Fiat Chrysler takes the wraps off its 2018 lineup

There’s more than just the Demon and Hellcat in FCA’s 2018 lineup

Beyond the Demon and Hellcat News of fire-breathing, Hemi-powered Demons and Hellcats have been stealing the spotlight at FCA Group lately, but the automaker does have other products in its 2018 portfolio that are worthy of attention. Here’s a quick peek at what you’ll be seeing soon in FCA dealers’ showrooms. By Clare Dear ▲

Chrysler 300 Changes to the 300 lineup include the addition of a new entry-level Touring model featuring a cloth interior and 17-inch aluminum wheels. The base engine is a 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 that delivers 292 horsepower at 6,350 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 revs. The 300 Limited will now include 20-inch aluminum wheels and a new Deep Mocha leather interior option is available. This premium trim is also available on 300C models. For 2018, the 300C comes standard with the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 with Fuel Saver Technology. It churns out 363 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque and can launch to 100 km/h in less than six seconds. All Chrysler 300 models are available with an advanced all-wheel drive system, while an eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission is standard on every model. ▲

Chrysler Pacifica A new entry-level model, the Pacifica L, has been added to the minivan lineup, while the Pacifica Hybrid offerings now include a Touring Plus model. All models in the Pacifica portfolio get an upgraded Uconnect 4 system while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard across the lineup. A 4.7-inch Uconnect radio is standard on L, LX, Touring and Touring L models, while the 4 8.4-inch Uconnect radio now has HD Radio. The Uconnect 4C NAV with 8.4-inch display features optional 4G Wi-Fi, while the Uconnect Theater offers wireless streaming from Android mobile devices. Exterior upgrades include new wheels and body-colour mirrors on the Touring Plus and a chrome roof rack on the Touring L. The Hybrid Touring L features bright body-side moulding and a chrome roof rack. ▲

Dodge Challenger By now, word of the new 840-horsepower Challenger SRT Demon has been well-documented, as has the addition of the Challenger SRT Widebody with its 707-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi Hellcat V-8 engine and new, wide fender flares. There are upgrades, as well, to other models in the Challenger lineup, such as low-gloss black 5Deep lightweight aluminum wheels that are now standard on the Challenger SRT 392, saving 7.26 kilograms per vehicle. Optional  Brass Monkey wheels are available on the Challenger SRT 392 as are red Brembo brake calipers on the Challenger R/T and R/T 392 models. All 5.7-litre models now feature a new performance handling package with four-piston Brembo brakes and high-performance suspension, while 19-inch aluminum wheels with painted pockets are available on Challenger GT AWD models. The Super Track Pak on Challenger SXT Plus and R/T P models now includes Nappa/Alcantara performance seats. A Uconnect 4 system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is now standard on Challenger SXT, R/T, R/T Shaker and T/A models, while a rear back-up camera and one-touch up windows are now standard on all models. ▲

Dodge Charger The hottest model in the Charger lineup, the SRT Hellcat, gets some cosmetic changes for 2018, including a new grille and fender badges, plus the availability of a new “Demonic Red” Laguna leather interior. Other models in the lineup haven’t been overlooked, however. The Pentastar V-6 engine is now offered in four models: the SXT, SXT Plus, GT and GT Plus. The SXT and SXT Plus are now available with leather seating, while all-wheel drive is available on the GT and GT Plus. The available Super Track Pak with Nappa/Alcantara performance seats (when packaged with the leather group) gives the SXT Plus a more performance-oriented look, while the GT AWD comes standard with 300 horsepower, Dodge Performance Pages, gloss black fascia applique and 19-inch aluminum wheels. Optional red Brembo brake calipers are available on the Charger R/T Scat Pack and Daytona 392, while he Uconnect 4 system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is now standard on the Charger SXT. A rear back-up camera and rear park assist are now on all models, while more than 80 safety and security features, such as full-speed forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control with full stop and lane departure warning with lane keep assist, are available. ▲

Dodge Durango The Durango lineup adds an SRT version for 2018. This three-row SUV is powered by a 392-cubic-inch Hemi V-8 that delivers 475 horsepower, 470 lb-ft of torque and can launch to 96 km/h in 4.4 seconds. It also delivers a best-in-class towing capability of 8,600 pounds. The rest of the Durango lineup gets the 360-horsepower 5.7-litre V-8 engine with Fuel Saver Technology and a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds or the standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 engine generating 290 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The V-6, which is fitted with engine stop-start technology as standard equipment, can tow 6,200 pounds. Technology upgrades for 2018 include a programmable digital instrument cluster, available class-exclusive 9.0-inch dual-screen Blu-ray and DVD player, available Beats premium audio system, 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen radio with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation and a function to view trailed items through the rear mounted camera while the Durango is in motion. New exterior performance features on Durango R/T and SRT models include widebody exterior design and functional SRT hood, as well as a new front fascia and lower valence to house new cold-air ducts and LED fog lamps. All 2018 models get a new sport steering wheel with paddle shifters and a new driver-oriented electronic shifter that provides the driver with intuitive gear selection. ▲

