Dodge Charger, Challenger Getting Refresh for 2014
Dodge is going through a major makeover in the coming years, as it tries to rebuild its identity with moderately priced performance models.
Its lineup will stay mostly unchanged until 2015, when the Grand Caravan will be replaced by most likely a crossover model. Originally, the American automaker planned to introduce two new models this year built on Fiat platforms, but that’s been scrapped. As a result, the Avenger nameplate will likely be redesigned in 2016, though production of the current car will end in January. Expect a lull for the Avenger until the new rear-wheel-drive model makes an appearance in 2016.
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Both the Challenger and the Charger will get a refresh next year, with the Challenger launching in the summer and the Charger coming in the fall. The Challenger sports car will get new interior electronics and an eight-speed automatic transmission while slight modifications will be done to the front fenders and quarter panels to give it a more aggressive stance. On the inside, new seats and door panels will accompany an 8.4-inch touchscreen with backup camera. A premium Hellcat edition of the SRT model will come with a 6.2-liter supercharged engine. The Challenger is not expected to see a redesign until 2017.
The Charger on the other hand, will get new front and rear bumpers, upgraded interior electronics, and other minor upgrades. The Hemi-powered model will get an eight-speed automatic transmission. Just like the Challenger, a major redesign has been delayed until 2017.
The popular Dart will get the new nine-speed ZF automatic transmission added to its lineup in 2015, and the American automaker will also be expanding the use of the 2.4-liter Tigershark engine. The 2014 XSXT, Limited, and GT models will all come standard with the four-cylinder powerplant.
This fall, the re-engineered Durango will go on sale featuring an eight-speed automatic transmission and Chrysler’s latest electronics. The Durango isn’t likely to change much more before being replaced in 2015 by a large Jeep SUV, the Grand Wagoneer.
As for the Grand Caravan, it will live on for now. But in the U.S., expect Dodge to offer a shorter-wheelbase crossover to replace the Grand Caravan model in 2015. It will likely have three-row seating.
Lastly, the Journey will be dropped in 2015 and replaced by a Chrysler crossover.
[Source: Automotive News]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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Pictures? Drawings? . . . .anything?
Dropping the Grand Caravan would be a big mistake, considering that alone is responsible for 2/3 of minivan sales in Canada. Maybe the GC could become a Canada only affair?