The Chrysler-Dodge LY Cars: Charger, 300, and New Yorker (?)

The LY cars will be an interesting blend; while the LX were heavily influenced by Mercedes' E-Class design, Chrysler should have more latitude in building the LY. That may result in wider variation of models (given Chrysler's increasingly flexible factories), lower weight and cost, and, perhaps, more friendly interiors.

New versions of the Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum, and Dodge Charger will appear in 2010, and will be made exclusively in Brampton, including models for sale in Europe, which are now made in Graz, Austria by Magna Corp.

“redriderBob” wrote in June 2007: “Designers have been heavily involved with coming up with a proposal on an entirely new generation of LX cars, since last week. .... Several other problems look to be facing the LX cars, such as the adjustments of fuel economy standards on the cars. Chrysler Group has had some big success with the LX platform cars, and are looking to keep that steam in the future with the next generation of cars [with]...

• Aerodynamics. Less boxy. Not back to the extreme cab forward, but enough to improve noise, fuel economy, and make the cars more elegant.
• More fuel efficient. Improved MDS (Multiple Displacement System), as well as MDS on V6 engines. 6-speed automatic transmissions maybe stick their heads out of the woodwork. [Editor’s note: these may or may not be from Mercedes.]
• Interior plastics. Chrysler has hit rock bottom with this. The next generation of full-sizers will set the standard for the rest of the brands in the divisions.
• Comfort features. Features such as new entertainment systems, as well as revamped driver comfort options.
• Improve on all-around performance.”

The new, improved Hemis with greater power and gas mileage should be used.

“Dodgeguy1961” reported the following engine list for the LY series. The Hemi with variable valve technology is new, but not surprising. The diesel may or may not be sold in North America. Not on the list, for whatever reason, are the Phoenix engines due to show up at about the same time as the LY.

• 2.7 liter DOHC V6
• 3.0 liter V6 — according to “carldfor” and “atwork,” a destroked 3.3 for China, where there is a heavy tax for engines over 3.0L. Prototypes were run in January.
• 3.0 liter Mercedes turbodiesel V6
• 3.5 liter high-output 24-valve V6 (currently at about 250 hp)
• 4.0 liter V6
• 5.7 liter Hemi MDS
• 5.7 liter Hemi VVT (variable valve technology)
• 6.1 liter Hemi

The Phoenix V6 lineup will not reach production for some time (likely not until MY 2010 or 2011) even though we understand prototypes are already being tested.

In the meantime, two LX variants which may incorporate LY features or changes are the Dodge Challenger, which may be called an LC, and the Imperial, which will most likely show up as the Chrysler New Yorker, a simple extended wheelbase (by three inches) variant of the LX series.

Rumors

General Rumors Page

Information

Dodge Challenger

Imperial/New Yorker

LX Series

LH Series

Components

Hemi

3.5 and 2.7 V6

Transmissions

4.0 V6