Report: Leaked Chrysler Plans Show Long List of Revised 2011 Models

[Administrator]

The folks at AllPar seem to have gotten hold of a list of production dates for all Chrysler products this year, including everything from a revised Chrysler 300 to the Fiat 500. The AllPar team is also claiming to have some pretty big news on future Chrysler engines, including the elimination of the HEMI 6.1-liter V8 (in favor of a 6.4) and new versions of the Pentastar V6. Plus, the 200C (pictured above) has also reportedly been approved for production – but with a gasoline engine.

The first model set to hit production is the Viper, followed by the Ram Chassis Cab models and then the 2011 Grand Cherokee in May. In November, production for a significantly revised Avenger and renamed Sebring will begin, as well as new Dodge/Chrysler minivans and full-sized models (Charger, Challenger, 300) followed in December by the North American production of the Fiat 500.

As for future engines, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 that will debut in the Grand Cherokee is reportedly also designed for Fiat's MultiAir variable valve timing, direct-injection and turbocharging, although none of those technologies will be on the engine when it launches. Both 3.0-liter and 3.3-liter turbo and twin-turbo versions are likely, but probably only for pricey European vehicles.

Chrysler's 4-cylinder World Engine will get MultiAir technology, as well as direct injection and turbocharging for some versions. The 4.7-liter V8 will be dropped, as will the 6.1-liter HEMI V8 in favor of a more efficient 6.4-liter HEMI V8 with cylinder deactivation and MultiAir.

As for hybrids, a Ram 1500 Hybrid will make it to market soon, followed by an electric commercial vehicle based on a Fiat van.

As for the Fiat 500, it will be offered with one of two engines, a 1.4-liter I-4 FIRE with Multiair, which makes 100-hp at 6,500 rpm and 95 ft-lbs of torque at 4,250 rpm, as well as a 1.4-liter I-4 FIRE Turbo with Multiair that delivers 170-hp at 6,750 rpm and 170 ft-lbs of torque at 3000 rpm.

All these changes are part of a larger Fiat/Chrysler plan to not only make its models more efficient (by 25 percent by 2014) but to also make them more attractive to consumers. We're eager to see what sort of additional updates Chrysler's lineup gets and if a few tweaks and name changes can help the struggling brand.

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