Dodge Grand Caravan The Grand Caravan minivan lineup consists of four models for 2018: the SE, SE Plus, SXT and GT, all powered by the 283-horsepower, 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 engine. Standard features on the entry-level SE model include remote keyless entry, sunscreen glass, heat and air conditioning in all three rows, third-row Stow ‘n Go with available tailgate seating, 6.5-inch touchscreen radio with rear backup camera, power locks and power windows in all three rows, power heated mirrors, as well as safety features such as trailer sway damping, electronic stability control, seven airbags and daytime running lights. The SE Plus adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, premium cloth seats with silver accent stitching, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, second-row Super Stow ‘n Go and Uconnect Handsfree Group, while SXT upgrades include leather seats with suede inserts and silver accent stitching, automatic headlamps, fog lamps, power eight-way driver seat, power sliding doors and liftgate and Stow ‘n Place roof rack. The Grand Caravan GT includes a unique performance suspension, monochromatic exterior, premium leather interior with red accent stitching, a nine-speaker audio system, 6.5-inch touchscreen radio with navigation, rear backup camera and remote start. ▲

Dodge Journey This mid-size crossover, with standard seven-passenger seating, offers a choice of four- or six-cylinder engines, as well as front- or all-wheel drive. New for 2018, fold-flat second and third-row seats are standard on all models. Also new, the popular Blacktop Package is now available on the base Journey SE model, as well as the SXT and GT. The package includes black roof rails, gloss black exterior mirrors, fascia appliqué and grille, plus 17-inch aluminum wheels on the SE and 19-inch aluminum wheels on the SXT and GT models. All Crossroad models now feature new “Black Noise” 19-inch aluminum wheels. The base powertrain is a 2.4-litre, 16-valve, DOHC, four-cylinder engine, which produces 173 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque, linked to a four-speed automatic transmission. The 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 engine, which produces 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, is standard on the GT and all-wheel drive (AWD) models. It’s available as an option on the SXT and Crossroad models. The 2018  Journey has more than 40 available safety and security features, including multistage front passenger air bags, active head restraints, electronic stability control with all-speed traction control, electronic roll mitigation and brake assist, driver-side knee blocker air bag, side-curtain air bags covering all three rows, and front seat-mounted side air bags. ▲

Fiat 124 Spider This Italian roadster delivers driving excitement, technology and safety, combined with iconic design. During a day testing all the 2018 FCA offerings, the 124 Spider was truly the most fun. For the upcoming model year, package content on the Lusso and Abarth has been reconfigured for added flexibility, allowing customers to select the exact options they desire. In addition, an all-new Red Top Edition will be available on the Lusso model later in the model run. The rear-wheel-drive Spider is powered by a 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo four-cylinder engine that delivers 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It’s coupled to a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. The Abarth model has an output of 164 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The Abarth also features Bilstein sport suspension, a mechanical limited-slip differential, front strut tower bar, Sport Mode selector and sport-tuned chrome quad-tip exhaust for a sportier, more responsive driving experience. All Spiders are available with an array of safety and security features, including full LED adaptive front headlamps, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross path detection and rear backup camera. Technology and convenience features include keyless entry, Bluetooth connectivity, heated seats, available Bose premium nine-speaker audio system and FIAT Connect 7.0 with 7.0-inch touchscreen display. ▲

Fiat 500 While details about the full 2018 Fiat 500 lineup won’t be released until later in the 2018 model year, we can fill you in on  a couple of 500 derivatives, the 500L and 500X. The 500L gets an updated exterior for 2018 with new front and rear fascia design, bodyside moulding design, new wheel designs, daytime running light lens and rear side reflector design. The cabin, which offers 42 percent more interior space than the Fiat 500 and comfortable seating for five, has also been revamped with such features as a thin-film transistor (TFT) cluster display, improved centre console with relocated cup holders, new gear shifter and new parking brake handle, an additional USB port, LED interior ambient lighting, new steering wheel and HVAC control knob position and a standard rearview camera. The Uconnect 4 system is also standard and includes a 7.0-inch display and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. The 500L is powered by a 160-horsepower, 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo four-cylinder paired with a six-speed Aisin automatic transmission. ▲

2018 Fiat 500X The 2018 500X crossover features two engine options, an available nine-speed transmission, and an all-wheel drive system with a disconnecting rear axle for improved fuel efficiency. A 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo four-cylinder engine, generating 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed manual transmission is standard on the 500X Pop, while the Trekking and Lounge models are powered by a 2.4-litre Tigershark four-cylinder with MultiAir2 producing 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. This engine, which is available on the Pop, is paired with the segment’s first nine-speed automatic transmission. New for 2018, all 500X models are equipped with the Uconnect 4 system, including a 7.0-inch display and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. ▲

