In October, it was reported that Chrysler was considering building a Dodge vehicles based on the Volkswagen Polo. Today, Germany’s Spiegel Online reports that the last-generation Volkswagen Jetta platform will be used for the Dodge vehicle instead of the Polo architecture. The 2008 model — which is expected to cost around $10,000 — is being engineered in part by Volkswagen using existing technology, to help keep costs down. We suspect the vehicle in question will be based on the Dodge Hornet Concept, which was shown in February. Last year, Volkswagen and Chrysler announced they would partner on a minivan project.
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05/29, 2:18 PM
posted by:
Jon
awesome news, seems like the car is getting more and more likely to go towards production. http://www.dodge-hornet.com/ is reporting the same news as well, so I think this is a GO! Hopefuly we will have a real scion/yaris/fit fighter coming out of the USA very soon, and with some good american muscle under the hood.
05/29, 9:24 PM
posted by:
Craig
This is what the Caliber SRT-4 should have been. Sorry Dodge, I just don’t see myself buying a compact that looks like a shrunken Durango– even if it does have 300 turbocharged horsepower. Give this little thing 300 horsepower and I might consider it
05/29, 10:36 PM
posted by:
TD
I think this is great news. I’m impressed with the styling. It strikes me as a Mini from DC. Put in that 160 hp engine, maybe an SRT2 model with 200. Sounds good to me. Keep the well proportioned wheel/tire combo and I think it’ll sell.
05/30, 3:45 AM
posted by:
Durandal
i like the car… its different. but for god’s sake chrysler, stop using previous gen platforms for your new cars. first the crossfire, now this. ugh.
05/30, 11:43 AM
posted by:
Mike
Remember, Platform is a very vague term. They still have to engineer SUSPENSION to be attached to the platform, which changes driving dynamics. they can lengthen or shorten the “platform”; they can widen or narrow the platform; all of which changes driving dynamics.
This is a good move to lower costs. Development still has to occur, but the cost from paper to production is FAR less this way, and comes to market faster also..
05/30, 11:59 AM
posted by:
Tony
“Put in that 160 hp engine, maybe an SRT2 model with 200. Sounds good to me.”
The SRT2 designation would mean its a 2 cylinder engine.
I traded in a Mini Cooper S for an 06 Jetta TDI. Even with the increase in fuel efficiency, size, comfort, I regret getting rid of the MCS. I do not miss taking the car in for service. It was not a problematic car for me, actually it was very reliable, but the fact there is only one dealer in the state that can service the car was the problem. Your whole day was shot.
This Hornet addresses all the issues I had with the MCS-dealer network, easy access to rear seat, no easily fading, cheap black molding all over the car. Make it as safe and fun as the Mini and Dodge has a hit. Offer three engines, a standard gas (134-155bhp), a common rail diesel, and a performance engine in the 210 + range (normally aspirated or turbocharged doesn’t matter). Basing it on the Jetta A4 chassis? It might be hard to make it as fun and comfortable as the Mini with a semi independent rear suspension. If they could base it on the A5 chassis…………….
05/30, 1:20 PM
posted by:
Erik
Sounds good, if they are only taking the platform. If they decide to take any of the MVIV electronics, they must be retarded.
06/05, 7:47 PM
posted by:
Hsm na Ñeta
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