Autoblog

Marchionne: Alfa Romeo back in the U.S. by 2012

Chris Shunk — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:29:00 EST

Alfa Romeo 159 - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been 15 years since Alfa Romeo last sold vehicles in the U.S. market, but according to Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne, we won't have to wait much longer for a chance to own a vehicle donning the Cross and Serpent. Automotive News is reporting that Marchionne insisted that Alfa will return Stateside in the next 24 months, adding: "I'm a lot more confident now that Alfa Romeo will reconstitute a product offering that is acceptable globally, and more in particular in the United States and Canada."

To make the jump to the U.S. and Canada, Alfa will reportedly need to rely on its newest sibling Chrysler for the appropriate platforms. AN sources say that the most likely Alfas to make the trans-Atlantic journey are the successors to the 159 and 166, but those vehicles could be sitting on Chrysler platforms when they make their way to production. The 159 replacement would reportedly be built in the U.S. with a scheduled 2012 arrival and it could rest atop Chrysler's "compact wide" midsize architecture. The range may eventually also spawn both a sedan and wagon. AN indicates that the 166 successor could be matched up with The Pentastar's large rear drive platform that currently underpins the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300, with the vehicle being built at Chrysler's Brampton, Ontario plant. The 147 replacement that is scheduled to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show will apparently not be coming to North America.

We're really hoping Alfas will in fact arrive on our shores within the next couple years, but we've certainly witnessed this song and dance before. There is no question that Fiat has to do something with Alfa, though, as global sales that have gone from 203,000 in 2000 to 102,000 in 2009 won't cut it for long.

Gallery: 2009 Alfa Romeo 159

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Marchionne: Alfa Romeo back in the U.S. by 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: Next Dodge Durango to be called Magnum

Chris Paukert — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, Dodge

According to an Autoblog source, Dodge will abandon the Durango nameplate for the model's replacement due for 2012. In place of that two-generation designator, Chrysler is exhuming the Magnum nameplate, a moniker used on the low-slung wagon built on Chrysler's LX platform up until 2008. The new Magnum is expected to be built atop the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee chassis (itself riding on Mercedes-Benz-derived architecture) and skew more toward the crossover segment than the previous rough-and-ready SUV.

Our source originally showed us a screen capture of a Pentastar service training software page on its Chrysler Academy Learning Center confirming the Magnum's existence (shown above), but at that time, he wasn't clear what the vehicle was. Since then, our man has learned through a Chrysler zone manager at a New York dealer's meeting that the line item in question is indeed the next Durango. A secondary source close to the situation confirmed to Autoblog that a name change for the new vehicle is in the cards and that Magnum is under serious consideration, but he was unclear as to whether a final decision had been made.

The Durango was introduced in 1998 and immediately found success riding the crest of the SUV boom. A second-generation debuted for 2004 and ran through the 2009 model year, but the larger redesigned model didn't meet with the same sort of success as its predecessor, struggling to deal with the collapse of the body-on-frame SUV market and increasingly plentiful crossover options.

It isn't immediately clear what the reasoning is behind Chrysler's apparent name change strategy, especially as the 2005-2008 Magnum itself wasn't considered much of a sales success (it was consistently outsold by its LX platform stablemates, the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger). That said, with the model being more CUV-like than a body-on-frame bruiser, the change seems to make some sense. Further, Magnum remains a powerful nameplate, and the Pentastar has a long history of employing it for any number of different products, including a large B-platform coupe in the late 1970s, a range of engines, and a Mexican-market K-car model in the '80s. Thanks for the tip, Michael!

Source: Next Dodge Durango to be called Magnum originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Dodge Charger prototype bagged in testing

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:39:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Dodge

Speculation regarding the 2011 Dodge Charger has run rampant ever since a particularly intriguing picture was shown during Chrysler's major day-long, five-year business plan slideshow that was broadcast online. It was obvious that the car pictured was not a current Charger or a previous concept, so the natural conclusion is that it was an intentional teaser of an exciting new product.

Judging by this series of spy shots from Car and Driver, it would appear that some of the more radical styling elements previewed in Chrysler's presentation will make it to production on the 2011 Dodge Charger. Starting up front we, see a more rounded and prominent crosshair grille. We also note that the greenhouse appears more flowing with a sharply raked windshield.

Along the bodysides, it's apparent that the 2011 Charger will have very pronounced hips and shoulders with what appears to be a camouflaged accent directly behind the front wheel wells. At the very rear, the next Charger echoes the changes we saw up front with a smoother rear fascia and new tail light design. So, do you like what you see?

[Source: Car and Driver]

Spy Shots: 2011 Dodge Charger prototype bagged in testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler Imperial one step closer to production

Chris Shunk — Thu, 17 May 2007 09:14:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chrysler

Chrysler may be in the middle of a major ownership change, but the beat goes on when it comes to future vehicle plans. The folks over at The Star are reporting that Chrysler is going to build a fifth model at their Brampton plant in Ontario, which currently assembles the 300, Charger, and Magnum. Challenger production is scheduled for next year, and the fifth vehicle, which could be built in 09' as a 2010 model, is expected to be the Imperial.

