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Chrysler Group Previews New Models in Detroit

New Chryslers, Dodges and Jeeps Point to Brighter Future for Number 3 Domestic Automaker

Monday, November 17th, at Detroits Cobo Arena Chrysler Group executives previewed the majority of new 2005 models that will be featured at the Detroit auto show January.

While the completely revised 2005 minivan will disappointingly stayed under wraps until the automakers December 8th Christmas party, a group of about 200 North American journalists took the opportunity to see a mock up of the all-new 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It features completely new and original double rounded front headlamp clusters, angular taillights, and a roofline that shows some resemblance to the Dodge Magnum when seen from the rear. It will be the first Jeep to boast HEMI V8 power,

The 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee, shown here, is getting a major overhaul for 2005, both in terms of style and horsepower. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

47 percent more output than the previous top V8, and join the Liberty with an independent front suspension. Unfortunately no photos of the production cars were permitted.

Speaking of Jeeps compact SUV, an updated 2005 Liberty Renegade was shown too. It sports a new wider and flatter grille, updated front fascia and revised front fender combination, the latter which integrate thin horizontal blinkers at its base.

The Jeep Liberty, 2003 model shown here, will also be receiving an update and a new Italian made 2.8-L common rail turbodiesel engine for 2005. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

The Renegade specific trim features beefier fender swells. Not shown but important nonetheless, Liberty will feature a new Italian made 2.8-L common rail turbodiesel next year, the first time such a fuel efficient engine choice will be offered in the Jeep brand.

The official PT Cruiser convertible debuted, looking much like the concept thats been making the auto show rounds for a couple of years now. It features a rollover protection hoop that reportedly reduces interior wind substantially

The official PT Cruiser convertible debuted, looking much like the concept thats been making the auto show rounds for a couple of years now. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

when the top is lowered. When the top is up it is reported to offer best in class interior quietness. Chrysler chose to make use of a traditional soft tonneau cover that buckles into place above the folded top, a similar storage solution to VWs Golf/New Beetle convertible when folded. This makes for more room in what looks to be a large trunk, with the added benefit of tumble under rear seats and rear split seatback pass-through. The drop-top PT offers the most interior room in its class too. It will offer a base 150-hp four as well as the models top-line 220-hp turbocharged four, sprinting well ahead of its German convertible

The sensational looking Crossfire roadster officially debuted during Mondays Detroit event. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

rival with either engine. Its coming in March 2004.

An even sexier convertible will be in showrooms two months later in May. The Crossfire roadster (see news archives January 28, 2003: Will this Chrysler Crossfire Convertible Join the Coupe in 2005?) officially debuted during Mondays Detroit event. Just think of it as a Crossfire coupe with the top cut off and youll get the picture. It looks sensational, and will offer the same premium quality interior as the coupe. Expect a reasonable price increase over the $33,620 base 215-hp coupe, with the more powerful SRT-6 drivetrain available as well.

The what? Yes it is official. The new Crossfire will get all the power it needs via a 330-hp supercharged V6. Dubbed the

Available in the spring of 2004, production versions of the 300C and Dodge Magnum LX cars will be priced directly at Toyota Camry and Honda Accord competitors. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

SRT-6, following a sport model designation started with the most recent Viper SRT-10 roadster and SX 2.0 based SRT-4 sedan, the Crossfire SRT-6 should eliminate mere pretenders from the rearview mirror at 5.2 seconds to 60 mph and an electronically limited 155 mph top speed. Zero to 100 to 0 mph reportedly takes only 16.5 seconds. It features the worlds first application of Z-rated all-weather performance tires from Michelin, 220/40 ZR 18s up front and 255/35 ZR 19s in the rear. Only subtle badging differentiates the top-model from the entry Crossfire, as little is needed to enhance its appearance. Itll be out in April 2004.

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