Dodge Dart, Chrysler 200 to go away under new FCA plan

2016 Chrysler 200 C and 2016 Dodge Dart Limited (Photo: A.J. Mueller, FCA US)

by Brent Snavely of www.freep.com

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne said today that the Dodge Dart and Chrysler 200 sedans will eventually be discontinued as the automaker refocuses its efforts on the production of its popular Jeep SUVs, Ram pickups and boosting its electric vehicle lineup.

Marchionne said the strategy is a response to market trends in the U.S. that include gas prices that have dropped to about $2 per gallon and a shift in buying patterns among Americans back to crossovers and trucks instead of cars.

The strategy also is designed to help the automaker boost production capacity for Ram and Jeep and suggests that the company will move the production of some of those models to other plants. Currently, the company cannot make enough Jeep Cherokees and Jeep Wranglers to meet demand and also struggles to make enough Ram pickups.

"We have decided to de-focus, from the manufacturing standpoint, to de-focus on the passenger car market. There are two cars in particular, the Dodge Dart and Chrysler 200, which will run their course," Marchionne said during a conference call with Wall Street analysts on Wednesday. "Without creating additional capacity, in the United States, we need to ... to try and deal with the development of both Jeep and the Ram brand."

The news is stunning, given the investments made to develop the Dart and the Chrysler 200. The automaker invested more than $1 billion to overhaul its Sterling Heights Assembly Plant to build an all-new Chrysler 200 midsize sedan that launched in 2014 and spent $600 million to launch the Dart compact car in 2012. To be fair, many of the improvements made at both plants help the automaker build any vehicle.

The Dart failed to meet sales expectations. It is among the larger compact cars on the market and is priced higher than competitors. Just over 87,000 were sold last year. The Chrysler 200 has been praised for its exterior styling and is viewed as a competitive car in its segment but has cramped rear seats.

Marchionne hinted that the Dart and Chrysler 200 could return to the market if FCA found another manufacturer willing to build the cars.

2016 Chrysler 200 C (Photo: A.J. Mueller FCA US)

"There will be a number of things that will be put in place in the next 18 months -- things that have been agreed and detailed, that will effectively withdraw the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Dart from the marketplace, for a long period of time, during which we will be continuing discussions with potential partners," Marchionne said.

The automaker now is aiming to sell more than 2 million Jeeps globally by 2018, an increase from its prior target of 1.9 million annual sales. FCA sold more than 1.2 million Jeep SUVs globally in 2015 -- the most in the history of the brand.

While the strategy will help FCA find additional capacity for its most popular vehicles, it also positions the company as largely a manufacturer of trucks and SUVs. Removing small cars from the lineup leaves FCA vulnerable to gas price increases in the future.

Marchionne said decisions have been made to help the company achieve the production capacity it needs for Ram and Jeep. A number of plans will be put in place over the next 18 months, but he but did not outline those plans.

The Chrysler 200 is made in Sterling Heights and the Dodge Dart is made in Belvidere, Ill. The Free Press, along with a number of other publications, have previously reported that the automaker plans to move production of its Ram pickup to Sterling Heights and move its Jeep Cherokee to Belvidere, Ill.  It also is expected that the Jeep Grand Wagoneer will be built at Warren Truck.

2016 Dodge Dart Blacktop (Photo: Douglas Schaible, FCA)

Marchionne did not confirm any of those moves today.

The automaker has said it will launch its next-generation Jeep Wrangler in 2017, and will make the Wrangler in Toledo in the plant where the Cherokee is currently made. The company has not said what vehicle it will produce in plant in Toledo where the Wrangler is currently made.

“I think the important thing for us to reinforce is the fact that the Wrangler, in its new home in Toledo, will have additional production capacity available to try and meet demand on a global scale, and I think it’s important for us to have found a home for the Grand Wagoneer family, both the Grand Wagoneer and the Wagoneer in whatever shape they come," Marchionne said.

There are also plans to add diesel and hybrid electric versions of the next-generation Jeep Wrangler when it goes on sale by 2018. The company also plans to offer "next-generation powertrains" on its next Ram pickup and produce a mild hybrid version of its Ram pickup.

Source;
http://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/chrysler/2016/01/27/fca-build-more-jeeps-rams-under-new-production-plan/79393200/

News From The Patent Office: Chrysler Registers "Rebel" Trademark

by Blake Nobel of www.ignitionist.kinja.com

This just in from the US Patent and Trademark Office: On April 16th, Chrysler Group LLC filed for a new trademark, "Rebel."

The patent filing states that the trademark is meant to be used on goods and services that include "motor vehicles, namely automobiles, trucks, vans, sport utility vehicles and structural parts therefor." In other words, Chrysler isn't just protecting an old asset it acquired in 1987 after purchasing American Motors, the last automaker to build a car in the US wearing the Rebel name. It seems they intend on using it in the near future.

