We had been calling this by it's codename, JC49, for several months, but sources close to the Dodge division have been referring to this new ute as the "Crew". Actually, its name will be Journey.
For a "top-secret" vehicle - we've managed to catch this four times since January 2007, all across the United-States! And now it appears that the folks at the Desert Proving Grounds have nearly a dozen of these vinyl-clad prototypes in their possesion.
The Journey will be built in Toluca, Mexico, on the Sebring platform. Production is scheduled to start in December of 2007, and an on-sale date of early 2008. Because of the timing - it will probably be called 2009 model.
In addition to this Dodge, the Chrysler brand may also get a version of this. Referred to as the "JZ49" - Chrysler's Sebring-based crossover will likely not arrive before the 2010 model year and may (or may not) replace the retro-styled PT Cruiser. Wearing completely unique sheetmetal, the Chrysler model will only account for 25% of the total units built.
Size-wise, the new crossover measure in a bit larger than the Honda's CR-V, Hyundai's Santa Fe and the Toyota RAV4 - and hopes to compete directly with Ford's new Edge. But we've spotted it in consumer clinics being compared to Toyota's Highlander, the Honda Pilot, and Nissan's Murano - as well as the Santa Fe.
The car-based crossover will be offered in a FWD configuration, with AWD optional.
We've heard lot's of speculation regarding engines and transmissions (I could provide you with a LONG list!), but the 3.5-liter V6 (from the Sebring) is guaranteed to be one of the several offerings. And, as seen here under the hood, the base engine will be a 2.4-liter powerplant with 170+ horsepower.
photo:Brenda Priddy & Company
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For a "top-secret" vehicle - we've managed to catch this four times since January 2007, all across the United-States! And now it appears that the folks at the Desert Proving Grounds have nearly a dozen of these vinyl-clad prototypes in their possesion.
The Journey will be built in Toluca, Mexico, on the Sebring platform. Production is scheduled to start in December of 2007, and an on-sale date of early 2008. Because of the timing - it will probably be called 2009 model.
In addition to this Dodge, the Chrysler brand may also get a version of this. Referred to as the "JZ49" - Chrysler's Sebring-based crossover will likely not arrive before the 2010 model year and may (or may not) replace the retro-styled PT Cruiser. Wearing completely unique sheetmetal, the Chrysler model will only account for 25% of the total units built.
Size-wise, the new crossover measure in a bit larger than the Honda's CR-V, Hyundai's Santa Fe and the Toyota RAV4 - and hopes to compete directly with Ford's new Edge. But we've spotted it in consumer clinics being compared to Toyota's Highlander, the Honda Pilot, and Nissan's Murano - as well as the Santa Fe.
The car-based crossover will be offered in a FWD configuration, with AWD optional.
We've heard lot's of speculation regarding engines and transmissions (I could provide you with a LONG list!), but the 3.5-liter V6 (from the Sebring) is guaranteed to be one of the several offerings. And, as seen here under the hood, the base engine will be a 2.4-liter powerplant with 170+ horsepower.
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photo:Brenda Priddy & Company
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