Spy Shots: JC49 Dodge Crossover
Times have been tough lately for the Chrysler group, so we're happy to see the company is soldiering on. Dodge may be late to the crossover game, but with a best-selling minivan, the automaker hasn't had the need to bring another people mover to market. However, with minivan sales stagnant and competitors ushering in a greater variety of products into the showroom, we think it's a good idea for Dodge to take a stab at the crossover segment.
Avenger's 3.5L V6 or the 4.0L V6 that motivates the Pacifica, while Chrysler's 2.4L world engine is a possible candidate for the base model. Beginning in December 2007, the "Crew" is going to be built along side the PT Cruiser at the Toluca plant in Mexico. Chrysler may use the JC49 platform to replace the PT Cruiser in 2010, with little or no connections to the looks of the current PT. Word is that the vehicle will be priced from around $20,000, which we think would be necessary to meet Chrysler's lofty goal of 150,000 units per year.
[Source: Allpar.com]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
akintz 8:19AM (3/26/2007)
Here's another great example of why I dislike "crossovers." Bleh.
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Kowell 9:12AM (3/26/2007)
A Dodge Crossover built on the Sebring platform... wich means it's also the Caliber's platform... OH! so it's just a beefed up dodge Patriot/Compass... or even simpler yet.. it's a damn V6 caliber. Lets call things for what they really are.
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Mike 9:57AM (3/26/2007)
All this, and you still didn't even post a link to allpar's CJ49 page.
Overall looks ok, but I would rather money be spent elsewhere:
INTERIORS, ACROSS THE BOARD!!!!
Engines. Phoenix needs to be here sooner.
Fix whats broken, don't throw good money at more half baked product.
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$0.03 12:42PM (3/26/2007)
Click the "read" button and it takes you to the allpar article
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Nellydesign 2:48PM (3/26/2007)
I love the MSpaint "photochop" at the bottom. No, wait I don't love it. It sucks.
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Talis 3:14PM (3/26/2007)
Kowell, you have your platforms messed up... although the two platforms are related in more ways than one, they are more like cousins and not brothers, if you get my meaning. I believe DCX considers them to be to distinct platforms and so should we.
As far as my own opinion goes; this is actually a very smart move for Dodge and Chrysler. Everybody on this blog has been saying that the Chrysler Group needs this and needs that, well now that they seem to be coming out with this and that everybody complains about it.
I looked at the new Sebring and although I did not like it because I could not get a manual gear box, it seems like a very nice car with features people in the target market would like to have. Think of it as the Scion for people in the 25K market.
Anywho, it would appear that these "crossovers" are more like lifted wagons and less true crossover.
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Kumar 8:03PM (3/26/2007)
Build it with a diesel 6 speed manual and AWD and I'll come back to the DC. Otherwise, I'll just stick with a subie diesel (when they bring it) or the vw jetta diesel wagon coming out. And this it coming from someone with access to their 'sweet' green sheet.
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MikeR 9:56PM (3/26/2007)
Their new products are strangely square and do nothing for me. Square is only cool in the most extreme cases (Scion xB). The bright grille work genuinely scares me. I actually jump when I see it. #3 is correct with his plea to the Gods of Interiors. LOL I just don't think they are listening....
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66coronet 9:22AM (3/27/2007)
It's the short wheel base mini van replacement.
Dodge's more edgy look like the nitro. I hope the pt cruiser look will carry over to the new size. As a pt cruiser owner, I've had a few people say they would like a pt cruiser, but the baby stroler + kids in the back seat, just doesn't leave room for groceries when the whole family has to go together.
Plus like the other pt cruiser, I'm sure they will be modified for auto shows. Plus those who wanted a PT cruiser panel, this would be a nicer panel vehicle.
I just wish the new OM651 MB2.2Lcrd would be availabe in this vehicle for the US market.
PS. I hope GM or any other group that likes to dismatal businesses don't get their hands on chrysler div. The only thing I wanted from mercedes is the clean diesel motors. Or a DDC/VM alturnitive.
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Matt W. 11:37AM (3/27/2007)
Blech, it looks like the current Saturn Vue.
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