Chrysler may develop new plans for mid-size cars

Chrysler has a pair of midsize sedansavailable to buyers in the form of the Chrysler Sebring and DodgeAvenger. The two models, which are twins, are not strong performersin the critical and profitable midsize sedan segment and are in needof a makeover. Now that the Chrysler Group LLC is controlled by FiatSpA, the two companies are looking at updated models for the twolines, but this time it appears that the sedans being planned willnot even be related to each other.

Sebring, Avenger To Go It Alone

News reports are suggesting thatChrysler may have new plans for its midsize sedans with each goingtheir separate ways. The Chrysler Sebring is likely to share itsplatform with an existing front wheel drive Fiat model, sharing manyof the components including suspension, engine and transmission butwith a body unique to itself. The Dodge Avenger, on the other hand,could end up getting a shortened version of the existing DodgeChallenger platform, a rear wheel drive coupe.

Separating the Chrysler Sebring andDodge Avenger could be part of Fiat's strategy to grow each of theAmerican brands distinctly. Badge engineering has “worked” forautomakers in the past in that it helped the companies sell virtuallythe same car across several brands, but it hasn't always beenwelcomed by consumers. By separating the Sebring from the Avenger,Chrysler can appeal to two different kinds of consumers: the Sebringfor premium customers while the Avenger would target performanceoriented drivers.

Selling All Three Brands Under OneRoof

The plan to separate the Chrysler andDodge models is part of a much bigger and far reaching extrusion screw manufacturers project: tounite Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep under one umbrella, allowing dealersto sell all three brands under one roof. By offering two distinctmidsize platforms, the midsize models would appeal to differentcustomers without taking away sales from each. Fiat wants Chrysler tobe its premium brand (like Buick), Dodge its sporty brand (likeChevrolet) while Jeep would compete against the likes of GMC.

The Dodge model may already have beenshown to the world in the form of the rear wheel drive Chrysler 200C.That concept was shown earlier this year and could quickly bereworked to become a Dodge. As far as the Chrysler Sebring, the AlfaRomeo159 could serve as that car's platform, an upscale midsizesedan. Both cars are likely to offer four cylinder engines standardwith an optional V6 available.