Chrysler Group's Massive Product Offensive Expected to Boost Sales

The big news for Jeep, however, is the completely redesigned Grand Cherokee. It features completely new and original double rounded front headlamp clusters to tie it in with Jeep's traditional design language, plus angular taillights, and a

Jeep, the original army conveyance, looks ready to take the reins, and big military contracts, away from the now dominant Hummer HUMVEE. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

roofline with thick B-, C- and D-pillars that show some resemblance to the Dodge Magnum when seen from the rear. It will be the first Jeep to boast HEMI V8 power, 47 percent more output than the previous top V8, and join the Liberty with an independent front suspension.

Back to Chrysler, the niche market Crossfire loses its top and becomes a Roadster next month. By fall an even more niche-oriented SRT6 coupe and convertible arrives on the market, featuring the outgoing M-B SLK32 AMG's supercharged V6 with no less than 330 horsepower. The new package should eliminate mere pretenders from the rearview mirror at 5.2 seconds to 60 mph (96.6 km/h) and an electronically limited 250 km/h (155 mph) top

The Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible is only one of nine vehicles for 2004. Just the beginning of Chrysler's future plans. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

speed. Zero to 100 to 0 mph (160 km/h) reportedly takes only 16.5 seconds. It features the world's first application of Z-rated all-weather performance tires from Michelin, 220/40 ZR 18s up front and 255/35 ZR 19s in the rear.

With an exciting new lineup of cars, trucks and SUVs it's no wonder that Bernhard is feeling so positive about Chrysler Group's futures. The automaker is at the beginning of a new model offensive that includes nine new vehicles in 2004, said to be the most of any auto manufacturer. This is just the beginning according to Ken Levy, VP of corporate communications, who during Detroit's full-line preview in November stated that over the next 36 months a total of 20 new models will be added to an already robust lineup.