Upcoming Chryslers, Dodges, and Jeeps
June 30: See the 2010 model year changes (in progress)
June 17 updates: Jeeps, HD Ram. Chrysler is waiting out 2010 with the future having Fiat production, the Pentastar engines, 200C, electric cars, and possibly a 6.4 liter SRT engine with cylinder shutoff. Recent disappointments include the loss of the planned automated-manual ("dual-clutch") transmissions and small Cummins diesels for Ram 1500.
Fiats based on Chryslers and Chryslers based on Fiats
An Alfa Romeo (the 159?) will definitely be based on the LX platform. Further details are not known — such as whether it would be Mopar or Fiat powered, whether it would use the shorter 200C/Challenger wheelbase, etc. Production is expected to be added to Bramalea, hopefully not displacing Challenger or 200C. Likewise, an Alfa will be based on the Grand Cherokee. Recent reports indicate that Fiat will be returning to North America primarily in Alfa Romeo guise, with just one model, the 500, showing up as a Fiat.
Chrysler will be using the same platform for its C (compact) and D (midsized) cars, and building them at the same plant; they may or may not switch to the Fiat platform but are very likely to incorporate Fiat engines (for four cylinders) and other components. The D car is likely to have a Pentastar V6 option. A and B cars will be designed by Fiat — most likely simply Fiats updated for American rules and regs — and built in the US or Mexico at existing plants. These may or may not be sold as Dodges.
For details, see the Chrysler-Fiat Alliance and Fiat cars pages.
Electric cars
Chrysler’s electric car history has largely been ignored but they did make the practical electric-powered early-1990s TEVan and EPIC minivans (some of which are still being driven). Starting in 2008, the company started showing electric prospects, including a Tesla-like Lotus Elise-based sports car, an electric Jeep, and an electric minivan. The idea is to have a single basic electric propulsion system design which will be adapted to numerous vehicles, slashing engineering and manufacturing costs. The Dodge Circuit roadster might be the first (and easiest) to be produced.
Engines and transmissions
Pentastar V6 engines (Phoenix)Engineered largely in the United States, the Pentastar V6 engines (née Phoenix) start in the 2011 model year with the Grand Cherokee. The engines have a modular base, making different sizes and applications easier. The Pentastar engines, hastily renamed from “Phoenix” due to a trademark issue, will have variable valve timing, and some will have direct injection. The 3.6 will pump out over 280 horsepower (we got it right). |
World Engine, direct injection, turbochargingAccording to Automotive News, Chrysler is set to start using smaller four-cylinder engines assisted by turbochargers to raise gas mileage; they are also expected to use direct injection on their four cylinders. Fiat engines are likely to be added to the mix; the World Engine may or may not survive 2012, but are likely to continue as long as the current Sebring/Avenger or Compass/Caliber/Patriot exist... which is likely to be until around 2012-2014. |
DieselsThe diesel Grand Cherokees - which outsell gas GCs in Canada - were to get a 4.2 liter Cummins V6 built in a new factory 2010, with the next generation (190 hp, over 400 lb-ft). This and a 5.0-liter Cummins V8 diesel were to be used in Dodge Ram pickups as well. The 4.2 liter Cummins V6 is said to have 190 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. Gas mileage with this engine in the Grand Cherokee is likely to be about 20 city, 25 highway, far better than the 4.7 V8 (14/18), with similar acceleration. This plan appears to be delayed due to low gas prices and low capital availability. The 2011 Grand Cherokee with Pentastar V6 was rated as higher mileage than the 2009 Grand Cherokee Diesel. |
Hybrids, electricsA Ram 1500 hybrid is still slated for calendar year 2009 (model year 2010). Like the Durango and Aspen hybrids, it will use an automatic transmission with motors, called the Two Mode Hybrid. Chrysler is also looking into mild hybrids that recapture energy from the brakes and shut off the engine when the car is stopped with seamless restarts; and pure electric cars (possibly with gas-or-diesel-generator range extenders) are now a “definite” in the sales plan. (Fiat has a start-and-stop system already.) |
Automatically operated manual transmission (dual-clutch)Chrysler will, hopefully, be using this new automatically operated, dual-clutch manual transmission someday, perhaps by merging its strengths with Fiat’s similar system. There were two versions we know of — a seven-speed, rear wheel drive version and a six-speed, front wheel drive version. The front drive version was announced as being for minivans but Journey already has it, in Europe. Ford plans to use a similar system in 2010 — pretty sad that Chrysler was ready in 2007. |
Normal automaticsThe expensive five-speed Mercedes automatic transmissions will continue to be used, apparently past 2011. 11/13/08: “Jim Press stated that the 4 speed is not long for this world and Chrysler is working with 3 suppliers at the moment for supplying new transmissions.” 12/22: Frank Klegon said a seven or eight speed transmission was being considered. Transmissions page. |
| Touch up paint | Alldata DIY: repair advice, service bulletins, and more | Mopar Action magazine | ||
Production cars
Dodge Avenger (Stratus), Chrysler SebringA team (“Project D”) worked on replacements for these cars, with more variants and more commonization with C-sized compacts. They can get a compact and mid-sized car using the same platform (a C and D), allowing flexible manufacturing and lower capital investment. The Avenger/Sebring platform might actually be retained in favor of Fiat platforms, but with different styling, mechanicals, and names. |