Chrysler is reportedly investing $700 million in the Brampton plant to bring the Imperial to life, and the Rolls-Royce and Bentley wannabe is expected to ride on an extended version of Chrysler's LX platform. The Imperial, which sported a 6.1L Hemi V8 as a concept, could also receive a diesel engine. Chrysler has yet to make an announcement on an additional vehicle at Brampton, but word is it that Chrysler Executive Vice President of Manufacturing Frank Ewasyshn is expected to do so June 11.

We aren't sold on the chunky, blocky, copycat looks of the Imperial, but Chrysler apparently thinks enough Americans will want the beast that they've all but pulled the trigger on making it all official

[Source: TheStar]

Chrysler Imperial one step closer to production originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 May 2007 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spring Festival of LXs: Yep, they ALL have Hemis in them

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Chrysler, Dodge, First Drives

Click the above image for a high-res gallery of Drew Phillips' photos from the event

Spring Festival of LXs - that's the official name of the event, but we doubt many will make the connection to Chrysler's current crop of Hemi cars - you know, the hot-selling, multi-configurable, rough-and-tumble Charger/Magnum/300C platform. It would probably be better to rename it as the Modern Hemi Car Event or some derivitive thereof. Well, whatever they call it, close to 400 cars were in attendance (340 registered cars) at the DaimlerChrysler west coast headquarters in Irvine. Lots of SRTs in the group, too.

Besides all of the proud owners, special guests included Burke S. Brown (chief engineer of the LX vehicle program), Kris Pakizer (Chrysler 300 brand manager), Zoran Bogdanovic (Charger and Magnum brand manager), MOPAR's drift master Sam Hubinette, and of course, DUB, with several of their modified LXs including one of only two officially approved Barbie Edition specials with pink-over-silver paint and Swarovski crystal highlights. The event even hosted a wedding between two LX owners.

Saturday was the fun shine and show, but on Sunday class reconvened at California Speedway in Fontana. The participants had a lot to choose from during their track day. They were allowed to run on the road course (which includes part of the Speedway oval), they could do an autocross session, try their foot at the burnout contest, or even take a lick at the donut competition. We love when manufacturers rally the troops and treat them to a special day enjoying their vehicles they way they were meant to be.

[Source: Muscle Car News]

Gallery: Spring Festival of LXes

Spring Festival of LXs: Yep, they ALL have Hemis in them originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Mar 2007 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler 300 to receive interior refresh?

Chris Paukert — Sat, 06 May 2006 08:59:00 EST

Few would argue that Chrysler's 300 has quickly proven to be a transcendental product. With apologies to Henry David Thoreau, the Ralph Gilles penned LX-platform sedan has been one of a handful of recent vehicles whose appeal quickly transcended demographic pigeonholing (Toyota's Prius and the MINI Cooper are two others that come immediately to mind). Prospective owners are seemingly as likely to trade in something like a Ford Taurus as they are a Cadillac CTS.

This widespread appeal has served DaimlerChrysler well, but buyers accustomed to higher-end marques have been notably let down in one area: the 300's interior. While the design of the instrument panel and certain detailing is generally up to snuff, some interior plastics and switchgear has conspired to underwhelm, particularly in higher trim levels where the 300's attractive base MSRP climbs well into the $30's.

When addressing the Automotive Press Association in a recent meeting, Gilles indicates the company is aware of the problem, and is working on a "significant improvement." While Gilles apparently failed to include the Dodge Magnum and Charger models with which the 300 shares its platform, it would be reasonable to expect the majority of the proposed upgrades to be fitted platform-wide. The only question now is... when?

[Sources: Calgary Herald; DaimlerChrysler]

Chrysler 300 to receive interior refresh? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 May 2006 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DaimlerChrysler recalls 300s, Magnums and Chargers due to potential brake defect

Chris Paukert — Sat, 06 May 2006 07:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Wagon, Recalls, Chrysler, Daimler, Jeep

DaimlerChrysler's popular LX-platform vehicles, the 300, Dodge Magnum and Dodge Charger are being recalled over brake issues. The automaker announced Friday that it will be sending notices to some 45,000 owners about a possible brake fluid leak that has resulted in at least nine engine fires. Vehicles affected are all 2006 models using the 2.7-liter V6 engine.

In addition, DCX also announced that it is recalling almost 7,000 six-speed Jeep Wranglers due to clutch problems. According to the automaker, the hydraulic clutch's master cylinder rod can fracture, inhibiting normal shifting.

[Source: Associated Press via Los Angeles Times]

DaimlerChrysler recalls 300s, Magnums and Chargers due to potential brake defect originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 May 2006 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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