currently developing a third-generation, flexible Uconnect radio platform that can be personalized ... [with] the option to load user-selected applications, similar to smartphones and tablets, as well as accommodate connectivity with our retail customers’ own smartphones. Vehicles will be connected using cellular technology, Bluetooth and WiFi ... to provide navigational services, vehicle diagnostic services, automated emergency notification services, on-demand radio content and other connected services. ... this new platform will provide users with the option to control the radio with a hands-free system that recognizes natural speech. ... We plan to begin producing vehicles with this new Uconnect technology starting in 2012.”
Miscellaneous
Police vehicles
A Dodge Durango and Ram squad package are expected soon (Ram has arrived); the Durango might be pursuit rated but the Dodge is a “special services vehicle.” Both are expected to have built-in control consoles for lights and sirens, beefed up electrical facilities, and added transmission cooling; the Ram is expected to use modified heads and transmission changes, but these were not mentioned in the press release.
Integration with Fiat: cars, trucks, and vans
Each country will have either Lancia or Chrysler brand. In Europe, Dodge will be the Challenger, Charger, and Viper; Lancia will be used in Europe except for the British Isles.
Sergio Marchionne told Automotive News in December 2009 that “Chrysler is much better [at gas powertrains] than we are at this, so far. ... . I need to be able to look at Chrysler and say, ‘You are the most efficient producer of this platform; I delegate you the right to manufacture on my behalf and on your behalf.’”
The smallest cars and Jeeps (A/B) will be Fiat designed, the largest cars and SUVs (E) will be Chrysler designed, and the mid-sized (C/D) will be Chrysler engineering on top of Fiat designs at first, then Chrysler will lead. Diesels and sub-1.8-liter engines are Fiat turf and bigger engines, hybrids, and electrics, Chrysler. See the Fiat commercial vans, Five Year Plan, Chrysler-Fiat Alliance, and Fiat cars pages.
Thanks to K. Oellinger for pointing out necessary updates, and to Dan Minick for extensive analysis, June 2011.