Recently, a respected magazine ran a caption suggesting that the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger might move to the Pacifica platform.

The idea is likely based on Sergio Marchionne’s comment that the Pacifica could, (not would), spawn a full-sized car.

sergio-marchionne

Most likely, this would be a Chrysler. Not necessarily one carrying the 300 name — Concorde, Vision, and Intrepid would all be applicable (along with LHS and 300M) — but a Chrysler nonetheless. That is the brand it would fit best in today’s world.

Dodge seems to be moving towards being a rear wheel drive brand, and a new FCA platform-architecture for Dodge and Alfa Romeo promises replacements for the front-drive Journey and Dart. We fully expect that the Charger and Challenger will stay rear wheel drive — even if fuel prices rise.


But if Chrysler stays with a full size car, it could use a modified Pacifica chassis. It would be a niche vehicle, to a degree, and could likely be made right at the huge Windsor plant.  This would give access to a different market from the sporty Dodge crowd.

There are always alternatives; Maserati is still developing an LX-based setup, which could bounce back to Chrysler, and both American brands could use derivatives of the G platform. Still, a return to big front wheel drive Chryslers has been predicted for years, and there may be fire under the smoke — for Chrysler. For Dodge, expect to see more smoke from the rear tires.