Upcoming Chryslers, Dodges, Rams, and Jeeps

Pentastar V6 engines (Phoenix)

The Chrysler-engineered Pentastar V6 engines (née Phoenix) start in mid-2010 with the Grand Cherokee and will quickly spread to replace all current V6 powerplants. The engines have a modular base, making different applications easier to create, and were designed for direct injection and turbocharging. The 3.6 pumps out 280 horsepower without direct injection, in its first iteration, without MultiAir (which might be added). Coming up are turbo and twin turbo versions, a 3-liter, a 3.3, and direct injection. The twin turbo might be used on Maseratis, which would give Chrysler a boost in “street cred.” 440,000 Pentastar engines are to be made each year, to be hooked up to the 6xTE, WA580, and Fiat's dual-clutch automatics.

Other gas engines

Fiat’s MultiAir will be added to the World Engines, along with direct injection. Turbocharging, dropped by Cerberus, is planned for the 2.0 and 2.4. The 4.7 liter V8 will be dropped; the 6.1 liter Hemi will be replaced by a more economical 6.4 liter Hemi with cylinder deactivation and MultiAir. (While some outlets claim “news” that the 6.4 is SRT-only, not for trucks, this was always the intent. The 6.1 has never been used in trucks.)

Chrysler will build Fiat's 1.4 liter engine starting in 2010. The engine produces 100 hp at 6,750 rpm and 95 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm; a turbocharged version produces 170 hp @ 6,750 rpm and 170 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. The 2.4 liter World Engine has been upgraded to an estimated 190 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and an estimated 175 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm, so the turbo 1.4 is a viable alternative for smaller, lighter cars.

Fiat might provide a small (smaller than the 4.7) V8 currently used by Ferrari for certain applications where a V8 is deemed appropriate for marketing purposes.

MultiAir

MultiAir is a variable valve timing and lift technology which allows for separate timing and lift for each cylinder. It uses electrohydraulic controls (solenoids and oil) to adjust valve timing and air volume for each individual cylinder (normally, valve timing and air volume is set for all cylinders together). The system will be used on all Chrysler four cylinder gasoline engines, and possibly diesels and the V6 line (depending on whether the benefits outweigh the extra cost over Chrysler's sophisticated variable cam timing system). The MultiAir system improves low end torque and cuts gas mileage.

Diesels

The Cummins straight-six diesel is safe for future Rams. Fiat also works with Cummins. The 2.8-liter VM diesel still has a future in export Jeeps. Fiat diesels will power some Chrysler vehicles, at least in export markets, with the two-liter Fiat diesel projected to be hooked up to the six-speed Chrysler automatic transmission. The 4.2 liter Cummins V6 (190 hp, over 400 lb-ft) and a 5.0-liter Cummins V8 diesel are believed to still be in progress, but marked down to lower priority due to the many other ongoing projects and low gas prices. An eight-speed automatic is been developed within Chrysler for these. The Cummins straight six diesel is limited in power to avoid powertrain damage, and can be power-raised to match the capabilities of the rest of the truck, up to 900 lb-ft.

Hybrid cars, electric cars

A Ram 1500 hybrid is still on its way, to be followed by a hybrid minivan. Like the Durango and Aspen hybrids, the Ram will use an automatic transmission with motors. Fiat will, for non-hybrids, supply a start-stop system that shuts off the engine when the car is stopped for higher city mileage. Chrysler will be Fiat’s headquarters for electric and hybrid car development, with an electric commercial vehicle expected for 2011 (based on a Fiat van). Electric and hybrid efforts are being spread through the normal engineering processes instead of being concentrated in ENVI.

Automatically operated manual transmission (dual-clutch)

Chrysler will get Fiat’s automatically operated, dual-clutch manual transmission. There were two Chrysler versions — a seven-speed, rear wheel drive version and a six-speed, front wheel drive version — these may be integrated into the Fiat designs or dropped.

