Chrysler-Fiat: We Predict The 2012 Lineup
Chrysler-Fiat: We Predict The 2012 Lineup
By 
Marty PadgettMarty Padgett May 11th, 2009
It's official--Chrysler has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Now the long task of sorting out the good from the bad at the storied automaker, with the added task of joining hand in hand with Italy's Fiat Group to build a new Chrysler with a new range of small cars.
You might have questions about shopping for a new Chrysler today, and those are easy to answer. Yes, you're safe to buy--the government says it's going to back your warranty. Yes, Chrysler will be here in its current form for a while; Chapter 11 doesn't mean it will be going away overnight, though your local dealer may be having trouble sleeping at night as the company figures out which showrooms must close. The time is right to bargain hard for a new Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep, with every expectation you'll get service and parts when needed.
But what does the future hold? By early 2011, the vehicle lineup at Chrysler will be dramatically different. If all goes as planned, the hallmark moneymakers at Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep will be joined by new small cars engineered by Fiat and built in the U.S. or abroad. Among them: sporty hatchbacks, cute city cars and maybe a convertible or two. A few models on the bubble may survive, too, though their future's a little more hazy.
The 2012 Chrysler lineup will be very familiar in some ways, and completely new in others. TheCarConnection predicts Chrysler's future lineup will look like this:
The Survivors
Jeep Grand Cherokee: The new version shown above just broke cover at the New York auto show. It's a new crossover body spun from Mercedes' M-Class, Chrysler says. The handsome shape is backed by a new V-6 engine and a very high-quality interior that surprised auto show attendees. It's a core product for Jeep and for Chrysler.
Jeep Wrangler: Another essential for the Jeep lineup, the Wrangler's made the historic transition from military use to personality piece better than, say, the HUMMER H2. It's available in different body styles, and it's an anchor for the brand in the same way the Mustang is a Ford hallmark.
Chrysler 200C: This new Chrysler sedan emerged earlier this year at the Detroit auto show, with even skeptics agreeing on its shape while they wondered if Chrysler could build it. With Fiat's help, this vehicle could well take form as a replacement for today's forgettable Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring twins.
Chrysler 300: The big rear-drive sedans from Chrysler have buffed its image and its flair for retro-modern styling. The 2011 Chrysler 300C has been shown in the company's official filings for government loans, so we suspect it's going to carry the Chrysler brand forward as planned, as the company's flagship model.
Dodge Ram: Big trucks may become a thing of the past in a 35-mpg world, but the Dodge Ram is a moneymaker, a crowd pleaser and a critical success. The latest version has one of the best truck interiors, one of the best towing setups, and it's guaranteed to stay in the lineup until the Feds pry it from Chrysler's cold, dead hands, to borrow a phrase.
Dodge Grand Caravan: Chrysler's minivans are still the best sellers in their class--and though it's likely the Chrysler Town & Country may survive as well, the Grand Caravan is the focus for the new Chrysler. Expect updated versions with new drivetrains and a much better interior as soon as Chrysler can afford them.
The Newcomers
2011 Jeep Grand CherokeeEnlarge Photo
It's official--Chrysler has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Now the long task of sorting out the good from the bad at the storied automaker, with the added task of joining hand in hand with Italy's Fiat Group to build a new Chrysler with a new range of small cars.
You might have questions about shopping for a new Chrysler today, and those are easy to answer. Yes, you're safe to buy--the government says it's going to back your warranty. Yes, Chrysler will be here in its current form for a while; Chapter 11 doesn't mean it will be going away overnight, though your local dealer may be having trouble sleeping at night as the company figures out which showrooms must close. The time is right to bargain hard for a new Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep, with every expectation you'll get service and parts when needed.
But what does the future hold? By early 2011, the vehicle lineup at Chrysler will be dramatically different. If all goes as planned, the hallmark moneymakers at Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep will be joined by new small cars engineered by Fiat and built in the U.S. or abroad. Among them: sporty hatchbacks, cute city cars and maybe a convertible or two. A few models on the bubble may survive, too, though their future's a little more hazy.
The 2012 Chrysler lineup will be very familiar in some ways, and completely new in others. TheCarConnection predicts Chrysler's future lineup will look like this:
The Survivors
Jeep Grand Cherokee: The new version shown above just broke cover at the New York auto show. It's a new crossover body spun from Mercedes' M-Class, Chrysler says. The handsome shape is backed by a new V-6 engine and a very high-quality interior that surprised auto show attendees. It's a core product for Jeep and for Chrysler.
