The Future Dodge Lineup

In a marathon session with reporters and analysts today in Michigan, Chrysler officials announced their plans for the future of the company and its U.S. brands. They started things off with Dodge, which will be separate from Ram pickup trucks going forward. The logo (above) will no longer feature the Ram head, just the word Dodge.
 
The company also plans to have 11 new or thoroughly redesigned models on the road by 2014. The company currently has 10 non-truck models. We detail the future products below with some images from the presentation.

Chrysler Drops AWD from Some Models

Hardly anyone who bought a Chrysler Sebring actually sprung for the all-wheel-drive option. Only .7% of Sebring buyers opted for AWD, likely because it jacks up the sticker price and decreases fuel economy.

This has led Chrysler to announce that it will drop AWD for the Sebring and two other vehicles, the Dodge Avenger and Dodge Caliber, which roped only 1.5% and 4.4% of buyers into adding the option, respectively. The change goes into effect for 2009 model year.

Dealers were having trouble moving AWD models starting at $26,000, but Chrysler is probably wrong that the number of drivers who consider AWD a “must-have” is negligible. Subaru’s all-AWD lineup is seeing record sales and AWD crossovers are still popular. 

Chrysler Dropping AWD on Avenger, Sebring and Caliber (Autoblog)

It's Official: Chrysler Cuts Four Models

Chrysler announced today it will cut four models from its lineup: The Chrysler Crossfire, Pacifica and PT Cruiser convertible, and the Dodge Magnum. The automaker also announced plans to cut some 9,000 jobs at assembly plants that produce a number of other models: the Chrysler 300 and Sebring; Dodge Avenger, Caliber, Charger and Nitro; and the Jeep Commander, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty and Patriot. Though those 11 models – as well as the regular PT Cruiser – will still be sold, expect production to be scaled back. For shoppers, that likely translates to fewer cars with massive discounts clogging showroom floors.

The decision has been coming for several weeks now, with rumors brewing that Chrysler could cut up to five models. The Crossfire and Pacifica have trailed the competition for years, but it’s a shame to see the Magnum go. With the Hemi V-8, it was one fun cruiser. If they’d asked us, we probably would have advised canning the latest Sebring instead – or at the very least taking it back to the drawing board.

Chrysler spokesman David Barnas told us 2008 would be the last year for all four models. That means in about a year’s time there should be some steep discounts to clear the last of them off the lots.

Question of the Day: What's Faster to 60 MPH?

Since SEMA officially kicks off tomorrow and we’ve already been inundated with reports on some of the production and concept cars showing up there, we figured today would be a good day to answer one reader’s question about speedy, specialized hatchbacks.

The reader’s inquiry was which hatchback is faster to 60 mph: the Mazdaspeed3, Dodge Caliber SRT4 or Mini Cooper S.

Which is faster from zero to 60 mph, the Mazdaspeed3, Caliber SRT4 or Mini Cooper S? (Ask.cars.com)

2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 Prices Are Here

Compact hot-rod fans were excited back in February 2006 when Dodge unveiled a high-power version of the Caliber called the SRT4. That was a long time ago, however, and we wonder how many people have kind of forgotten the speedy hatchback was on its way.

Dodge has now given the SRT4 a price: $22,435, not including $560 in destination charges. That places the car exactly $105 higher than the closest competition, the Mazdaspeed3.

The SRT4 features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 285 hp and 265 pounds-feet of torque going to the front wheels only. A six-speed manual is the only available transmission. Antilock brakes, stability control, 19-inch wheels and unique interior and exterior trim is all standard. Options include a stereo system, moonroof and polished aluminum wheels. There still isn’t a release date scheduled for the SRT4, but we’re hearing it will be this fall. After such a long wait, it’s easy to wonder if there will still be anticipation for this go-fast hatch. Keep reading for some more new photos of the SRT4.

Weekend Athlete: 2007 Dodge Caliber R/T

I've seen a lot of Dodge Calibers where I live in Chicago, and I like wagons and hatchbacks, so I was excited to try one out when it came into the Cars.com fleet recently. I ended up a bit disappointed.

For starters, flipping the seats is easy, but when I had the passenger seat set comfortably for me, the rear seat wouldn't flip all the way down. This is common in smaller cars, but it's something you should know if you're shopping Calibers. The cargo opening in the rear was a bit small — again, common on smaller cars, but not the case on, say, the Scion xB.

It held the bike OK, but I couldn't stand the rear wheel up behind the rear seats. The fact that the passenger seat folds completely flat doesn't really help with carrying the bike either. Still, it would make carrying my cross-country skis sinfully easy, so it's a nice feature to have.

As for camping stuff, this is really a two-person car. There's not enough room to carry stuff and four people.