Chrysler kicks off comeback campaign

CHRYSLER Group has revealed its 2004 model plans to the world as it battles to revive its sales and profit performance.

Among the model roll-out are several vehicles that are very relevant for Australian buyers.

Most significant is the new generation Jeep Grand Cherokee luxury mid-size off-roader, which is revealed in the US at the end of 2004.

But there’s also a significantly refreshed Cherokee that will head our way and confirmation that the just launched Crossfire coupe will spawn a roadster derivative, which we should also get in Australia.

The complete list as reported by leading US website The Car Connection is:

• November 2003: Dodge Durango
• January 2004: Dodge SRT-10 Ram pick-up
• March 2004: Chrysler PT Cruiser convertible
• April 2004: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and Chrysler 300C
• May 2004: Dodge Magnum and Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6
• September 2004: Dodge Dakota pick-up and Chrysler Crossfire Roadster
• November 2004: Jeep Liberty (Cherokee) refresh and all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee

The rear-wheel drive 300C luxury sedan will get to Australia in 2005 while the PT convertible is a possible. No Dodges are confirmed as yet – that has to wait until the international return of the brand gets the thumbs-up.

The 2005 Grand Cherokee is described as an evolutionary design with a longer wheelbase and wider track than the current wagon. Powerplant options will include the new 5.7-litre Hemi V8 – the first used in a Jeep - which will provide 47 per cent more power than the existing 4.7-litre unit it will replace.

The redesigned Grand Cherokee will go on sale here in October 2005, featuring a four-wheel-drive system with electronically limited slip differential, plus independent front suspension.

While it continues without a third seat row option, US reports indicate that Chrysler Group plans to launch a bigger SUV off the Grand Cherokee with three rows of seats in 2005 as a 2006 model.

The Cherokee refresh will include work to differentiate the Renegade model more clearly from the rest of the range.

The Wrangler Ultimate is 330mm longer than the standard version, with 300mm behind the second seat for added cargo.

Chrysler COO Wolfgang Bernhard told US media the longer wheelbase gave the Wrangler "much better road manners, less hop, but with no loss of off-road capability”.

Over on the car side, the 300C engine line-up was revealed to include a base level 2.7-litre V6 and a 3.5-litre V6 – both sourced from Mercedes-Benz - and the 5.7-litre Hemi at the top. Pricing in US dollars will range from $25,000 to $35,000.

When it comes here, the 300C will be pitched against the likes of Holden Statesman and Ford Fairlane.

The Crossfire SRT-6 will pump out about 250kW and go from zero to 60mph (It’s an American car remember) in just over five seconds. In a video Chrysler showed dealers, the SRT-6 bested the Porsche Boxster.

Meanwhile, Chrysler has scuttled any plans to produce the Jeep Scrambler, a Wrangler derivative that would have had a small pickup bed.

Debuting at the North American International Auto Show in January will be a new iteration of the Voyager people-mover and two concept vehicles.

The Dodge Slingshot is a two-plus-one seating design. It has a three-cylinder engine that produces about 70kW. The other concept is the Jeep Rescue, an obvious attempt at answering the Hummer H2 with a huge Wrangler.

Chrysler intends to answer Hummer's expected H3 SUV with a Wrangler-inspired SUV within a few years. And it is working out a business case for an entry level Jeep to be priced below $US20,000.