2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited XEnlarge Photo
Jeep Wrangler: Another essential for the Jeep lineup, the Wrangler's made the historic transition from military use to personality piece better than, say, the HUMMER H2. It's available in different body styles, and it's an anchor for the brand in the same way the Mustang is a Ford hallmark.
2009 Chrysler 200C ConceptEnlarge Photo
Chrysler 200C: This new Chrysler sedan emerged earlier this year at the Detroit auto show, with even skeptics agreeing on its shape while they wondered if Chrysler could build it. With Fiat's help, this vehicle could well take form as a replacement for today's forgettable Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring twins.
2011 Chrysler 300Enlarge Photo
Chrysler 300: The big rear-drive sedans from Chrysler have buffed its image and its flair for retro-modern styling. The 2011 Chrysler 300C has been shown in the company's official filings for government loans, so we suspect it's going to carry the Chrysler brand forward as planned, as the company's flagship model.
2009 Dodge RamEnlarge Photo
Dodge Ram: Big trucks may become a thing of the past in a 35-mpg world, but the Dodge Ram is a moneymaker, a crowd pleaser and a critical success. The latest version has one of the best truck interiors, one of the best towing setups, and it's guaranteed to stay in the lineup until the Feds pry it from Chrysler's cold, dead hands, to borrow a phrase.
2009 Dodge Grand CaravanEnlarge Photo
Dodge Grand Caravan: Chrysler's minivans are still the best sellers in their class--and though it's likely the Chrysler Town & Country may survive as well, the Grand Caravan is the focus for the new Chrysler. Expect updated versions with new drivetrains and a much better interior as soon as Chrysler can afford them.
The Newcomers
2008 Fiat 500Enlarge Photo
Fiat 500 and 500C: Fiat's charming city cars have been a constant presence in Chrysler's latest media push. It's a sure bet to see the 500 and 500C very soon, as the company seeks to steal shoppers from the MINI Cooper. Added bonus: the fuel-miser 500 is sure to help out Chrysler's push for better fuel economy.
Fiat Grande PuntoEnlarge Photo
Fiat Grande Punto: Dodge needs hatchbacks to fill out the void left behind by the Neon, and hopefully, the Caliber. The Grande Punto could be that vehicle--a sleek front-driver with a range of four-cylinder engines and even a sporty turbocharged version. It's also due for a full replacement as a 2010 model, as the latest Punto spy shots indicate. Chrysler has said it would design new bodies for some Fiats, and we think this is a prime candidate to get new sheetmetal and to take the Caliber's place at the small-car plate.
Fiat PandaEnlarge Photo
Fiat Panda: Jeep's Compass and Patriot may have seen their best days, but a small Jeep makes a lot of sense in a high-fuel-economy world. So, how about a Jeep version of the Fiat Panda? Fiat's CEO, Sergio Marchionne, may have let it slip when he referred to the Panda as a Jeep. In any sense, it makes perfect sense, especially given its 40-mpg capability.
Alfa Romeo MiTo GTAEnlarge Photo
Alfa Romeo MiTo: Dodge may or may not be getting that Lotus-based Circuit roadster promised last fall as its first electric vehicle. What to slip in its place--especially since the Viper appears doomed? An Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA is a good first step. A turbocharged four-cylinder with 240 horsepower sounds like a great compact coupe, even if it gets Dodge crosshairs instead of the evocative Alfa grille.
Alfa Romeo 149Enlarge Photo
Alfa Romeo 149: Chrysler needs fresh material, too. The Alfa Romeo 149 has been all but confirmed as a new vehicle for the new Chrysler--and it's completely new this fall, as a 2010 model to be unveiled at the Frankfurt auto show. A four-door version has been discussed with Chrysler dealers, though it's possible a hatchback could be sold in the U.S. too.
On The Bubble
2009 Dodge Charger SEEnlarge Photo
Dodge Charger: Does Chrysler need two rear-drive sedans? While the company's shown the Feds its 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan, no mention of the Charger has been made. Is it still there--0r is it like the Mercury Sable, out in the wilderness while the new Taurus shows up this summer?
2009 dodge challenger se rallyeEnlarge Photo
Dodge Challenger: It might last a few more years as Chrysler makes the transition to a small-car company. Clearly, though, Chrysler's days as a musclecar maker are on the wane. Again. Didn't we do this in 1973?