Jeep Cherokee Jeep has realigned the trim levels of its mid-size Cherokee SUV for 2018, enhancing the list of standard equipment. The base Latitude includes such standard features as 17-inch aluminum wheels, fog lamps and high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, roof rails, rear back up camera, bright daylight opening (DLO) mouldings as well as body-colour mirrors and door handles. A new Latitude Plus trim has been added, featuring an 8.4-inch Uconnect radio with colour touch screen, SiriusXM Radio, keyless entry, cloth seats with leather inserts, leather steering wheel with audio controls, eight-way power driver seat with power four-way lumbar support, ambient lighting, 115-volt AC outlet at the back of the console and 17-inch aluminum wheels with a unique finish, all as standard equipment.  The Cherokee Trailhawk also adds new standard features, including blind-spot monitoring, cross path detection, rear backup warning and dual-zone automatic climate control. Added standard features on the Limited models blind-spot monitoring, cross path detection, rear backup warning and a power liftgate. ▲

Jeep Compass One of the changes for 2018 in the compact SUV Compass lineup is the availability of a 4X2 configuration on the Limited trim level. As this global model was just launched as a 2017 model, few other changes have been made to the lineup. North American models are powered by a fuel-efficient 2.4-litre PZEV MultiAir Tigershark four-cylinder producing 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. Its “small-wide 4×4 architecture” features four-wheel independent suspension with up to 208 millimetres of wheel articulation and 216 mm of ground clearance for best-in-class off-road capability and superior on-road performance. For 2018, the Compass offers a choice of four fourth-generation Uconnect systems providing a range of available hands-free communication, entertainment and navigation features, including new Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Compass is loaded with more than 70 available advanced safety and security features. ▲

Jeep Grand Cherokee To help celebrate the Grand Cherokee’s 25 anniversary, Jeep has added a new model to its premium SUV lineup, the Trackhawk. It’s the most powerful and quickest SUV ever, featuring a supercharged 6.2-litre V-8 engine that delivers 707 horsepower, 645 lb-ft of torque, can launch to 96 km/h in just 3.5 seconds and covers the quarter mile in 11.6 seconds. Its top speed is 290 km/h. The Trackhawk, as well as the Grand Cherokee Summit and SRT models, get a new Premium Real Metal Package for 2018 that enhances the interior with various upscale real metal accents. The SRT with the available Signature Leather-Wrapped interior package now features matte carbon fiber spears, black exterior badging and new standard 20-inch satin Carbon Spider Monkey wheels. Low-gloss black 20-inch lightweight wheels are optional. A Sterling Edition package marking Grand Cherokee’s 25th anniversary makes its debuts for the 2018 model year. Available on Limited models, it features platinum chrome badging, lower fascia applique, grille rings, roof rails and fog lamp bezels, 20-inch Heritage wheels, available Sangria exterior colour, platinum tow hooks, and a “25th Anniversary” badge. Inside, there’s a leather-trimmed instrument panel and centre console, and unique Heritage perforated seats that feature decorative stitching is standard. Uconnect’s 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a nine-speaker audio system with active noise cancellation and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross path detection, all standard. All Grand Cherokee models are now equipped with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Active noise cancellation is now standard with the available nine-speaker Alpine audio system. ▲

Jeep Renegade Jeep’s small SUV Renegade, with its segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission, gets some interior upgrades for 2018, including a revamped Selec-Terrain shifter dial layout, relocated USB port and two new storage areas in the front seat area. The redesigned interior also features new seat fabrics, colours and bezel treatments. A dual-pane power sunroof is now available on Latitude, Trailhawk and Limited models, while the power My Sky open-air roof panel system is now also optional on the Sport model. The Uconnect 4 system, with 7.0-inch display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, is now standard on the Renegade Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk models and optional on Sport models. The Sport now comes with a 50-inch Uconnect 5.0 radio, six speakers and integrated voice command with Bluetooth and hands-free calling as standard equipment while Latitude, Trailhawk and Limited models offer an optional upgrade to the 8.4-inch Uconnect 8.4 radio with navigation. A rear backup camera is now standard on all Renegade models. ▲

Jeep Wrangler JK For 2018, the iconic Jeep Wrangler JK features a standard eight-speaker audio system and an optional Premium Alpine Audio Package that includes nine Alpine speakers, a subwoofer and a 552-watt amplifier. Three new JK models join the lineup – the Wrangler JK Golden Eagle, Freedom, and Altitude Editions. The Golden Eagle features include a premium tan soft top and available tan half-doors, Golden Eagle centre and side hood decals, body-colour grille and fender flares, steel front and rear bumpers with bronze tow hooks, heavy duty rock rails with matching black tail lamp guards and fuel fill door, 17-inch low-gloss bronze wheels with BF Goodrich KO2 tires, Golden Eagle logos on the front seats, titanium-painted bezels, vent rings, and door handles, all with silver bolt heads, light bronze accent stitching on the McKinley vinyl-wrapped front door armrests and console lid, a black leather-wrapped steering wheel and black cloth seats. The Freedom Edition returns for 2018 with military-themed exterior and interior design cues, while the Altitude’s features include a body-color grille with black throats, head lamp rings, front and rear bumper appliqués and 18-inch wheels with Bridgestone Dueler tires. Other features for the Sahara-based model include a standard body colour hard top, power bulge hood, black tail lamp guards and fuel fill door and standard black leather seats with grey accent stitching.  ▲

Keyword: Fiat Chrysler takes the wraps off its 2018 lineup