How could Chrysler use its new trademark? Well, let's make a guess or two here. An imaginative but still likely possibility is that it could very well be the name of the rumored rear-drive Avenger replacement. It technically wouldn't be the first time Chrysler used the Rebel name on one of their cars (see the Australian Valiant Rebel above). A less optimistic guess would be that Chrysler might build a special edition of one its existing cars using the name (Dodge Charger Rebel does have an interesting ring to it).

Source;

http://ignitionist.kinja.com/news-from-the-patent-office-chrysler-registers-rebel-1570957218/+andrewpcollins

Autoblog: Consumer Reports says these are the worst new cars of 2014

2013 Dodge Avenger

by Brandon Turkus of www.autoblog.com

Consumer Reports has announced its annual list of worst vehicles, a cringe-inducing contrast to its list of top vehicles. Ignominiously leading the way in 2014 is Chrysler, which has a staggering seven models listed.

Jeep nearly sweeps the small SUV segment by itself, with its Compass, Patriot and 2.4-liter version of the new Cherokee, while the only midsize sedans listed by CR were the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger. The new Dodge Dart and the Dodge Journey round out CR's condemnation of Chrysler.

Ford is taking heat as well, with the Taurus, Edge and their counterparts from Lincoln all listed as the worst vehicles in their respective segments. Toyota doesn't fare much better, with its Lexus IS, Scion iQ and tC also making the list.

We do agree with CR on some of its listings, like the Smart ForTwo, Mitsubishi Lancer and Honda Crosstour. Some, though, are just baffling. In what way is a BMW 7 Series one of the worst luxury sedans on the market? We have the same question regarding the Lexus IS and the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. CR also saved some guff at the ancient Volvo XC90, a vehicle that despite its age, remains a competent and very safe luxury crossover.

We've got the full list of losers courtesy of TheDetroitBureau.com classified by segment below. Have a look at our gallery of besmirched autos above, and then head into Comments and let us know which picks you agree with, disagree with and which models you think should be added to the list.

UPDATE: A Chrysler spokesperson told Autoblog that Consumer Reports' Dodge Dart findings were based on time spent with a 2013 model year vehicle. Chrysler is currently working with CR to have them re-test a 2014 model year Dart.

Subcompact cars

• Smart ForTwo
• Scion iQ
• Chevrolet Spark

Compact cars

• Scion tC
• Mitsubishi Lancer
• Dodge Dart

Midsize sedans

• Chrysler 200/Dodge Avenger

Large sedans

• Ford Taurus

Luxury sedans

• Lexus IS
• Lincoln MKS
• BMW 7-Series

Wagons & minivans

• Honda Crosstour

Small SUVs

• Jeep Compass
• Jeep Patriot
• Jeep Cherokee with 2.4-liter engine
• Mitsubishi Outlander

Midsize & large SUVs

• Ford Edge
• Nissan Armada
• Dodge Journey

Luxury SUVs

• Volvo XC90
• Lincoln MKX
• Range Rover Evoque

Source;
http://www.autoblog.com/2014/02/27/consumer-reports-worst-cars-2014/

Dodge Durango Ron Burgundy Commercials

Funny man Will Ferrell is definitely putting in that work before the release of his new movie, Anchorman 2. His character, Ron Burgundy, has been cast by Dodge to do their commercials for the new Durango. The first set of commercials released were pretty funny and seemed to do well for the brand and its truck.

They’ve decided to shoot four more visuals for rotation into the commercial bank. The ads are basically Ron Burgundy at his best, misunderstanding and making a fool of himself when it comes to the cars. One of the ads is a sequel to the one of the first ads that were released. These aren’t the only ads we might see. It seems that Burgundy filmed over seventy ads for the brand so there may be many more to come.

Source;
http://stupiddope.com/2013/11/05/take-2-ron-burgandy-signs-on-for-four-more-dodge-durango-ads/

Out with the Jeep Liberty and return of the (2014) Jeep Cherokee

Bold. Not sure if they are going to be alienating their traditional core buyers....

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee (yes, you read that right) is back in Jeep’s U.S. lineup, serving as a replacement for the aging Liberty midsize SUV that featured far more off-roading capability than on-road fuel economy. The new Cherokee will make its world debut at the 2013 New York auto show at the end of March.

Before any midsize SUV customers hear about the 2014 Jeep Cherokee’s 45-percent improvement in fuel economy, the comments are bound to fly about its new exterior look. Like the Nissan Juke, the 2014 Cherokee has three sets of front lights, including one with LED daytime running lights. The seven-bar Jeep grille is prominently displayed, with a pulled-back look that’s far more modern than the Cherokee of yore — or Liberty for that matter — ever was.

