When Chrysler's five-year plan was revealed last November, there was mention of a new seven-seat Dodge crossover set for debut later this year. Chrysler hasn't given any other official information about the vehicle, but our friends over at
Automobile Magazine managed to capture a few spy shots of a development mule.
Dodge's upcoming crossover is reportedly based on a stretched version of the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee's platform and its additional size among the Grand Cherokees in the development train was immediately apparent. The rear of the car, aft of the C-pillar, is stretched to fit a third row of seats absent on the Grand Cherokee. The other notable feature about the rear of the crossover is the presence of dual tailpipes, indicating the presence of Chrysler's 5.7-liter (nèe Hemi) V-8.
Although information suggests that Dodge's signature cross-hair grille will become a hallmark of the Ram truck brand, the CUV, which we hear might be called Magnum, still bears it. The bright chrome grille resembled the grilles of prototypes of next-generation Charger sedans.
Powertrain options for the CUV will include Chrysler's new 3.6-liter, Pentastar V-6, as well as the 5.7-liter V-8. Both engines will likely be coupled to the same five-speed automatic transmission as in the Grand Cherokee. Like its Jeep counterpart, Dodge's CUV will be available with either rear- or four-wheel drive, but likely only one four-wheel-drive system, instead of the three offered on the Grand Cherokee.
Expect the Magnum/Durango to debut later this year with an on-sale date as a 2011 model.