A small addition to the Dodge Charger

I own three chargers, a 1972, a 1974, and a 2006. While I like the 2006, my main gripe is not the 4-door aspect, but the front end. I’ve attached a bit of a concept (I design for film and television) that I would love to see if others feel the same way about. Judging by the reaction to the new Mustang and the upcoming Camaro, I really wish Chrysler would recondition the front end to be more of a throwback to that most loved feature, the grille “maw” and hidden headlights. While it may not be as aerodynamic, I’m sure enthusiasm would skyrocket with just this bold decision. It would be worth it if all of those tuner body kit guys would set about looking at making a throwback kit like this, in between the umpteenth 1995 Civic add-on.

There is no mistaking, that grille says Charger. Let me know what you think.

My armchair CEO thought for the day

Here is my armchair CEO thought for DCX.

• GM and DCX will have hybrids for their trucks.  They should do this to promote the gas-mileage of their big trucks.  They should then take the Toyota approach and attach their hybrid technology to their smaller car line up, Caliber, Hornet, PT, Compass, and Patriot.  If it is just a PR stunt, as opposed to Diesels, DCX should heavily invest in this technology.

• Chrysler should get the Firepower ala Aston Martin.  A classic sports tourer with maximum refinement with a softer suspension. 
• The Dodge Viper would up the ante with power and torque.  The American benchmark for a sports car.
• The Dodge Challenger.  Bring back the American muscle car.  Big engine with maximum power at a reasonable price point.

• Chrysler Sebring Convertible hard top.  If Chrysler is going to move up the luxury scale then this would be a move.
• Should continue producing Viper and PT verts along with a convertible version of the Firepower. 
• I would also give Dodge some convertibles.  Since the Sebring would have a hard top, I would give the Avenger a soft top version for the fleets and for a more reasonable price.  I would also add a convertible version of the Caliber.  The Caliber is the type of car just itching for a vert version. 
• I would also add a Challenger convertible.

• Dodge should really have a Suburban fighter.  If the markets for these types of vehicles remain at a quarter of a million units, does could play in this arena.  This vehicle could be based off of the Ram or stretched Durango platform.  At least the SUV could help spread around the costs for the Durango. 

• Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, and Jeep Commander.  I would stretch the Commanders platform even more to make sure that adults could truly site in the second row and make the third row a real third row. 

• Jeep Grand Cherokee would have larger cabin room for second row passengers. 
• Shorted Durango platform or make use of the Grand Cherokee platform to bring back the Dodge Ramcharger.  Ever since the Chevy Blazer went off of the market, there is no more two door SUVs. 
• 4 door Wrangler which would be called the Rescue

• Dodge Nitro, Jeep Liberty with a more masculine look to it. 
• Chrysler version of the Liberty.  As gas prices being to work their way up, this particular segment will become more popular.  An upscale version will spread costs and bring more cliental to the brand.
• 2 door Wrangler

• Right now we have the PT, Caliber, Compass, and Patriot. 
• I would add an additional crossover to the Chrysler brand to complete with the Lexus RX and soon to be Lincoln MKX.  Possibly built off of the new Sebring/Avenger platform
• The Pacifica fits nicely into the upscale minivan market. For people who don’t want a minivan but don’t want the gas milage of an SUV.

• The ME412 would have helped produce a halo effect for Chrysler saying that Chrysler wants to make inroads in the Luxury department.  Since the ME412 will never get produced, the Imperial will definitely fit the bill.  If it could be produced to even break-even the halo effect from the Imperial would help the brand charge more for other vehicles in the line up.

• Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum and Charger.  All rwd vehicles.  I would take the 2.7L out of the line up as soon as the new Avenger and Sebring hit the market.  I would possible keep the 2.7L in the Magnum to help prop up its sales.

• The new Avenger and Sebring will definitely keep the sales coming in.
• Coupe versions of each of the cars would soon follow.

• Dodge should really find a partner ASAP to build the masculine looking Hornet.  Style is defiantly missing in this particular category of cars, something this Hornet has.
• I would also add a PT roadster coupe.  How hot was that SEMA car that was shown a couple of years ago.

• Full Size trucks: Ram 1500 to 5500
• Mid Size trucks: Dodge Dakota and Jeep Gladiator based off of the Dakota or Rescue.
• Compact trucks: A Nitro based truck ala M80 and a Jeep Scramble based off of the Wrangler.

• Chrysler Town and Country and the Dodge Caravan in short and long base vehicles.

Any thoughts? Additions or Subtractions? Any thoughts for name of these new vehicles?

Time for the Rampage

Our Chicago Auto Show correspondent and father of stratusphere.net discovered a brand new concept car, the Dodge Rampage, on the show floor. It appears to be a new pickup truck, though it’s clearly “just a concept” with over-the-top interior details and such. We have been told that it is not based on an existing carline but is unique, and is probably a “what-if” study more than a prototype or shape of definite things to come. See photos at http://www.allpar.com/cars/concepts/dodge/rampage.html.

We expect that Dodge will release much more information about the Rampage when it is officially announced. For the moment, stratuscaster’s spy shots provide a clear look at what’s comign next.