According to Automotive News, Chrysler has announced plans for a couple of new vehicles that should appear for the 2012 model year.
A Jeep-branded pickup was shown during a dealer meeting, which is rumoured to resemble the Jeep Gladiator Concept that hit the Detroit auto show stage a few years back. An easy (read: cheap) way for Jeep to produce a pickup truck as this point would be to use the Wrangler Unlimited as a starting point.
People attending the meeting also witnessed the 2012 Viper. Not many details were disclosed, besides someone saying it looked like an Alfa Romeo 8C with a Viper fascia on it. We’re not too sure about this one.
In addition, Chrysler Group CEO Sergio Marchionne, in a post published on Chrysler’s media site, also announced plans for a 9-speed automatic for front-wheel drive vehicles, and an 8-speed automatic for RWD models. Both would be compatible with AWD and hybrid powertrains. Now, we have a preference for conventional automatic gearboxes over CVTs, but would the cost and complexity of a 9-speed be justifiable?
A Jeep-branded pickup was shown during a dealer meeting, which is rumoured to resemble the Jeep Gladiator Concept that hit the Detroit auto show stage a few years back. An easy (read: cheap) way for Jeep to produce a pickup truck as this point would be to use the Wrangler Unlimited as a starting point.
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| Jeep Gladiator concept (Photo: Chrysler) |
People attending the meeting also witnessed the 2012 Viper. Not many details were disclosed, besides someone saying it looked like an Alfa Romeo 8C with a Viper fascia on it. We’re not too sure about this one.
In addition, Chrysler Group CEO Sergio Marchionne, in a post published on Chrysler’s media site, also announced plans for a 9-speed automatic for front-wheel drive vehicles, and an 8-speed automatic for RWD models. Both would be compatible with AWD and hybrid powertrains. Now, we have a preference for conventional automatic gearboxes over CVTs, but would the cost and complexity of a 9-speed be justifiable?