With sales down more than 25 percent this year, Chrysler is in some serious need for a product revamp. Although there is little on the immediate horizon – save for an all-new Dodge Ram in 2009 – help should arrive by 2010. The Michigan automaker could launch as many as nine new models in 2010, but at least three are already penciled in.
According to Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli, new versions of the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger will launch in 2010, along with an unspecified Jeep model. Nardelli also hinted that a new small car was on the way, possible the result of Chrysler’s recent tie-up with Nissan. “In the pipeline for 2010: A brand new 300, a brand new Charger … a brand new Jeep, the pipeline is full, plus we have these smaller vehicles coming through partnerships and alliances,” Nardelli told the Detroit Free Press.
Although the current 300 and Charger are known for their blocky styling, look for the next-generation of the platform mates to have more fluid styling, thanks to the new leadership of design boss Ralph Gilles.
Nardelli failed to elaborate on the “brand new Jeep” for 2010, but he was probably referring to the next-generation car-based Grand Cherokee. Chrysler confirmed earlier this year that the Grand Cherokee would be switching to a car-based platform in 2010.
It remains unclear if the long-rumored Dodge Hornet will make production by 2010, but a recent tie-up with Nissan to build the new small car on the Versa platform should help aid in a speedy development.
10/07, 5:04 PM
posted by:
tastyorange
maybe they could ease up on the coffin visibility a bit and make the greenhouse an inch or two bigger.
10/07, 5:05 PM
posted by:
A4
you mean recent tie-up? who types this crap
its probably a new Grand Cherokee… it’ll be due for replacement.
10/07, 6:19 PM
posted by:
tyler_is_aero_tt
Please make a car that scores above average reliability this time Chrysler. Please, for me?
10/07, 6:37 PM
posted by:
TMoneYNYY
I don’t think this is going to boost sales for Chrylser anywhere near what they expect. The Charger is a hideous box that should never have been turned into a 4-door, and Jeep doesn’t need any new vehicles. If anything, they need to get back to basics. As for the 300… it’s a hot seller as is, and any significant change should come in the form of interior upgrades and a more unique exterior.
10/07, 6:48 PM
posted by:
JoshyLofty
YAYYY!!!!
10/07, 7:20 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
The revised 300 and Charger are going to be a significant sales boost for Chrysler simply because they are hugely popular- try to think of a day gone by where you didn’t see at least a dozen of them- and if there are any negative connotations surrounding the current cars they must very minor in nature. The Charger is not going to be a 2 door- that would be the Challenger- so the trick is to give the twins more unique styling cues than they currently posess (athough if you can’t tell the current ones apart it’s probably a good time to see the optometrist).The Phoenix V6 engines are going to be a big key to the success of these and many future Chryslers. Much like Ford’s Ecoboost or GM’s direct injection 3.6l, if they can generate V8 numbers on 2 less pipes that bodes well for today’s market.
10/07, 7:21 PM
posted by:
bolex
TMoneYNYY, the article says that they are being redesigned (with new design direction) yet your criticising based on current design, which wont help sales? the new Jeep is’nt an additional Jeep, its the new Grand Cherokee as A4 suggested and we’ll see if they fug up the 300..it is a hard act to follow but Gilles did the first one, so we’ll see.
10/07, 8:16 PM
posted by:
autonut
Hopefully there will be a better crop of engines as well. V8 are not going to bring cash to coffers, we had our scare with $4/gallon car juice.
10/07, 9:20 PM
posted by:
eff1Fifty
I’ve got buddies with Chargers, 300s, and Magnums and i really like that “coffin visibility”, it feels diff from riding in other vehicles. Been in the new MKS, and its a similar high-beltline feeling. I think a rounder 300 will destroy their sales tho, it would bring the looks closer to the typical american car offering, whereas it was something diff for a change when it launched with that square body. U know what would really boost sales??? Charger (NOT Challenger) Convertable! Hahahahahaha, i know somebody who made one… nothing but dropped jaws from onlookers
10/08, 12:38 AM
posted by:
bigp
the mks kills the 300 in everything except str8.. 3.7 beats the 2.7 and 3.5.. the 3.5 or 3.7 ecoboost beats the 5.7 hemi
10/08, 2:45 AM
posted by:
whips001
THEY NEED TO COME OUT WITH A 2-DOOR 300 CONVERTIBLE BUT CHYSLER IS TOO STUPID, THEY’RE ONE OF THE WORST RUN AUTO COMPANIES IN OUR COUNTRY SO MANY UGLY CARS, SO MANY RECALLS, ETC. ETC…..THE NEW REDESIGNED CARS WILL LOOK GOOD BUT THEY NEED A 2 DOOR 300 DROP TOP IMMEDIATELY
10/08, 9:18 AM
posted by:
hangonbig3
I have seen (photos) of the new 300 and Charger…hang on to your socks…and all of you Chrysler naysayers, limber up your fingers and type all of the BS you want, while you were typing 4 new ones passed your window with very happy owners.
10/08, 10:51 AM
posted by:
jonnycat
The MKS doesn’t offer the Eco boost yet. So no,, ity’s not beating any Hemi’s. I like my coffin view also. I’m sick of driving greehouses.
10/08, 3:33 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
You know, as far as greenhouses go…
I live in Las Vegas. It’s hotter than hell here, and it’s sunny 95% of the time. Having a big greenhouse in my car means that I get into a car and the interior is 200° to 250° F. That’s not fun. My minivan has a decent greenhouse, and a lot of front windshield, and if I don’t park it in the garage, I might as well set myself on fire before I get in so that I can cool off. My A/C runs constantly just to maintain a temperature that doesn’t evaporate my sweat too rapidly. My mother’s Hummer, though, has small, vertical windows. It’s very bearable to enter her car on a hot summer day, and the thing cools off quickly. It may be harder to see out the window, but it’s also harder for light/heat energy to enter the window. Tinting helps, yes (I have my windows tinted already), but in this heat, it doesn’t help all that much. Just some thoughts…
10/08, 4:22 PM
posted by:
Raven37
i cant see them doing any real damage to the charger, but the 300 is one of their top sellers and i could see the redesign completly killing sales unless Ralph Gilles can pull of a miracle
10/08, 11:14 PM
posted by:
ootlink
While the design of the 300 had been sitting on Chrysler’s design room tables since 1991, Ralph Gilles actually played a huge role in the design of the 300, Charger and Magnum -that’s why he got promoted. The other jackass was responsible for the atrocities known as the Sebring and Pacifica.
Those who doubt Chrysler’s potential – I could point out 3 or 4 car forums with a few thousand happy owners, the question to me (aside from small screw ups in features) – is when are they going to make more cars that are as nifty as the LXes/LCs are?
Chrysler’s neat vehicles can be summed up with the Wrangler, Challenger, Charger and 300. Funny enough, these are the only 4 they make that don’t subscribe to other companies’ design ideas (like dipping the side windows WAAAY below the beltline and kicking the A pillar up from the hood).
I hope they continue to find fresh blood and make new fresh ideas, not do like the rest of the car industry trying to copy BMW.