The Chrysler-Dodge 2011 LX - LY Cars: Charger, 300, and Challenger

(See our new 2010 300C page)

While the LX were heavily influenced by Mercedes' E-Class design, Chrysler should have more latitude in building the LY. That means:

• Far better interiors (journalists praised early drafts)
• Lighter weights, perhaps
• Lower build costs
• Higher gas mileage

New versions of the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger will appear in calendar-year 2010, and will be made exclusively in Brampton, including models for sale in Europe. The revised Challenger may or may not lag the others. There has been no hint of a luxury version yet, but (speculation) it is possible that the 300 will be on a longer wheelbase than the Charger.

Compared with the current LX series, the next generation — currently also termed LX but previously tagged as LY — will be:

• Aerodynamics. Less boxy. Not back to the extreme cab forward, but enough to improve noise, fuel economy, and make the cars more elegant. Charger will have more “retro cues” like the Challenger.
• More fuel efficient.
  • Far better aerodynamics (Styling now reports to Engineering’s Frank Klegon)
  • Modified axle ratios
  • Pentastar engine — the 3.6 liter provides 280 hp with better mileage than the current 250 hp 3.5 liter — more quietly than the Toyota V6
  • More gears in the transmission (an eight-speed is being studied).
• Better interiors. The next generation of full-sizers will set the standard for the rest of the brands in the divisions.
• Comfort features. New entertainment systems and driver comfort options.
• Improve on all-around performance.

SRT-8s were expected to eventually use a production version of the 392 (6.4) Hemi with about 450-475 hp and MDS for better gas mileage. This appears to be in the works.

The LY was to be used as the basis for three Mercedes classes: E, CLS, and R (starting in 2010-2012). We don’t know that status of that deal.

The next generation Charger is expected to merge the styling of the current version with a more classic look from the famous 1968 Chargers, one of the most stylish vehicles ever built. Ralph Gilles is reportedly keeping the 300 fairly blocky and similar to the current version. One person who saw it said: “All the new cars look great except for the Charger. Everyone likes the rear of the car, the front is okay (too pointy for me), and no one cared for the sides.” (This was just one opinion.)

The Challenger convertible is on indefinite hold. The Imperial seems to be dead for the moment.

“Dodgeguy1961” reported the following engine list for the LY series. The diesel may or may not be sold in North America.

• 3.0 liter Phoenix V6 (possibly for export)
• 3.0 liter Mercedes turbodiesel V6 — same as current version
• 3.6 liter Phoenix V6 — we’d guess around 280 hp
• 5.7 liter Hemi MDS/VCT — we’d guess around 340-380 hp
• 6.4 liter Hemi (SRT) — we’d guess around 440-470 hp

Transmissions appear to be up in the air. We'd expect the diesel to have a Mercedes five-speed automatic, as it will in the Grand Cherokee. Dual clutch automatics probably won’t be ready in time.

Upcoming Cars

Dodge Challenger

2010 300C

2010 Charger

LX Series

LH Series

Hemi

Phoenix engine

Transmissions