Nardelli: New fuel efficient model might be out next year
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Click above for high-res gallery of the Dodge Hornet concept
Besides the introduction of the Dodge Challenger, there has been very little good news coming out of Chrysler lately. Sales are down 22% for the year due to a lineup that's still heavy on trucks and SUVs, but there may be some help on the way as soon as 2009. Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli has hinted that a fuel efficient new vehicle(s) could debut next year, and platform sharing with other automakers would be behind the quick turn-around. Nardelli says the Auburn Hills-based automaker has re-prioritized its capital in an effort to quickly get to market the fuel-efficient vehicles that the market demands. Debuting even a single vehicle that's more fuel-efficient than anything else in the Chrysler lineup would likely have a big effect in light of the fact that its brands offer some of the least fuel-efficient lineups in the industry.
Nardelli didn't give any details as to which vehicle could arrive ahead of schedule, but speculation is that the Dodge Hornet is on the short list. The handsome Hornet (if it looks like the concept) will be based on the Nissan Versa small car platform, and was originally slated to arrive in Dodge guise in 2010. Chrysler is also rumored to be working on alliances with Tata, Fiat, and Chery, and each automaker has plenty of small, efficient vehicles at its disposal. None of those automakers has a presence in the U.S., though, so a quick turnaround on a platform that hasn't been properly crash tested doesn't seem likely.
Gallery: Dodge Hornet Concept
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[Source: Detroit News]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
azzo45 12:07PM (8/01/2008)
More POOR Chrysler design & product planning... a trucky looking Mini Cooper? No thanks... I'll buy the original over the cheap knock-off!
I can see it now... the "I-buy- American" crowd lining up to support USA Made with a Japanese or Chinese car with a Ram badge on the front.
No wonder Nardelli is nick-named "Minimum Bob". Maybe they will offer a Home Depot Orange model of the Hornet???
:( :(
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TJ 12:15PM (8/01/2008)
really? bringing a small car to market a year or more ahead of schedule is poor planning? Especially in a market clamoring for small cars?
Man, you are a :insert personal insult on intellect here:
Brent 12:16PM (8/01/2008)
Although I don't like it, the Hornet is a design that is loved by many people.
Check out this video, wouldn't you love to have a MINI sound like this thing?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WSBY55rJ9k
Jason 12:23PM (8/01/2008)
Import or not, that thing's front end is a helluva lot better looking than the Versa's pansy-looking front facia.
mike 12:42PM (8/01/2008)
I think it all depends on MPG figures. This thing better get better numbers than Civic or Corolla, this car is smaller AND Chrysler needs something to get people talking about this car.
NO CHEAP INTERIORS
azzo45 12:55PM (8/01/2008)
TJ: when did the Hornet debut as a concept? January 2006. A production Mini (opps...Hornet) will be out in 2010 or 2011. 4-5 years is good product planning???
People have stated the Camaro will need a "refresh" right away because GM has teased it way too much & even that car will be out BEFORE the Hornet.
Insert (personal insert here) for you too bud!!! Some people will judge your opinion wrong... like you obviously judge my opinion wrong.
As for people saying the LIKE / LOVE the Hornet concept.... so what! Lots of people crown a concept "cool" or "gotta-have" & then never actiually go out & buy the production model.
azzo45 1:01PM (8/01/2008)
Jason... The hornet is in SRT mode & they are targeting the VW R32 & Cooper S as competition (with the Dodge being WAY cheaper...)...
...comparing it to the Versa is not fair. The Nissan is an entry level, sub compact, grocery getter marketed to people looking in high fuel economy only.
Apples & oranges.
Brent 1:09PM (8/01/2008)
TJ,
I sent a tip too! Days ago!
TJ 1:10PM (8/01/2008)
azzo: Dodge did not say the hornet was being built. All that is confirmed is a small car in which development is far ahead of production schedule.
Additionally, comparing the onslaught of Camaro concept appearances and press and spy photos, to the limited exposure of this particular concept is an effort in futility. The Hornet was never confirmed for production. The body shape and styling has never been confirmed, or leaked to mimic the Hornet. Press and bloggers speculating on the Hornet does not make it so, and you still miss the point that CHRYSLER HAS A SMALL VEHICLE THAT IS IN DEVELOPMENT THAT IS FAR AHEAD OF SCHEDULE. Ugh.
azzo45 1:29PM (8/01/2008)
TJ: Chrysler has been teasing the Hornet for two years... as intense as GM's Camaro hype... No.
However the Camaro has a 40 year following... the Hornet was just one of many small car concepts from Chrysler. Its not going to generate the same "buzz" as the Camaro.
The Hornet concept was built off a Mini unibody. Chrysler won't admit that... they wanted to create a design concept (other companies will do this too... a concept is mainly a styling exercise for them to test). Engineering can jump in if they feel the styling got a good reaction.
First Chrysler tried to use a MB platform... that was ruled out. Then they have been discussing a Chinese source then recently Nissan. I'll bet big $$$ that its a Nissan because Chrysler set up an off-site facility in Warren MI using a lot of their equipment from their closed Pacifica Design Studio. They are working with Nissan people.
TJ 1:57PM (8/01/2008)
"Chrysler has been teasing the Hornet for two years."
Really? Where? What auto shows has it been in? What spy photographs are there? Please provide specific examples of exactly HOW chrysler has been "teasing the Hornet for two years."
azzo45 2:43PM (8/01/2008)
TJ: Are you kidding...do you read AB? Do you read car mags? Do you surf the Chrysler "fan boy" sites?
As I said... the Camaro is going to have a more rabid following than a unknown "rookie" like the Hornet. But Chrysler mentions the Hornet everytime they discuss a small car entry.
It didn't gather buzz like their "cab-forward" era of concepts either. Build something that had stronger reaction than a me-too Mini copy
Kimura 12:23PM (8/01/2008)
The platform sharing with Nissan for a generation would indeed make for a quick turnound, using platforms that have already been well received. This would give Chrysler a chance tyo study the platforms and develope their own so the next generation can be their own.
The Chinese cars would be for non US markets.
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James Mooney 3:24PM (8/01/2008)
I'd like to see the Dodge Demon appear on the Nissan FM platform that underpins the 350Z.
azzo45 1:48PM (8/02/2008)
The bible thumpers in the south wouldn't buy a car named the DEMON...
rwcmick 12:12PM (8/01/2008)
I think it's the Versa based Hornet as well. The DetNews article makes it seem like it could be some unknown model, but I think that's highly unlikely. I think we'll see the 2010 Hornet (or whatever they'll call it) in late to mid '09.
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rwcmick 1:27PM (8/01/2008)
Someone referenced below the new interiors for the Patriot and Compass over at Allpar. For those folks who don't have a login
http://allcarsallthetime.blogspot.com/2008/08/sweet-2009-compass-and-patriot-interior.html
I'm sure Autoblog will have them up in a jiffy.
TJ 12:13PM (8/01/2008)
Chrysler has definately gone into stealth mode on the product launches for 09/10 model years.
Also, sent a tip but so far nothing... Allpar has photo's up of the new '09 Compass/Patriot interiors pulled from the Accessory Catalog at dealers as-of yesterday with no embargo date. Also in the catalog is the chargers new taillights.
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Brent 12:22PM (8/01/2008)
Yeah, being a private company, they are stealthy and quick!
Those new interiors over at allpar look great!
Crackberry Addict 12:37PM (8/01/2008)
link please. cant find the pics