New Dodge Charger takes shape

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is readying a North American product assault that will include up to 30 new models over the next two years, led by a resurrected Dodge Barracuda convertible and redesigned Charger sedan – both based on the new Alfa Romeo Giulia's rear-wheel drive Giorgio platform.

The news comes from respected US publication Automotive News, which cited sources at a US dealer meeting hosted by FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne in Las Vegas this week, when several upcoming models were displayed.

They included the all-new Barracuda and next-generation Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Charger, plus the long-awaited eight-seat Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, and both Fiat and Abarth versions of the new Mazda MX-5-based 124 roadster.

The Barracuda is understood to be a convertible only and would resurrect the two-door Chrysler/Plymouth vehicle built in the 1960s and '70s, but there was no word of the next-generation Challenger coupe on which it would be based.

However, the new Charger four-door muscle car reportedly drew the strongest response from the dealers, with a smooth new design said to be closer to the 1999 Charger R/T concept (pictured).

As we've reported, FCA Australia's hopes of importing Hellcat versions of the current Charger sedan and Challenger coupe (badged as the Charger coupe) are fading with stronger US demand and a weakening Aussie dollar.

Neither model is now likely to be offered here until their replacements emerge around 2018, by which time Chrysler's legendary HEMI V8 could be pensioned off as a result of tightening corporate average fuel economy laws in the US.

FCA confirmed the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk super-SUV, which would be a smash-hit in Australia, will get the same supercharged 6.2-litre V8 from the Dodge Hellcat models, producing around 527kW and more than 800Nm.

That's not only likely to make it the world's most powerful SUV, but the Trackhawk's estimated 3.6-second 0-100km/h acceleration time would also make it the world's quickest SUV – although Tesla's upcoming Model X may put the kybosh on that.

Other vehicles revealed include the new Jeep Wrangler, which "stays pretty true to its current form," one dealer told Autonews. And although there was no sign of the mooted Wrangler ute/pick-up, Jeep's born-again Grand Wagoneer was confirmed to offer eight seats and bring a new level of luxury to the brand – confirming previous reports it would rival Range Rover models.

Alfa Romeo's first SUV was also shown to North American FCA dealers along with future Maserati and Abarth performance models – including the new Fiat 124 Spider -- all of which are expected to come to Australia.

The success of the North American market, which has roughly 2600 FCA dealerships, is crucial to the car-maker's sales growth. Marchionne told the dealers that Alfa Romeo will become increasingly important in the USA and noted that future merger plans with another major car-maker would not affect dealers or even its manufacturing workforce.

That suggests the boss of the Italian-American car-maker is still keen for a tie-up with another car company, after being snubbed by General Motors. Marchionne was reportedly given a standing ovation at the end of his speech.