Dodge Challenger To Get AWD Option, Widebody Hellcat for 2017

I dunno about the Mustang.. but technically the Camaro's platform certainly has AWD in its repertoire with currently top rated 335HP. But if the Camaro gets something with more HP.. say coupled its V8.. the ATS-V and CTS VSport best get it too. Of course there is the Camaro getting a Vert before either

"Unlike the concept that featured a 5.7L HEMI V8, the production model will only be available with the base V6"

'nuff said.

I think all automakers need to look at offering AWD on all products. No reason to not engineer the platforms to handle this as an option.

They are making Dodges in 2017?  

So there'll be 5000lbs Challengers

A fitting farewell for the LX platform, which is long past the point of needing a replacement. A little weird that it will only be for the V6 and Hellcat but it is what it is.

I thought they were making a widebody AWD Hellcat.

Sad to see the LX platform go.  I really like the Chrysler 300 in Hemi form. 

6 hours ago, smk4565 said:

They are making Dodges in 2017?  

We'll see what next weeks 5yrs plan says. 

With so many revisions, it should just be " Plan "

16 hours ago, Frisky Dingo said:

I thought they were making a widebody AWD Hellcat.

 

 

A lot of outlets were reporting that at the time because the story Automotive News published wasn't clear on which models would get AWD. I had to wait a few hours before someone at AN reworded that part of the story. Turned out to be right decision.

An AWD widebody Hellcat would have been $&^ing ridiculous in the best way possible. They should do it. They could charge whatever they wanted for it. Just throw everything at- ceramic brakes, lightweight forged wheels, active suspension, high grade leather, real premium audio system, the works. Charge 80-90K for it. They'd sell every one they built.

They really need to get the new platform in production and up to Challenge the others in the segment in all levels. These special cars are cool but the money is made on the volume models. 

My worry is the Alfa platform has had it's issues when it became an Alfa. I hope they let Chrysler take it and do it right. My other worry has been the rumblings that the Hemi may die and they will only be going with the TTV6. While I am sure it will be a great engine the buyers of the Hemi will be disappointed. If this happens it will be FCA failing not Chrysler's. 

I want them to make a better car because it make GM work that much harder. A strong three car segment will drive them harder to do better than if it is only a two horse race. 

Coupes will continue to be a difficult sale moving forward as they will continue to get more expensive. and lower volume. 

I expect the CUV and small SUV segment to get bit by the performance bug and we will see more options here. While it will not sit well with some it will add much more income to the company's that do go this path. Give a CUV a Raptor/BMW M  like treatment and you can slap on a hefty increase in price and people will buy them. Not saying I like it but just have that feeling it is over due now and they will be moving this way in the future. Chrysler has done it with the larger SUV models now the smaller ones may see similar upgrades. 
 

allpar says the LX lasts until the 2021 model year, when Charger and Challenger move to the Giorgio platform. It looks more and more like the 300 will be gone after the 2020 model year. allpar also says the Cherokee will probably eventually move to the Giorgio platform, and the CUSW platform will be history. 

On 9/6/2016 at 9:19 PM, Drew Dowdell said:

Sad to see the LX platform go.  I really like the Chrysler 300 in Hemi form. 

Agreed, but let's give them a chance and see what they can do.  I really love the Camaro on its new platform...maybe we can get the same kind of love out of Fiat/Chrysler.

13 minutes ago, A Horse With No Name said:

Agreed, but let's give them a chance and see what they can do.  I really love the Camaro on its new platform...maybe we can get the same kind of love out of Fiat/Chrysler.

Sorry, I just don't trust Serg at this point.

1 hour ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Sorry, I just don't trust Serg at this point.

I can appreciate that.  Went in to look at a Renegade at a local dealer, asked the sales person what they were going to do if the price of fuel went back up.  Sales person basically said the current thin king is that people would buy Ram and jeep products regardless of the fuel price and that passenger cars were not necessary.  I think this thinking may kind of bite them in the end....

On 9/9/2016 at 10:35 PM, ehaase said:

allpar says the LX lasts until the 2021 model year, when Charger and Challenger move to the Giorgio platform. It looks more and more like the 300 will be gone after the 2020 model year. allpar also says the Cherokee will probably eventually move to the Giorgio platform, and the CUSW platform will be history. 

The 300 is a popular car round here, wonder what they will fill its shoes with...probably nothing, sadly.

On 9/12/2016 at 0:59 PM, A Horse With No Name said:

The 300 is a popular car round here, wonder what they will fill its shoes with...probably nothing, sadly.

Possibly a large crossover on the minivan platform. 

2 hours ago, ehaase said:

Possibly a large crossover on the minivan platform. 

Not really sure that will have the same appeal with buyers....we will see!

Those timelines don't sound right..an AWD Challenger for '17 then a redesign in '18?   

3 hours ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

Those timelines don't sound right..an AWD Challenger for '17 then a redesign in '18?   

It's not like they have to redesign anything. The parts are already on the shelf.

2 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

It's not like they have to redesign anything. The parts are already on the shelf.

Just seems like the AWD version would be pretty short lived, at least as far as the current generation...like a final year or two send off.   Though given FCA's current situation, 2018 seems optimistic for anything new..

Allpar seems to say the next Charger and Challenger will debut in 2021 not 2018. 

6 hours ago, ehaase said:

Allpar seems to say the next Charger and Challenger will debut in 2021 not 2018. 

I'm skeptical that FCA and Dodge will still exist by 2021.  I can see Jeep and Ram continuing under new ownership, though. 

51 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

I'm skeptical that FCA and Dodge will still exist by 2021.  I can see Jeep and Ram continuing under new ownership, though. 

I feel your pain...

6 hours ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

I'm skeptical that FCA and Dodge will still exist by 2021.  I can see Jeep and Ram continuing under new ownership, though. 

^^^^^ bing.  winner.

6 hours ago, regfootball said:

^^^^^ bing.  winner.

 

Sad but in many ways rational.  They are going exactly the wrong direction.  Next big fuel scare, they will be in big trouble.

The only one I worry about not being around is Chrysler.  They will have what, 2 models once the 200 runs it's course if they don't find a replacement partner?  Dodge is actually holding it's own very well with basically every model seeing increases in sales.  i have heard there will be quite a few changes to the platform before the rest of brand gets it, a lot to decrease cost. 

I could see Chrysler being retired to the history books. Dodge picks up the 300 and new platforms for the rest plus a serious dose of plug-in hybrid and EVs.

7 minutes ago, dfelt said:

I could see Chrysler being retired to the history books. Dodge picks up the 300 and new platforms for the rest plus a serious dose of plug-in hybrid and EVs.

Exactly, and it wouldn't be an issue at all to slap a new grill on the Pacific and bring the Caravan back.  I have noticed all mentions of vehicles on the new platform are for Dodge, but crickets for Chrysler.  Fiat needs o be killed here or completely revamped too. 

3 minutes ago, Stew said:

Exactly, and it wouldn't be an issue at all to slap a new grill on the Pacific and bring the Caravan back.  I have noticed all mentions of vehicles on the new platform are for Dodge, but crickets for Chrysler.  Fiat needs o be killed here or completely revamped too. 

Fiat, Alpha, all the italian garbage needs to be killed off, but they would rather destroy the american brands as they work to bring back their socialist garbage brands. Agree that Fiat needs to die! 

You get the feeling at some point this would give FCA a reason to bring their cars from overseas and just leave the dodge twins "special" models with higher price tags....