Chrysler News: Chrysler Reveals Future Plans, Avenger To Live On

[William Maley]

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

January 24, 2012

Chrysler/Fiat has some big plans coming up within the next few years. Starting in 2013, Chrysler will introduce new midsize sedans to replace the 200 and Dodge Avenger. The new sedans will be based on the Dodge Dart's platform.

Following along will be the replacements for the Jeep Compass and Liberty, which will also be based on the Dart's platform. Despite using a compact car architecture, Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne said,

”It’s going to be a trail-rated, full-blooded Jeep that has its origins in the architecture of a sports car.”

Chrysler is also considering a premium compact hatchback in the mix, known for now as the “Chrysler 100." If the vehicle is approved, it will be exported to Europe to be sold as a Lancia.

Those who have been waiting for Alfa Romeo to make a comeback will only have to wait till 2013 (we hope).

“There will be plants making Alfas in the United States and Europe,” Marchionne said. “I need to export to Europe from the U.S. The volumes I get here are how I reintroduce Alfa to Europe.”

The expectations for Alfa Romeo are very high. A 1.8L engine producing an eye-watering 300 HP is currently in the works.

"We had to make sure they were lightweight, fast cars with Alfa powertrains," Marchionne said.

Source: USA Today

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[ocnblu]

Interesting plans so far. I am of course skeptical of the Jeeps. It seems all the clamoring for the Liberty to return to its solid axle, Cherokee roots has been for naught.

I've been happy with what I've seen of the Dart so far, so maybe hand-wringing is not called for here. I hope he can deliver.

[Blake Noble]

Interesting. Chrysler and Marchionne might be getting cold feet about cutting the Avenger and Caravan loose. It won't be much longer before we know what course of action they've actually decided on, though.

Interesting plans so far. I am of course skeptical of the Jeeps. It seems all the clamoring for the Liberty to return to its solid axle, Cherokee roots has been for naught.

For the time being, sadly. The Wrangler is the only true, industrial-strength Jeep left and they ain't pricing them cheap these days.

The next-generation Patriot and Liberty are interesting, though. While the Liberty will grow softer, the Patriot will get a little tougher. The Patriot will keep much of the XJ-influenced styling of the current model and grow a little more capable of handling slightly difficult trails. The Liberty ... well, it'll be very different from the current model (imagine a better thought-out and bigger Compass). I think Marchionne is aiming for it to be a bargain basement Grand Cherokee.

The CUSW platform (that includes CUSW Plus by extention) that's under the Dart and these upcoming cars is an interesting plaform. From what I understand, it's a fairly modular platform not terribly unlike the old LH platform. I do wonder what that could mean for the Patriot and Liberty.

I've been happy with what I've seen of the Dart so far, so maybe hand-wringing is not called for here. I hope he can deliver.

Hmmmmm ...

[Intrepidation]

Makes sense to keep the Avenger around. Avenger can compete with the likes of the Fusion/Malibu/Sonata and the 200 can go after the ES/LaCrosse group.

As far as the Jeeps go, we'll see. Marchionne has yet to disappoint though.

[G. David Felt]

Wait and see attitude is the proper course to follow right now.

[Drew Dowdell]

I think killing the Avenger would be a bad move. It is what Dodge needs to combat the Fusion and Sonata. The 200 should aim for the Regal/Verano, TSX, and more distantly the coming A3 Sedan.

[Drew Dowdell]

My impression is the LX will lose some bulk in the next generation, so that could put it more in line with the Lacrosse and ES. It also plays in that price class a bit better than a 200 based car would. Though, I also believe the 300 is a strong player (in hardware if not in sales) in that market already.

[Robert Hall]

My impression is the LX will lose some bulk in the next generation, so that could put it more in line with the Lacrosse and ES. It also plays in that price class a bit better than a 200 based car would. Though, I also believe the 300 is a strong player (in hardware if not in sales) in that market already.

I just hope they don't lame out and go to a FWD platform for the next LX.

[Drew Dowdell]

I believe there is no chance of that. But it is being made to be more flexible downward in size so that it can be used more readily in Europe under other brands.

[smk4565]

The Avenger and 200 are such terrible cars, but I suppose Avis and Enterprise will keep buying them. But Dodge does need something in bewteen the Dart and Charger. To me Chrysler and Dodge are still tremendous overlap, I am surprised that company turns profit.

[Blake Noble]

The Avenger and 200 are such terrible cars, but I suppose Avis and Enterprise will keep buying them. But Dodge does need something in bewteen the Dart and Charger. To me Chrysler and Dodge are still tremendous overlap, I am surprised that company turns profit.

Isn't there an S-Class somewhere you should be dry humping?

[riviera74]

The Avenger and 200 are such terrible cars, but I suppose Avis and Enterprise will keep buying them. But Dodge does need something in bewteen the Dart and Charger. To me Chrysler and Dodge are still tremendous overlap, I am surprised that company turns profit.

I agree on the overlap. Chrysler and Dodge need to be very well differentiated for either of them to compete in the marketplace. Dodge could stand to move downmarket some and Chrysler must move upmarket and soon. Otherwise, what is the point of either one other than the 300/Charger and the minivans?

[daves87rs]

Maybe it's just me, but why would they keep all these models? Alfa is still coming as well?

Less models mean more money into making better products.

Follow the damn plan and screw the haters....they are going to piss off someone regardless. They just need to make sure the job is not done half ass...

[ocnblu]

Chrysler should remain luxury to high end sport luxury (300C SRT-8 ). Dodge should remain low priced to sporty. 200 Super S (thanks for asking!) doesn't fit Chrysler's raison d'etre, imo.

Edited January 26, 2012 by ocnblu