2013 Chrysler and Jeep: what we know, what we predict
It’s 2013 and we’ve seen refreshes of the entire North American lineup. Most are powered by Chrysler engines, with a scattering of Fiat 1.4 four-cylinders (100-160 hp), Cummins diesels, and an experimental VM diesel. Most rear drive cars and Rams (except chassis cabs) have eight-speed automatics; the first Fiat dual-clutch automatics are out, for Dodge Dart. Here’s what we’ll be seeing:
Note: due to long page load times, we’ve moved 2013 Dodge and Ram to a separate page.
Jeep Patriot and Compass replacement
Jeep’s new C-segment entry, replacing both the Patriot and Compass, is on the same basic platform as Dodge Dart, and was created alongside a similar Alfa Romeo model to replace the Fiat Sedici (Suzuki SX4). The Compass will remain at Belvedere, and Patriot will be quietly dropped.
Fiat Jeep
A “B” sized vehicle wearing the Jeep nameplate was on the Five Year Plan, but may or may not come through in reality. This would presumably be a 4x4 version of the next-generation Fiat Panda. While few modifications were planned, one hopes that the Plan was revised to elevate Jeep standards.
Jeep Cherokee
Based on the D-evo (stretched C-evo) platform, this new model replaces the Liberty and could, but might not, be called the Cherokee. (Editor’s note: This model would probably be a Jeep design using Fiat dimensions and basic architectures. It appears to have been pushed back to 2014.)
Jeep Wagoneer
The Jeep Wagoneer (or Grand Wagoneer) is now almost certain; looks are said to be somewhere between the classic model and the Durango, whose body it will borrow. Expect, essentially, the lengthened Durango body with a different front clip and rear styling, with the Jeep version of the suspension, and a price starting around Grand Cherokee Overland.
Wrangler and Maserati Kubang
Jeep Wrangler got the Pentastar V6 engine and a five-speed transmission in 2012, and will continue almost unchanged for 2013 — perhaps getting the ZF 8-speed.
Jeep Grand Cherokee continues with few changes; an eight speed automatic arrives as Kokomo starts cranking them out. The Maserati Kubang is built at Jefferson Avenue, using a new Ferrari V8 or a Pentastar-based Maserati-adapted engine. (The show car is below, with JackRatchett’s early 2010 rendering. The headlight’s actual halo is less pronounced but the light does shine through the space between the hood and grille.)
Chrysler Musa / PT Cruiser II
Straddling the smaller side of the PT Cruiser could be a reworked Lancia Musa. Lancia Musa currently is the best selling MPV in Italy. The next-generation Lancia Ypsilon could be a candidate for North America. (Models shown are based off of the current Musa and Ypsilon.) Musa is based on Fiat Idea, which will be replaced by L0 soon, and has an uncertain future.
Chrysler 100C / Lancia Delta
A little Chrysler would be based on the Lancia Delta. Most likely the hatchback Delta won’t translate well to American buyers, so we’ll have to settle for a sedan spinoff. This might not happen because it’s so close in size to the 200, among other things. The next generation Delta may be smaller to allow room for 200/Flavia.
Chrysler 200 / Lancia Flavia
Much as the rear wheel drive Chrysler Airflite concept made it to the current Sebring on a front wheel drive platform, 200C styling shows up on the scene on Fiat-Chrysler’s C/D-Evo+ platform. Sold in Europe as a Lancia Flavia, Fiat Group finally has serious contenders for the D-segment battle with Ford Mondeo and VW Passat.
The 2013 Lancia Flavia will replace the short-lived 2012 Lancia Flavia convertible based on the Chrysler 200. Current rumblings suggest that the next Chrysler 200 will actually be done by Lancia, rather than Chrysler, while the Dodge, if there is one, and rumors suggest there will not, will be done by Chrysler. Of some interest, an Alfa Romeo version of the D-car is expected first, and the 200/Flavia/Avenger replacements may come in calendar-year 2013 rather than model-year 2013.
Chrysler 250X / Lancia Agrippa
A Chrysler crossover, based not on the Dodge Journey but on the new Evo-Wide platform, to appear sometime in calendar year 2013.
Chrysler 300C / Lancia Thema sedan and wagon
The ‘new’ Chrysler 300C continues while the 300C’s sister for Europe revives memories of exotic big Lancias of the past and gives Lancia a flagship much better looking then the slow selling Thesis; parts of it were adapted back again in the 300C Luxury Edition. Other Lancia details.
In addition to the Lancia Thema sedan, some expect to see a EuroFriendly wagon...
2014 Chrysler 300C Imperial
Standing at the very top of the line, a fully restyled car launched as a production-intent concept, the Chrysler 300C Imperial represents an attempt to move the brand upwards with an extended wheelbase (for luxury car fleet operators) and brand new, Lancia-compatible styling.
Renderings which current events have made unlikely
Chrysler Java / Lancia Musa / Ypsilon
We had some rather nice renderings of the B-segment Chrysler car, created by Fiat, but it’s already been dropped, so it will not appear. The renderings appear for your enjoyment. The C-segment (compact) Chrysler are still being discussed.
Also see 2013 Dodge cars and Ram trucks