Chrysler Group unveiled four new production models at the Detroit motor show this week and, to the delight of importers in a number of global markets, including the UK, three will be made with right-hand drive.
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The Dodge Caliber has already been seen at previous motor shows and goes on sale in the US in this first quarter of 2006 and in export markets – including the RHD UK – from July. The Caliber has a sporty coupe-like profile with the distinctive crossbar grille front end found on the Magnum and Ram, and US prices will start under US$14,000.
There, buyers will choose from three World Engine variants (jointly developed and built with Hyundai and Mitsubishi through the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance [GEMA]) of 1.8-, 2.0- and 2.4-litre capacity delivering claimed US class-leading outputs of 148, 158 and 172 hp, respectively.
Engineers are said to have met “aggressive” performance and fuel economy targets through advanced cylinder head port and intake manifold design. Engine technologies include dual variable valve timing (VVT) and intake manifold design with flow control valves, firsts for a Chrysler Group compact car.
The Caliber’s ‘CVT2’ transmission is a second-generation CVT calibrated for pleasing engine response, precise ratio control and an ‘AutoStick’ feature that allows for manual control with the simulation of six stepped gears. CVT2 contributes to a fuel economy improvement of 6-8% compared with a traditional 4-speed automatic, Chrysler claimed.
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By GlobalDataEuropean buyers will get the 1.8-and two-litre petrol engines plus a two-litre turbodiesel that just-auto understands is being bought-in from Volkswagen.
Anticipating the July launch, Simon Elliott, managing director of Chrysler Group in the UK, said: “The family hatchback segment is very competitive, but our market research tells us that customers are tired of the bland offerings in this segment. The Dodge Caliber is boldly designed but will also deliver with affordable pricing, European-style handling and fuel-efficient engines.”
Two new Jeep models also also made their debut at Detroit and the Jeep Compass and Wrangler will be sold both in the US and exported – left-hand drive market sales start in third-quarter 2006 and right-hand drive vehicles reach the UK early in 2007.
Chrysler has targeted the Compass at the compact SUV segment, which is expected to grow considerably in the next decade.
Annual compact SUV volume in the United States for the 2004 calendar year was 297,000 units or 1.7% of the market – the segment is expected to almost double to 568,000 units by 2010 and almost triple to 814,000 units by 2016.
In the US, Jeep is aiming the Compass at single or recently married educated professionals in their early 20s to early 40s, predominantly female, with median income of US$60,000. Half are college (university) educated.
Referring the UK market, Elliott noted: “These two new Jeeps are designed to reach younger customers who may not have previously considered the… brand. They will have diesel engines [in Europe] and will be great on-road cars as well as being able to drive off the beaten track. It’s really exciting that at last customers will be able to boast that they have a ‘soft-roader’ with a Jeep badge to compete with the Japanese brands.”
A new all-wheel drive system is a key Compass feature and is claimed to deliver on-road refinement with the performance, handling and fuel economy of a family car. The AWD system offers a full-time setting and will deliver tangible benefits in every day driving conditions such as wet and icy tarmac.
In the US, the Compass will have a variation of the Caliber’s 2.4-litre World Engine with VVT on both intake and exhaust camshafts, which helps optimise the torque curve at all speeds. It develops 172 horsepower and Jeep claims that Dual VVT is a technology typically not available on vehicles sold in the United States in this price class.
A five-speed manual transaxle will be standard with CVT2 automatic optional. Limited trim versions will have optional AutoStick and six stepped gear simulation like the Caliber. Jeep said that CVT2 improves fuel economy 6–8% compared with a conventional four-speed automatic.
Again like the Caliber, the Compass will also be available with a two-litre turbo diesel engine in markets outside North America.
The Wrangler has been sold in RHD form here in the UK for years, and is one model Jeep has never really had to engineer specially just for RHD export markets because it has also made a healthy number over the years for the US Postal Service. (RHD puts the postman on the kerb side of the vehicle so he can reach postboxes without leaving his seat).
The redesigned Wrangler launched at Detroit this week will come to the UK and Europe with a diesel engine for the first time plus a new petrol 3.8-litre V6 engine (from the Liberty/Cherokee) that offers more power and more torque than the outgoing four-litre I6. The new Jeep also benefits from improved aerodynamics, reduced noise levels and a much improved and more spacious interior. ESP and side airbags also come as standard together with four-wheel disc ABS brakes. New innovative removable and convertible soft and hard roof options mean the Wrangler hasn’t lost any of its classic looks, though.
Jeep claimed its engineers have managed to significantly improve the Wrangler’s on-road characteristics with a wider track and longer wheelbase, new steering and 100% stiffer chassis (frame). These improvements have not reduced off-road ability – the Wrangler features improved live front and rear axles, extra ground clearance and an electronic disconnecting front sway bar.
DaimlerChrysler also used the Detroit show to launch the Chrysler brand’s first SUV – the Aspen. Based on the Dodge Durango with which it shares its mechanicals and other parts, the seven or eight-seat Aspen is a large luxury SUV with a choice of drivetrains and 4.7-litre and 5.7-litre V8 engines, (the latter is a Hemi with variable displacement – cylinder cut-out – technology) and comes with a wide variety of trim/equipment options. It goes on sale in North America next autumn.
These four new vehicles weren’t the only Chrysler newcomers at Detroit. The automaker also provided a glimpse of possible cars of the future with two concept vehicles – the Dodge Challenger and Chrysler Imperial.
The Challenger is a modern view of the classic American muscle car. Inspired by the classic 1970s Challenger, the concept is based on the same platform as the Chrysler 300C but boasts very aggressive styling with the signature crossbar Dodge grille and four headlamps deeply recessed into the front of the car. The 6.1-litre Hemi V8 petrol engine delivers 425 hp.
In contrast the Imperial is a luxury limousine and was inspired by classic Imperials of the 1930s and 1960s. This concept car has a 123-inch wheelbase and is 17 inches longer and six inches higher than the Chrysler 300C. The four occupants sit nearly seven inches higher off the ground in their sumptuous individual seats surrounded by rich wood, leather, suede and satin-finished aluminium.
The absence of a B-pillar means that the doors are hinged at the A and C pillar and open like French windows, permitting a great view of the entire interior. A 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine provides a top speed of 160mph and a 0-60 time of 5.5 seconds.
Graeme Roberts
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Chrysler Aspen SUV |
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