Chrysler Group Previews New Models in Detroit

New Chryslers, Dodges and Jeeps Point to Brighter Future for Number 3 Domestic Automaker

Monday, November 17th, at Detroits Cobo Arena Chrysler Group executives previewed the majority of new 2005 models that will be featured at the Detroit auto show January.

While the completely revised 2005 minivan will disappointingly stayed under wraps until the automakers December 8th Christmas party, a group of about 200 North American journalists took the opportunity to see a mock up of the all-new 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It features completely new and original double rounded front headlamp clusters, angular taillights, and a roofline that shows some resemblance to the Dodge Magnum when seen from the rear. It will be the first Jeep to boast HEMI V8 power, 47 percent more output than the previous top V8, and join the Liberty with an independent front suspension. Unfortunately no photos of the production cars were permitted.

Speaking of Jeeps compact SUV, an updated 2005 Liberty Renegade was shown too. It sports a new wider and flatter grille, updated front fascia and revised front fender combination, the latter which integrate thin horizontal blinkers at its base. The Renegade specific trim features beefier fender swells. Not shown but important nonetheless, Liberty will feature a new Italian made 2.8-L common rail turbodiesel next year, the first time such a fuel efficient engine choice will be offered in the Jeep brand.

The official PT Cruiser convertible debuted, looking much like the concept thats been making the auto show rounds for a couple of years now. It features a rollover protection hoop that reportedly reduces interior wind substantially when the top is lowered. When the top is up it is reported to offer best in class interior quietness. Chrysler chose to make use of a traditional soft tonneau cover that buckles into place above the folded top, a similar storage solution to VWs Golf/New Beetle convertible when folded. This makes for more room in what looks to be a large trunk, with the added benefit of tumble under rear seats and rear split seatback pass-through. The drop-top PT offers the most interior room in its class too. It will offer a base 150-hp four as well as the models top-line 220-hp turbocharged four, sprinting well ahead of its German convertible rival with either engine. Its coming in March 2004.

An even sexier convertible will be in showrooms two months later in May. The Crossfire roadster (see news archives January 28, 2003: Will this Chrysler Crossfire Convertible Join the Coupe in 2005?) officially debuted during Mondays Detroit event. Just think of it as a Crossfire coupe with the top cut off and youll get the picture. It looks sensational, and will offer the same premium quality interior as the coupe. Expect a reasonable price increase over the $33,620 base 215-hp coupe, with the more powerful SRT-6 drivetrain available as well.

The what? Yes it is official. The new Crossfire will get all the power it needs via a 330-hp supercharged V6. Dubbed the SRT-6, following a sport model designation started with the most recent Viper SRT-10 roadster and SX 2.0 based SRT-4 sedan, the Crossfire SRT-6 should eliminate mere pretenders from the rearview mirror at 5.2 seconds to 60 mph and an electronically limited 155 mph top speed. Zero to 100 to 0 mph reportedly takes only 16.5 seconds. It features the worlds first application of Z-rated all-weather performance tires from Michelin, 220/40 ZR 18s up front and 255/35 ZR 19s in the rear. Only subtle badging differentiates the top-model from the entry Crossfire, as little is needed to enhance its appearance. Itll be out in April 2004.

Also available in the spring of 2004, production versions of the 300C and Dodge Magnum LX cars were displayed too, up high and out of reach unfortunately, but an AWD option was announced. These are said to be priced directly at Toyota Camry and Honda Accord competitors, with similar features, which should put base models in the $20,000+ range.

Dodge showed off its Dakota pickup quad cab, a chiseled version of the Durango SUV that was also on hand. The Dakota looks smart with angular fender flares, wraparound headlamp clusters and taillights similar in appearance to the Durango, inspired by the double-bubble lenses featured on the current Jeep Liberty. Inside its an improvement over the outgoing Dakota, especially at dash central with better integrated audio and HVAC controls on an upscale interface. Rear seat legroom is up, while black-color hollow headrests offer protection to rear passengers and better visibility for the driver. The new truck is expected in September 2004.

A chorus of oohs and aahs could be heard as Chrysler Group COO Wolfgang Bernhard presented the production ready Ram SRT-10, and for good reason. Its 5 second 0 to 60 sprint is unheard of for the pickup truck category, the direct result of a Viper derived 500-hp 8.3-L (505 cu in) V10 with 525 lb-ft of torque delivered through a 6-speed manual transmission to the rear wheels. Dodge continues the 500 theme by offering an audio system with the same wattage. Handling is reportedly sports car like, due to significant suspension improvements, lightweight components, as well as standard 305/40 ZR 22 114 W Pirelli Scorpion Zero performance tires. The truck looks sensational as well, inside and out, with comfortable and supportive alcantara sport seats. The truck is due out in January of 2004.

A stretched Jeep Wrangler was officially introduced as the Wrangler Unlimited, after a Scrambler-like stretched wheelbase pickup version made an unofficial debut earlier in the year at the NADA conference. It features a 10-inch extension to the wheelbase pushing its overall length to an increase of 15-inches. Thirteen inches has been added to the cargo area, the regular Wranglers weakest point. Maximum towing will be 3,500 lbs. The Unlimited will find a loyal following among Jeep buyers, while offering a more practical alternative to those who might not have considered the rough and ready off-roader before.

Chrysler Group is at the beginning of a new model offensive that includes nine new cars, trucks and SUVs in 2004, reportedly the most of any auto manufacturer. This is just the beginning though, with Ken Levy, VP of corporate communications stating that over the next 36 months a total of 20 new models will be added to an already robust lineup.

Part of the automakers recent success has been spurred on by an increased acceptance of Pacifica by consumers. Chrysler Groups marketing and advertising guru Joe Eberhart, a German national who has actually owned and operated car dealerships in New York, appeared overjoyed to deliver the news that his new Pacifica ads were doing the trick. Sales of the "segment busting" crossover have increased each of seven months since its introduction, with it having passed the class leading Lexus RX 330 in October.