Chrysler future model plans still on track

Chrysler may be struggling financially but its product development chief Frank Klegon has assured reporters that the Auburn Hills carmaker will be coming out with new models over the next few years. Klegon confirmed that projects were still in the pipeline for 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, but admitted that if Chrysler were unable to benefit from a government loan package then these programs may need to be adjusted.

A new Jeep Grand Cherokee should be arriving for the 2011 model year, and will be restyled and re-engineered to be more efficient. Two of Chrysler's most popular models, the Chrysler 300 and the Dodge Charger, are due to be revamped for the 2011 model year, and Klegon boasted that both these models will exceed federal CAFE requirements that are expected to come in to place over the next two years.

The cars will be able to increase their mileage figures thanks to a new V6 engine that may be coming into place, which Chrysler has been developing under the Phoenix codename. According to Automotive News, this new and more efficient Phoenix V6 engine will replace a number of six-cylinder mills in Chrysler's current range of cars and light trucks.

Meanwhile, Chrysler's Project D program to develop a midsize car has already completed the early stages of planning, and now the company is determining what sort of platform to use, and the means to go about procuring it. Currently, the engineers are tossing up between building a new platform, modifying an existing platform or borrowing one from another carmaker.

Chrysler's gearboxes were also under discussion, and the failed deal with Getrag, which would have seen many Chrysler models fitted with extremely fuel-efficient dual-clutch transmissions, has forced the company to look elsewhere. Klegon stated that for now Chrysler will refine its current six-speed gearbox, and look at other options later. There was also talk of Chrysler replacing the four-speed auto boxes found in certain six-cylinder models with a new eight-speed unit, although nothing has been confirmed.