Dodge engineers have begun testing prototypes for a new crossover vehicle to do battle with the Ford Edge, Toyota Highlander, Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia, and the rest of the burgeoning crossover crowd. This all-new model–known internally as the JC49–is based on the just-released Chrysler Sebring and soon-to-be Dodge Avenger sedans, although this spin-off is clearly larger than its platform-mates.
Despite the camouflage, typical Dodge styling cues show through. The cross-hair grille design takes after the Avenger, the headlights appear to have some of the Nitro’s detailing, while the chiseled shoulder line, flared wheel arches and chunky lower body sculpting appear somewhat Caliber-inspired. The tail-lights have Dodge’s typical red lenses with white bands, as on the Charger and Avenger.
Dodge’s new midsize CUV will be built in its updated Toluca, Mexico assembly plant, alongside the PT Cruiser. Dodge planners hope for 150,000 annual sales of this model. Pricing could be as low as $20,000 and availability will begin in early 2008. A Chrysler spin-off is possible for 2010, likely serving as the replacement for the Pacifica. Gallery after the jump…
12/18, 11:24 AM
posted by:
YourNameHere
wow it looks just like everyother dodge SUV…someone needs to get fired
12/18, 11:44 AM
posted by:
MyGodBeatsYourGod
Actually, it looks rather toned down compared to recent Dodge Brothers offerings.
I.e. slick doorhandles vs. the over-wrought cartoon handles on the Nitro.
How many wagons can they market, though??…
12/18, 11:49 AM
posted by:
ttspeedo
Let’s hope they spend more time refining the thing than the Caliber…
12/18, 12:35 PM
posted by:
buenos
The flood of crossovers hasn’t even been released yet, and all ready they are boring.
12/18, 12:43 PM
posted by:
Scott Kempton
I’m not a big fan of Chrysler’s several recent offerings. As far as I’m concerned, the last nice looking car they released was the 300/Charger/Magnum. If this is a hodge-podge of recent Dodge styling cues, I’m going to be disappointed. I also am disappointed with their interiors, which look extremely cheap to me.
12/18, 12:52 PM
posted by:
BrokenCadillac...
Looks more like a Ford Freestlyle type x-over than a Lambda or Edge. Low, longer station wagon type styling here imo.
12/18, 1:40 PM
posted by:
Me
I thought Chrysler tried this a few years ago. Pacifica?
It didn’t work too well. What’s the difference -a third row seat option?
12/18, 2:08 PM
posted by:
Syrax
no diff: pacifica had a third row as well
12/18, 3:05 PM
posted by:
A4
wow a stretched nitro, who cares
12/18, 3:32 PM
posted by:
SHEPO
Pacifica replacement?
12/18, 4:02 PM
posted by:
patckc88
hmmm i believe the chrysler version will use styling from the new nassau concept….
12/18, 4:33 PM
posted by:
S-60-driver
I support this new crossover. Anything to keep the sales of Durango down. Means more gas left in the filling stations for us in smaller sedans and coupes. Thank you Dodge!
12/18, 7:40 PM
posted by:
hockeygod1331
So where does this fit in again? Above Caliber and Nitro SUV types and below Durango SUV? I agree, someone needs to lose their job so Chrysler can lose this SUV disease
12/18, 8:23 PM
posted by:
chevy490
ehh!
12/18, 9:50 PM
posted by:
VDuv Kux Klan
Why do they make this car, they already have the pacifica in the CUV segment, they dont need another vehicle
12/18, 11:56 PM
posted by:
Stealth E34
Caliber, Nitro, Magnum, Durango and now this? Where exactly does this fit in? Talk about massive brand overlap, this is ludicrous. Give it to Chrysler and call it the new Pacifica. Kill the Aspen while they’re at it too, what a ghastly, unnecessary re-badge.
What happened to making cars? The Avenger is just a Sebring clone and the Charger, while gorgeous, is just a 300. The Challenger will help them out… maybe?
DCX is going nowhere fast. If M-B drops them, who knows how long they’ll last.
12/19, 8:28 AM
posted by:
Saud
Gimme a Saturn Outlook.
12/19, 10:05 AM
posted by:
tppp
So let me get this staight. GM and Ford are coming out with new crossovers that I’ve heard many bragging about and now we come to find out Chrysler is developing something to compete and people on here are saying its stupid and where does it fit in. Makes perfect sense to me why they should come out with it. The Magnum is not a crossover and nor is the Nitro. The Pacifica is a Chrysler brand vehicle so that doesn’t do the Dodge brand dealers any good now does it. I’m sure the Dodge dealers will be happy with this decision because its something they sorely need right now.
12/19, 1:17 PM
posted by:
GarbageMotorsCo
GM owners are diehards who will trash anything that doesn’t have a Bowtie on it. I should know, I spent many years as part of the clan. Ignore them, they wouldn’t know a good design if it ran them over on the 405.
I hope Chrysler puts the effort in with these.
12/19, 8:35 PM
posted by:
Elvio
Nothing ground breaking here for Dodge…what’s the point??
12/19, 8:53 PM
posted by:
1c3d0g
Not much to see, but I hope they get it right this time. The Pacifica clearly didn’t work out as intended and the Magnum is still too “wagon-like”. Keep trying, Chrysler, one of these days you’ll release a killer CUV.
12/20, 3:14 PM
posted by:
dantehicks
Take it easy on the speds — what did they ever do to you?
I’m sure he drives a Monte Carlo.