Normal automatics

The expensive five-speed Mercedes automatic transmissions was to be dropped, but it appears that, instead, Chrysler might use a seven speed version; this transmission would not handle the torque of the SRT8, however. The four speed will be dropped and the Chrysler six-speed used more. An eight speed rear wheel drive automatic is being developed within Chrysler for heavy duty use, with a torque rating said to be over 800 pound-feet. Transmissions.

Avenger, Sebring

The Avenger/Sebring cars are being changed to address their flaws, with new styling, retuned suspensions, and the Phoenix V6 coupled to a six-speed automatic and the World Engine going up to 190 hp with better low-speed torque; these cars will be produced by the end of 2010. They will be scrapped around 2012 (a sales boost would take some pressure off) in favor of new cars engineered by Chrysler using modified Fiat platforms, with the width stretched by 1.6 inches. The Sebring is to get a new name, possibly as early as late 2010 when the 2011 models appear.

The Avenger/Sebring replacements will also be used by Fiat, which will, according to Automotive News, cover cars up to the Bravo (Volkswagen Golf sized). Automotive News’ Luca Ciferri and Bradford Wernle wrote, “In July [2009], Fiat handed over to Chrysler the C-Evo platform with European specifications to serve as the underpinnings of a new group of vehicles.” Thus, the major dimensions will be Fiat, the rest Chrysler. Key dimensions will also to be used for a new Liberty and at least one crossover, to allow for more flexible manufacturing.

Sergio Marchionne said: “The only thing we’re delivering to Chrysler is the basic platform. Everything from that point on, once we deliver it, is up to Chrysler.”

Dodge Challenger, 200C, Imperial, Charger, 300C

The Challenger will be redesigned for 2011 and continue through 2014; after that, its fate is uncertain.

The stunning Chrysler 200C had been approved, to be built on the LX line, and might still make it, possibly under a different name — but as a gas car, not an electric. 

Imperial was set for 2015 when last seen and might still be in the cards; the name is uncertain. The 2011 Dodge Charger is expected to bring back more of the classic look from the famous 1968 Chargers, one of the most stylish vehicles ever built; it was changed since the last (private) appearance.

The 2011 Chrysler 300C is similar but with far better aerodynamics, minor line changes, and a new grille. Fiat Group-branded cars based on these will be built at the same plant. A new joint-venture eight speed automatic is being experimented with.

Magnum might return for 2011 unless the name is moving to the Grand Cherokee spinoff. The basic car is still being made for Europe as the 300C Touring.

The new Fiat 159 is expected to be based on the LX or LC platform.

Dodge Viper /
Chrysler Firepower

Dodge is keeping the Viper through to 2010. The Firepower (a Hemi-powered, Viper-chassis Chrysler) is a goner. A 2012-2013 Viper redesign is possible and perhaps even likely. Ralph Gilles said it would use expertise and materials and technology (but not parts) from Ferrari to lighten the weight, with a V-10 engine — definitely not a V8.

Nissan and China cars

Dodge's restyled Versa sold in South America this will be dropped when the contract expires. The Fiat 500 (four body styles) will be made in North America (possibly Mexico) and sold in the U.S. export markets in 2011 or so, as Fiats. The China-cars appear to be dead. Nobody seems to mind.

Trucks and SUVs

Ram pickup trucks

oh20 wrote: “Dodge is currently working on a plan that would make the Ram 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs available to all Ram dealers.” The hybrid Ram has been pushed back to November 2010. Class 4 and Class 5 Ram chassis cabs start production in April 2010 as 2011 models. Commercial heavy-duty trucks (e.g. tractors) might be planned, though they could be Ivecos rather than Ram chassis cabs. 2010 Ram 2500/3500. Reportedly heavy duty truck development is being slashed, even as the competition intensifies.