2009 Jeep Liberty SportEnlarge Photo
Jeep Liberty: The size and scope of Jeep remains a hot topic at Chrysler and Fiat, we can only assume. Is a Jeep lineup of Panda, Wrangler and Grand Cherokee enough? Probably. The Liberty might just join the Dodge Nitro on the scrapheap as a result.
Dodge crossover: Chrysler's killed off the Aspen SUV and the 2009 Dodge Journey doesn't seem destined for a long life. A bigger, seven-passenger version of the new Grand Cherokee under a Dodge badge is a 50-50 bet.
Tags: Fiat, Chrysler, Dodge
Posted in: 2011, Jeep, Dodge, Sedans, Pickups, SUVs / Wagons, 2 Doors, Green, Coupes, Wagons, SUVs, Convertible, Challenger, Grand Cherokee, Charger, Grand Caravan, Ram 1500, Journey, Liberty, Wrangler
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Responses (11 total)
By phil #1, Posted: 5/11/2009
When the public comes to its senses
Even Wagner of GM knows that people really want
big, thirsty bland looking cars...they just don't want to buy them...but they will...someday.
By oldsrocket88 #3, Posted: 5/11/2009
A lot of work.
If Chrysler is going to badge engineer Fiat cars. They are going to have a lot of work to do because they are butt ugly!!!!
By ChrisB #4, Posted: 5/11/2009
Charger
I don't think the Charger will go away anytime soon since it's becoming a popular police car. At least here in Maryland. Whether or not there's a publicly available model is up for debate though.
By Victor Bozzo #5, Posted: 5/11/2009
Are you a columnist for,"The Onion"?
Sir,
You wouldn't happen to write for The Onion would you? The reason I asked is as I was reading this otherwise interesting piece I read this howler:
"You might have questions about shopping for a new Chrysler today, and those are easy to answer. Yes, you're safe to buy--the government says it's going to back your warranty."
The Government is going to back my warranty?
You mean the same Government that ran Amtrak and the Post Office into the ground? Or do you mean the Government that completely made a disaster of Katrina?
Just checking....
By Victor Bozzo #6, Posted: 5/11/2009
Are you a columnist for,"The Onion"?
Sir,
You wouldn't happen to write for The Onion would you? The reason I asked is as I was reading this otherwise interesting piece I read this howler:
"You might have questions about shopping for a new Chrysler today, and those are easy to answer. Yes, you're safe to buy--the government says it's going to back your warranty."
The Government is going to back my warranty?
You mean the same Government that ran Amtrak and the Post Office into the ground? Or do you mean the Government that completely made a disaster of Katrina?
Just checking....
By Lou #7, Posted: 5/12/2009
Riot
Not even a mention of the Patriot (or compass?)
Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep makes a nearly-30mpg SUV and you don't even think its worth mentioning? Other manufacturers make SUVs with similar mpg, but they cost twice as much.
By graphicartist2k5 #8, Posted: 5/12/2009
Chrysler's Gonna Be Making Wimpy Cars
Wonderful. Instead of Chrysler pumping out the powerhouse musclecars they used to make, they're gonna be making wimpy ass "city cars" that every metrosexual will inevitably be driving. That's just plain LAME. There's a reason why the Charger and Challenger are considered to be badass cars, and it's not because they're "city cars".
By cyberpyr8 #9, Posted: 5/12/2009
New K Cars
I think that Chrysler is going to end up going back to it's K Car days again to rebuild. I don't like the direction they are going here but we have seen this all before. Maybe they can come out of this a better car company.
By Zeitgeist #10, Posted: 5/16/2009
Hillarious...
You have GOT to be kidding me....
I will NEVER buy another chrysler nor a GM vehicle...
In fact...I was looking to buy a challenger RT...but forget it...
You'll be doing reviews of euromobiles and chinese rolling coffins...
Chrysler and GM are doomed...
Looks like the mustang will be it...buy American while you still can...
By Bill Burke #11, Posted: 5/18/2009
BOY ARE YOU WRONG!!!
Not only is the Charger, Challenger and Liberty good sellers but the Charger IS in the plan and concept drawings were included (I guess you didn't read carefully). The 2011 Charger is suppose to be more retro styled and reportedly, drop dead georgous. The next generation Challenger is on the drawing board as the present model sells very well in a poor economic market and is attracting a strong following among the muscle car crowd and will be around as long as we have Mustangs and Camaros. The Liberty will fit better in it's class now that the Grand Cherokee gets bigger. No bubble here, just a poorly researched and illogical article.
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