The Jeep Liberty finished 2012 with sales of 75,483, ahead of the Patriot and Compass, but behind the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee. With far more competitive fuel economy and exterior styling that will get its driver noticed, the 2014 Jeep Cherokee might just have what it takes to become a more significant part of Jeep’s lineup. And those who complain the 2014 Cherokee isn’t as off-road ready as its predecessor can always buy a Wrangler or Grand Cherokee. Rumor has it that the new Cherokee will use a 3.2-liter version of the Pentastar V-6 and could possibly be one of the first Chrysler products to employ a ZF-sourced nine-speed automatic transmission.

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee will arrive at dealers in the third quarter of this year and be built at Jeep’s facility in Toledo, Ohio.

Source;

http://rumors.automobilemag.com/2014-jeep-cherokee-is-the-new-liberty-206747.html#axzz2LvBOJvKb

Details Surface: Chrysler Readying SRT Barracuda to Succeed Challenger

Not much about the 2013 Viper deviates from the formula that made the car famous—it has a monstrous V-10, rear-wheel drive, and a manual transmission, and it still looks ready for a 10-on-1 bar fight. Branding it not a Dodge but an SRT, however, has raised eyebrows. Giving that new brand heft is a ­second model: the 2015 SRT Barracuda, the Dodge Challenger’s replacement.

Unlike the Viper, it will be a dramatic departure. Chrysler’s LX platform (Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum and Charger) benefited from front and rear ­suspension setups derived from the Mercedes-Benz S- and E-class, respectively, but it’s huge for a pony car. Since the Challenger’s inception, the LX has evolved into the LY and gained weight in the process. Now that it’s part of Fiat, Dodge would like to export Challengers, but their mass and zaftig proportions limit overseas sales potential. With fuel economy a growing ­priority—not to mention four-cylinder versions of both the Mustang and Camaro on the horizon—Chrysler needed to slim down its offering. Fortunately, Fiat has been on the prowl for a rear-drive platform for use by Lancia, Alfa Romeo, and possibly Maserati. These factors motivated Chrysler to develop a new platform, and the Barracuda will be its first fruit.

Similar in size to the current Mustang, the Barracuda is expected to lose more than six inches from the Challenger’s wheelbase and close to eight in overall length. Rear track and overall width are forecast to shrink by a bit more than two inches. Weight will drop by between 250 and 300 pounds. The front suspension may move from control arms to a strut setup; the rear suspension will remain multilink, with new geometry.

Mindful of tightening CAFE requirements, power­train offerings will expand to include at least one ­variant of the new 2.4-liter Tigershark inline-four, possibly force-fed. While the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 is expected to get direct injection at about the time the ’Cuda arrives, CAFE more than market demand will determine whether a V-6 is offered. Expect the Hemi V-8 to carry on, with direct injection increasing power and efficiency. We hear it’s unlikely that both the 5.7- and 6.4-liter versions will be offered but hope Chrysler reverses its thinking there. Two Hemis would go a long way toward cementing the SRT brand’s authenticity.

Source;

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/2015-srt-barracuda-future-cars

NY Preview: SRT releases final teaser of new Viper

Below is a rendering of the Next Gen Viper....

By Mark Kleis
Chrysler’s SRT division has released its fourth and final teaser of its 2013 Viper, giving us our first look at the car’s overall shape. The 2013 SRT Viper will debut in just a few days at the NY auto show.

This latest teaser isn’t in high-resolution, but gives us a basic idea of what to expect when SRT finally pulls the sheet on the new Viper this week. From what we can see in the photo, the Viper will come with a far more sculpted body than the last version of the car.

Set to become the first vehicle marketed under the SRT banner, the 2013 Viper has been a long time coming. Its Dodge Viper predecessor has been out of production since mid-2010, but a fifth-generation snake will bring the nameplate back sans “Dodge” for the first time in its history.
Our illustration is based on information culled from a number of sources, one of which is rather unusual, to say the least. While information gleaned from insiders, including those few members of the public who have been allowed to see the car, and photos of cleverly disguised test mules form the basis of much of the illustration’s details, a leaked image of a Hot Wheels 1/64-scale toy car helped put the finishing touches on our rendering.

That Hot Wheels model made its way online last week when it was posted on a Viper forum.

We expect the Viper’s proportions to remain mostly unchanged, but its rear end is more aggressive and angular than the one seen on the last generation. As predicted by spy shots and previous reports, the car features a high-sculpted hood fitted with two big air vents.