Jeep Wrangler,
Jeep Scrambler (Jeep JT)

“Numerous” changes to “directly address” customer feedback, particularly that of off-roaders. Jeep Wrangler has been put forward as Jeep's halo car, and Jeep will be working hard to make it clearly superior to Toyota, Hummer, and Mahindra challengers. The 2011 Wrangler is due in the second or third quarter of 2010, and either the 2011 or 2012 will have a standard Pentastar V6; a revised VM diesel is only for export markets. The Scrambler pickup concept appears to be out of the picture for a few years. Jeep Wrangler - Jeep Wrangler Unlimited - Scrambler pickup.

Grand Cherokee, Jeep Commander

For the 2011 Grand Cherokee, expect the same Mercedes 3-liter V6 diesel, with the 3.6 liter Phoenix engine and the 5.7 Hemi. The new 3.6 should outrun the original 4.7 V8 and the gas V6 gets better mileage than the Mercedes diesel. There might be a Fiat diesel instead of the Mercedes unit; and there might be no diesel at all in North America. 2011 Grand Cherokee details

The Jeep Commander will continue as an offshore-only model, using the 2006-2010 model year tooling and production facilities in another country, to be sold in countries such as (but not definitely) China and Russia. (See Dodge Durango in this section.)

Jeep Liberty
Dodge Nitro

The Nitro is based on the Jeep Liberty; but it is not expected to last past this generation. The Jeep Liberty will be replaced by a vehicle using the same key dimensions as new C and D class (midsized) cars in 2013, so that as Jeep and car orders fluctuate, the same factory can vary its output rather than have one plant idle while another works overtime. (Thus, if Toledo builds the Liberty, it can also build the Avenger/Sebring or Compass/Caliber replacements.)

Sergio Marchionne said: “The only thing we’re delivering to Chrysler is the basic platform. Everything from that point on, once we deliver it, is up to Chrysler.” The Liberty could be a “real Jeep” that just shares certain dimensions with mid-sized cars.

Patriot and Compass

Nicely redone interiors and a bit more sound insulation make these cars much more attractive and favorable Patriot reviews have started to flow. Sales have not followed, though. To be replaced in 2012.

Dodge Dakota

The Dodge Dakota might be resurrected as a smaller, lighter pickup with a coil suspension. It will, as we reported in 2007, become more of a “lifestyle vehicle.” New: The basis is not the expected C/D platform, but the minivan platform.

Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, Dodge Magnum

The Dodge Durango (possibly Dodge Magnum) will be a reskinned, retuned, probably renamed, and possibly extended-wheelbase version of the 2011 Grand Cherokee. Dodge CUV, whatever its name, will be WD; Grand Cherokee, WK. Launch expected for late 2010. It appears the Dodge Magnum-Durango-CUV roofline will go up as it goes back, while the Grand Cherokee roofline goes down, giving the Durango-Magnum more cargo space. 2011 Dodge Durango details.

Minivans, Vans, and Crossovers

Caravan, Town & Country

2010 models. For 2011 or 2012 models: Pentastar 3.6 liter V6 (at least 280 horsepower), active head restraints, and more. Motor Trend claims that the 2014 minivans will once again have different wheelbases, with the smaller one also having a narrower track, for better sales in Europe under the Lancia label. Completely redesigned Caravan is due in 2014. All wheel drive is said to be making a comeback. For 2011, expect “significant intervention” especially on the interior, responding to customer requests and complaints, with better comfort and efficiency.

Dodge Journey

The Dodge Journey was to be part of Chrysler’s serious entry into Europe; it wasn’t even noticed by Eurobuyers. The Journey has gotten good reviews and sales are better than most competitors. Journey is doing very well in Canada where it has been the #1 crossover in some months. To be restyled inside and out — complete interior redesign, mild exterior refresh, new engine.

Chrysler PT Cruiser

The PT Cruiser is gone at the end of 2010; we were wrong on this one. PT Cruisers.

Sprinter / Ram vans

The Mercedes vans, built in Germany and assembled from knockdown kits in South Carolina, will be dropped. The small one replaacement van will be the Fiat Doblo; the large van will be Chrysler engineered but based on either a large Fiat van or an Iveco van. See Fiat commercial vans.