Thirty new Chryslers, and the Barracuda returns
Last week, Fiat-Chrysler dealers gathered in Las Vegas for an update on what’s coming down the pipeline for the company in the next few years. It’s been an odd time for FCA in the last while, with massive recalls, and a CEO that’s acting like a lovelorn middle school teenager and trying to merge with somebody, anybody. A little hope at the end of the tunnel is needed.
Rumour has it, FCA’s dealer-body got it, with something like 30 new models announced or hinted at. Some of these we’ve already expected, like the eight-passenger Grand Wagoneer SUV (perhaps a blue-collar rival to the Mercedes-Benz GL), and the Fiat 124 Spider, based on the Mazda Miata. Note to those who were hoping Mazda would go turbocharged for their next MX-5: the Fiat version will still be built in Japan (so the doors won’t fall off), but will come with an Abarth version with stronzo turbo power.
Also exciting is the new Trackhawk version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, a vehicle that’ll sit above the SRT version. Under its hood is the 707 horsepower supercharged V-8 out of the Hellcat cars, and really, swapping this beast into the hotselling Grand Cherokee just makes sense. With all-wheel drive, this thing is going to be absolutely monstrous off the line.
The new Charger was also shown, with roots stretching back to a 1999 concept car, all swoops and curves. More surprising was the announcement the Barracuda nameplate would return with a new rear-drive convertible. Both Charger and ‘Cuda will share their platform with the new Alfa-Romeo Giulia, but get Chrysler Hemi power.
With gasoline prices relatively low, a brace of new full-sizers could make for very profitable years for FCA. The product is there, or in the pipeline, if they can just get a handle on the recalls.
Tesla Model X nearing readiness
While pundits quarrel over Tesla’s profitability, and the company burns cash like a SpaceX rocket, fans can’t get enough of the electric cars they produce. You can see why: unlike the stodgy eco-pods offered by most other manufacturers, Tesla has made the electric car sexy with swoopy styling, huge power output and performance, and a healthy dose of early-adopter sheen for the image conscious.
In many ways, especially on the West Coast, the Model S is the new Porsche 911, a flagship of cutting edge capitalism. However, it does snow here from time to time, so what about a crossover version?
The Model X seems like it’s been in the pipeline forever, leading some to wonder if those fantastical falcon-doors were too much of a flight of fancy to actually function. However, the first models are due for delivery next month, and some pricing details and performance figures are leaking out.
As you might expect, the top-level Model X is pretty costly, with the fully loaded Signature trim costing $132,000 US, and an optional Ludicrous Mode for $10,000 on top of that. Oof.
However, fully optioned as such, the Model X will blast to 100 kilometres per hour in 3.2 seconds, faster than almost any sportscar. Given how costly some of the German competition can get with options, be they AMG or M Power or Porsche, expect the Model X to be snapped up by those who already love their Tesla sedans.