Those vents will be needed as the SRT Viper is expected to arrive with an 8.7-liter V10 engine that will send over 600 horsepower to the rear wheels. Early rumors suggested the car would share some of its architecture with the voluptuous, if slightly un-engaging Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, but SRT chief Ralph Gilles has been quick to dispel those rumors by stating that “The new Viper is not based on anything else.”

As previously reported, Chrysler is reopening its Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit to build the Viper. The automaker has offered jobs to all 150 workers it once employed at the facility, which it uses exclusively to hand-build Vipers.

“The next generation Viper will make its return to the product lineup in late 2012 as a 2013 model,” said SRT Brand & Motorsports President/CEO Ralph Gilles in a statement released to the media. “We’re extremely excited that our ultimate American sports car will continue to live on and be produced exclusively here in the Motor City.”

Source;

http://www.leftlanenews.com/srt-viper.html

New Hotwheels Poster Reveals Next Gen Viper?

Source;

http://ripituc.blogspot.com/2012/02/hot-wheels-2012-poster.html

Dodge pulls the plug on the Caliber this coming November 2011

Last year's update to the Dodge Caliber, which saw the high-riding small car get a revised interior and little else, will likely be its last.

Reports have circulated for some time that a replacement for the small crossover is on the way, and according to Chrysler enthusiast website Allpar, dealers in the US have been advised to get final orders placed before November.

The report follows talk earlier this year of Chrysler and Fiat developing an Alfa Romeo Giulietta-based Caliber replacement, with a debut planned for January's Detroit Auto Show.

Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat and Chrysler, has previously confirmed that a new Dodge small car will be built on the Giulietta's underpinnings, known internally as the C-Evo platform.

“The new architecture, which debuted with the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, is the most advanced mass-produced car Fiat has ever had. At Chrysler, Dodge will use it first,” he said.

Marchionne's comments and the new reports are in line with the company's roadmap, pointing to a Fiat-based model replacing the current Dodge Caliber in 2012.

While little else is known, Marchionne promised the new model will deliver fuel consumption figures of around 5.5 to 6.0 l/100km - suggesting power will come from one of Fiat's smaller-capacity MultiAir engines.

The new model's styling remains shrouded, although concept art that surfaced online last year (above) offers a glimpse at what could be the sportiest compact car to wear a Dodge badge in a long time.

Source;
http://www.themotorreport.com.au/52365/dodge-caliber-retiring-in-november-report

Cult Motorsport's Custom Challenger SRT8 Looks Evil

Wow.... just when I thought the Challenger couldn't get any better looking....This Dodge Challenger built for Cult Energy drinks is set to debut in November at SEMA. Built with a one-off, hand-fabricated widebody kit, some Mopar forum fan-boys claim power output's in the 1000 horsepower range.

Source;
http://jalopnik.com/5671734/cult-motorsports-custom-challenger-srt8-looks-evil

Source for pic's, check it out, way more photo's; [Not Bland Photography]

2012 Dodge Durango/Magnum Revealed....via Twitter

This is for those interested....
Source (via autospies);
http://twitpic.com/27l91x

Dodge Could Get New MPV

Interesting....C'mon Honda, bring the Honda Stream to North America! Listen to what people are asking for!
In April, Fiat rolled out its latest strategy for the revival of the Chrysler Group and loosely outlined the products the automaker is expected to roll out over the next several years both in Europe and the U.S. One interesting tidbit in the presentation was the announcement of a new seven-seat multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) being developed for the U.S. market that is slated to roll into showrooms sometime in calendar year 2012.

The new MPV, which will reportedly be built on the Fiat Group C-compact platform, and is said to be positioned to do battle with the Mazda5 and Ford's coming Grand C-Max. While it's conceivable that the vehicle could be badged as both a Chrysler and a Dodge, a Dodge-branded vehicle makes more sense -- especially when considering the recent news that Fiat plans to fuse Chrysler and Lancia at the hip.

A Dodge MPV would also mean that Fiat could arguably take a more expressive approach to the vehicle. It's no secret that the Journey and Grand Caravan aren't exactly reflective of where Fiat wants to take Dodge, and a sport-themed MPV along the lines of what is depicted above could be just the ticket to help transition the brand away from its bland people-mover offerings.

It would also allow Dodge to go after younger buyers looking for a vehicle with a blend of practicality and efficiency on top of a sporty character. Any U.S.-market MPV would have to have flexible packaging and offer room for bicycles, snowboards and the like. We'd expect any small MPV to be powered by one of Fiat's efficient MultiAir engines. Of course at this point it's hard to say which brand will actually get the vehicle outlined in the plan, but the addition of the coming MPV to the Dodge stable certainly makes sense. We'll know more over the next year as the Fiat plan begins to take shape.

Source (via autoblog);
http://www.motortrend.com/future/future_vehicles/1006_dodge_could_get_new_mpv/index.html