Dodge Challenger, 200C, Imperial, Charger, 300The stunning Chrysler 200C was approved, to be built on the LX line, but the presence of an Alfa Romeo based on the LX might set it back or delete it entirely. Imperial is set for 2015. The 2010 Dodge Charger is expected to bring back a little more of the classic look from the famous 1968 Chargers, one of the most stylish vehicles ever built. Ralph Gilles is keeping the 2010 Chrysler 300 similar but with greatly improved aerodynamics. The Hemi is to continue. The Challenger convertible is on hold and may be sacrificed for the 200C. An Alfa Romeo will be built on the same platform, at the same plant. |
Dodge Viper /
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New small cars and China carsWe heard in May that Belvidere Stamping was working on building dies for an undefined Nissan — which we hear will be built at Sterling Heights, home of the Sebring and Avenger. That might be a mistake since Nissan will be selling a version of the Ram, or it might be the long-awaited Cube derivative, to be sold until Fiats are ready. Or not. Dodge is selling a restyled Versa in South America; this may be replaced or dropped when the Nissan contract expires. The Fiat 500 group of vehicles (four body styles) will be made in North America and sold in the U.S. in 2011 or so, as Fiats. Chrysler has deals with Nissan (building their pickups), Volkswagen (Routan minivan), Mercedes (sharing the Grand Cherokee), and Fiat (which owns the Tritec engine factory and 20% of Chrysler Group). Fiat engines will be available to Chrysler. 11/13/08: “Because of the onslaught of requests by the CAB to bring back the Neon, Jim Press drove one that someone provided him. He was very impressed. He wants to bring back a Neon sized sedan. There is no money in the kitty for such a project.” 2/6/09: One source is saying that a sedan based closely on the Mitsu Lancer will be built starting in December 2009, replacing the Dodge Caliber. This is still possible albeit unlikely. |
Trucks and SUVs |
Dodge RamThe 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 and the 2010 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 have been introduced; the heavy-duty Ram pickups are due in Ocotber 2009, with a Cummins that uses no urea. oh20 wrote: “Dodge is currently working on a plan that would make the 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs available to all Dodge dealers” (not just those certified for fleet sales). The improvements to the diesel Rams come just in time as Toyota is planning a one-ton, HD Toyota Tundra with an Isuzu-based engine. The hybrid Ram has been pushed back to fourth-quarter 2010. New Class 4 and Class 5 chassis cabs will start production in March 2010 as 2011 models. |
Jeep Wrangler,
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Grand Cherokee
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Jeep Liberty
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Patriot and CompassNo diesels for the Patriot and Compass; but electric power for Patriot by 2013. 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. |
Dodge DakotaThe Dakota will reportedly be resurrected as a smaller, lighter pickup with a coil suspension; recent reports suggest it will be “car based,” which would likely point to moving to the LX chassis (Charger, Challenger, 300C) though it could be adapted from the Liberty or Grand Cherokee, too. Regardless, it will, as we reported in 2007, become more of a “lifestyle vehicle.” |
Dodge Durango, Chrysler AspenThe Durango will be a reskinned, retuned, possibly extended-wheelbase version of the 2011 Grand Cherokee; the truck-based Durango’s factory in Newark, Delaware closed in 2008. 2012 Dodge Durango details. Durango will be WD (2011 1/2) and Grand Cherokee, WK. Launch expected for late 2010. |
Minivans, Vans, and Crossovers |
Caravan, Town & Country2009 models. For 2011 models: Pentastar 3.6 liter V6 (280 horsepower), active head restraints, and more. No clue as to when the much-needed redesign will arrive, but it will probably need to wait for a good supply of Pentastar engines. |
Dodge Journey, JC49The Dodge Journey was to be part of Chrysler’s serious entry into Europe; it wasn’t even noticed by Eurobuyers. The Chrysler version is dead. 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. Expect to see the number of model options slashed. |
Chrysler PT CruiserThe PT will be discontinued in calendar year 2010. Given its unique electrical architecture and engine, the PT shares few parts with other Chrysler vehicles; otherwise the company could slap in the old seats, change the instrument panel back to the original layout, put on the original lower front fascia, put in a lightly turbocharged World Engine, and call it the third generation, at least until new safety standards caught up to it. PT Cruisers. |
SprinterThe Mercedes vans, built in Germany and assembled from knockdown kits in South Carolina, will reportedly be dropped in favor of Fiat’s commercial vans. This should result in easier parts and service, and lower pricing. |
Styling
Exterior stylist Greg Howell: “Exterior wise, you’ll see more emotional surfacing on our cars, as well as a lot more bright work like you see on the ecoVoyager.”
Tyonek Stump: “The iPod has been a really big influence on automotive interiors. Think about an iPod or a Mac. It's supposed to be easy to understand. All the complexities are embedded. ... Overall, what you have in the interior is visually free of clutter yet packed with technology beneath the surface.”
2/17/09: The Restructuring Plan includes large images of the upcoming Grand Cherokee and 300C, and the following chart:
