Future Product for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge

[XDCX]

If there's one thing that almost everyone in the car business can agree upon, it's that nothing revitalizes a franchise like a few hot products.

With that said, what does Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge have planned for the near future?

Model Year: 2009

• New Dodge Ram Pick-up
• New Dodge Journey
• New Dodge Challenger

Model Year: 2010

• New Jeep Grand Cherokee

Model Year: 2011

• Restyled Chrysler 300
• Possible Chery Car - Small Vehicle imported from China

I read a comment from a Dealer Principal that attended one of the Business Center Meetings that he was more concerned about future product than he was about Project Genesis. He indicated that he couldn't remember a time when there was less clarity about which vehicles were in the pipeline.

As a Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge Dealer, what are your thoughts? Are there any vehicles missing from the list?

[XDCX]

When the Dodge Demon was first released there was a great deal of interest among the SRT4 community that they were going to get their wish - a small two-seat, rear wheel drive car with the potent 2.4 Turbocharged engine.

There was a great deal of disappointment when Chrysler's Management indicated that if the Demon were to be built, it would be a front wheel drive car most likely manufactured by Chery.

Now, even the Chery deal isn't 100% certain.

Do you think the Demon will ever make it to a Dodge Showroom? Or will it get the "ax" like the Chrysler Imperial?

[SHACOS]

Ooo..the Imperial. Now that was a nasty vehicle. I doubt the Demon will make the showroom simply because it's too nice of a vehicle for Chrysler to sell. But maybe with the new ownership....who knows.

[XDCX]

Originally Posted by SHACOS

Ooo..the Imperial. Now that was a nasty vehicle. I doubt the Demon will make the showroom simply because it's too nice of a vehicle for Chrysler to sell. But maybe with the new ownership....who knows.

Although I was never a fan of the Chrysler Imperial Concept vehicle I do think that the brand needs a "Halo" vehicle.

Given that the replacement for the Chrysler 300 isn't due until 2011 that seems like a long time to wait for a car that might generate some excitement on the Showroom Floor.

[XDCX]

It seems that there has been increasing speculation that Dodge will offer a 2.8 Liter V-6 Cummins Turbo Diesel in the Ram 1500. Timing is uncertain.

There's also speculation that Mitsubishi will share their Evo with the Dodge brand within the next two years. Given how poorly the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring have performed in the marketplace, I wonder if Cerberus might be interesting in killing off the platform and rebranding the Mitsubishi cars?

[XDCX]

There has been discussion that Chrysler will use a Hybrid Transmission to improve the fuel economy of the Aspen, Durango, Ram and Grand Cherokee.

The Hybrid feature is rumored to increase MPG to 22 - 25 for city driving.

The launch date has been pushed back until late 2009.

[XDCX]

According to the Allpar.com website, Dodge plans to introduce an Ambulance Package for the 2009 Ram 4500 and 5500.

The package increases the GVW of the truck and upgrades the brakes for better stopping power and increased service life.

For the Dodge Dealers that have aggressive Fleet Departments, now may be the time to go out and start forming relationships with the Ambulance Upfitters in your area. Not only would this be "plus business" for your Sales Department, it could provide a long term benefit for your Service and Parts Departments as well.

Here's a link to the Allpar.com article: http://www.allpar.com/news/index.php?prevnext=16

[XDCX]

It's been widely reported that Dodge will offer a Diesel engine in the Ram 1500 in the near future. Details about the engine have been sketchy.

There's a report that indicates that Cummins has developed a 4.2 Liter V-6 and a 5.6 Liter V-8 that will be available for use in the Dodge Ram and the Dodge Durango.

The report stated that the Durango experienced a 44% increase in MPG and the Ram increased by 49%. With fuel headed to $4/gallon, a Ram/Cummins 1500 would be a great vehicle to add to the line-up.

Here's a link to the website report: http://www.dieselpowermag.com/tech/d..._v8/index.html

[jayhawk]

if theyn choose to do a front wheel drive demon theyre wastin g their time. its either rear wheel drive or nothing. the car would never be taken seriously.

[XDCX]

Originally Posted by tim777

if theyn choose to do a front wheel drive demon theyre wastin g their time. its either rear wheel drive or nothing. the car would never be taken seriously.

I agree with you, but it appears that the RWD dream is dead.

At one time it appeared that Chery would likely build a FWD version of the Demon but now that deal seems to be dead or delayed.

With Nissan taking the lead on small car development it will be interesting to see what Chrysler comes up with and which franchise they decide to support.

Thanks for the post.