Elongated Jeep Cherokee Spied. What Does It Mean?
An elongated version of the Jeep Cherokee SUV was just spotted in the wild and we’ve got photos to prove it.
From the B-pillar forward this test mule appears to be a standard Cherokee, though aft of this point things get a little bit crazy. Dressed in heavy black camouflage it’s hard to see specific details, but what’s obvious is how much this utility vehicle was stretched. Both the wheelbase and overall body appear longer. The aft doors seem bigger as well.
These changes likely increase the vehicle’s cargo space but they could also provide enough room for a small third-row of seats. With the Dodge Dart and Chrysler 200 sedans slated to go out of production, FCA is focusing more attention on profitable crossovers, utilities and pickup trucks. These product changes will free up investment capital and manufacturing capacity.
SEE ALSO: 2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk Review
Beyond the Cherokee, could this engineering tester be the foundation for other products? Most likely, yes. A new Dodge Journey could be in the works, and something for the Chrysler brand, which is sorely lacking a crossover vehicle. Perhaps this stretched utility will be the basis for lots of new vehicles in the FCA empire.
It’s no secret, the crossover market around the world is HOTT and Fiat-Chrysler undoubtedly wants to cash in on this craze. If properly executed, more and different utility vehicles will help grow their profits and market share.
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Born and raised in metro Detroit, Craig was steeped in mechanics from childhood. He feels as much at home with a wrench or welding gun in his hand as he does behind the wheel or in front of a camera. Putting his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism to good use, he's always pumping out videos, reviews, and features for AutoGuide.com. When the workday is over, he can be found out driving his fully restored 1936 Ford V8 sedan. Craig has covered the automotive industry full time for more than 10 years and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).
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It means FCA is dumber than we all thought. Give us a break with Cars Rebadged as Jeeps.
Does anyone know the K8 D-SUV Asian vehicle volume forecast?