Successful 300C has Chrysler Considering Upping Production

Dodge has Automotive Press Speculating on New Charger Design

What's the hottest new 2005 model to hit the streets so far this year? Without a doubt it's Chrysler's modern day

Has Chrysler created an anomaly with its 300 sedan or is the automaker truly on a roll? (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

muscle car, the 300 sedan. The domestic brand can hardly keep any in stock to show customers who are willing to factory order and wait for delivery, the kind of "quality problem" most of its rivals would like to be experiencing right now.

"Demand for both the 300C and the HEMI has been beyond our wildest dreams," commented Chrysler Group CEO Dieter Zetsche to Detroit News earlier this week.

At least as appealing as the 300, Dodge's Magnum sport tourer (wagon) is about to arrive in dealerships across the nation

DaimlerChrysler President Dieter Zetsche, right, escorted President Vicente Fox Quesada of Mexico, center, and First Lady Martha Sahagun de Fox, left, during a presidential tour of Chrysler Group Headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan yesterday, June 18, 2004. (Photo: Joe Wilssens, DaimlerChrysler Canada)

next week, followed up by a new 4-door Dodge Charger next year. What will be next for the rear- and all-wheel drive LX architecture? A HEMI 'Cuda? Only time will tell exactly what comes down the pike, but the domestic automaker has hinted at plans to bring to market a variety of future head-turners, with a convertible expected to be added to the mix.

According to the domestic automaker, about three quarters of the HEMI engine plant's production goes to new car, SUV and light pickup truck models, which include the 300C, Dodge Magnum R/T, Grand Cherokee, Dakota, Durango, and Ram 1500, with one quarter going to the Dodge brand's heavy-duty Ram 2500/3500 pickups.