The Chrysler brand sells effectively one model, and only in a handful of markets, but it surely’s poised for a product onslaught that may see a successor to the 300 sedan and a return of high-performance SRT vehicles.
Mopar Insiders reports word from Chrysler brand boss Chris Feuell that the return of the Street and Racing Technology (SRT) division will even involve latest products for her brand.
“I’m so excited to bring back SRT,” she said. “I can inform you after meeting with my counterparts Tim Kuniskis and Matt McAlear we got a very awesome plan for SRT. It’s an incredible opportunity for us to bring back the performance brands and products which have been so iconic prior to now as we glance to the long run.”
“To chop to the chase, I feel you’ll be able to expect to see some SRT models under the Chrysler brand.”
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With V8 power returning to the Ram 1500 pickup lineup after a shift away from the bent-eight format under former Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, it appears likely future SRT vehicles could come so equipped.
Chrysler’s last SRT-badged vehicle was the 300 SRT, which was discontinued within the US in 2015 but lived on in markets just like the Middle East and Australia, where it saw duty as a highway patrol automobile. It, together with a tamer V6-powered 300 C Luxury, were the Chrysler brand’s last models sold here when the brand was withdrawn in 2021.
Since then, the now century-old Chrysler brand has limped on, and currently operates exclusively in North America with the Pacifica/Voyager people mover duo.
It’s a far cry from as recently because the 2000s, when Chrysler had not only people movers and huge cars in its showrooms, but additionally sports cars (Prowler, Crossfire), small cars (PT Cruiser), crossovers (the unique Pacifica), body-on-frame SUVs (Aspen) and mid-size sedans, coupes and convertibles (Sebring, 200).
The 300 wasn’t the one Chrysler to receive the SRT treatment, with the Crossfire also receiving a hot supercharged V6-powered version called the SRT-6.
While Chrysler isn’t planning to introduce one other sports automobile, Mopar Insiders reports it’ll return to the sedan segment with a brand new model that might resurrect the 300 nameplate, which was retired in 2023.
“We’re working on a automobile, and I can inform you that with 100% certainty,” she said. “I can’t inform you when exactly it’s going to launch, but I hear from all of you that you should see the 300 come back, and that’s on the table, needless to say.”
This latest model appears the almost definitely to get the SRT treatment, and is prone to ride the STLA Large ‘multi-energy’ chassis architecture that underpins, amongst other vehicles, the Dodge Charger.
The total-size Charger offers each electric (Daytona) and turbocharged six-cylinder (Six Pack) powertrains.
Mopar Insiders reports a brand new large crossover will even ride on a ‘multi-energy’ platform, almost actually STLA Large, and be joined by a smaller crossover plus a heavily updated version of the present Pacifica petrol and plug-in hybrid people mover.
Ms Feuell has also confirmed Chrysler is seeking to launch a small automobile.
“Considered one of the things that may be very essential for us to prioritize though is affordability… we’re working on a small automobile or whether you call it a compact automobile, but something that may transact under $30,000 (~A$46,000),” she said.
This may very well be a belated substitute for the PT Cruiser. After this quirky wagon was axed, the Lancia Delta and Ypsilon were rebadged as Chryslers but only within the UK and Ireland. A small automobile announced for North America in 2014 – to be called the 100 – never eventuated.
Meanwhile, the brand new large crossover is probably going the most recent development of a brand new model first previewed in 2021 by the Airflow concept, but by 2023 the brand had taken it back to the drafting board after which Mopar Insiders reported the project had been paused until further notice.
That led to more speculation the Chrysler brand could be shuttered, although its vehicles are sold alongside Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles in North American dealers.
Chrysler had previously announced plans under former Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares to go EV-only by 2028, but these plans have been scrapped in favour of the multi-energy strategy that may reportedly see it offer petrol, hybrid and electric power.
Last yr, Stellantis National Dealer Council chairman Kevin Farrish wrote an open letter to Mr Tavares accusing the corporate of being complicit within the “rapid degradation of our iconic brands”.
The shortage of product has also led to Frank B Rhodes Jr, the good grandson of company founder Walter P Chrysler, pitching the thought of buying each Chrysler and Dodge from parent company Stellantis.
Ms Feuell has made it clear there are not any plans for parent Stellantis to unload Chrysler.
“I need to place to rest any thoughts, rumors, or assumptions that it’s being sold. It shouldn’t be,” she said.
“Like I said, Antonio Filosa is now on the helm of the corporate, he believes in Chrysler, he’s rebuilding our portfolio, and he’s doubling down his investment to grow within the North American market and reclaim leadership in all of our brands.”
This Article First Appeared At www.carexpert.com.au
