DODGE JOURNEY REPLACEMENT REPORTED TO BE A RWD PERFORMANCE SUV

The Utility Vehicle Will be Based On The Alfa Romeo Giorgio Architecture

by Manoli Katakis November 25, 2019, 2:29 pm

Don’t make fun of the Dodge Journey. For what it is and what it does, and serves a purpose wonderfully. It’s sheetmetal may not be as controversial as a Tesla Cybertruck, and its underpinnings may not be all that new, but it’s the most affordable three-row crossover SUV on the market today. And for most people, that’s everything. The truth is that vehicles continue to get more expensive, and as things have inflated, the Journey has been preserved in time. However, its pedestrian persona prevents it from parading with its more powerful compatriots. It’s not exactly a mascot for the Brotherhood of Muscle, is what we’re trying to convey here. That may soon change with its replacement.

The Dodge Charger, Challenger and Durango serve as a core for the brand’s performance intentions, and it sounds like there will soon be a worthy addition to that lineup.

According to the sources of Mopar Insiders, FCA is working on a new 5-passenger performance SUV for the Dodge brand that will be based off of the Giorgio architecture currently seen in the razor-sharp Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio. With this comes rear-wheel-drive, with optional all-wheel-drive.

This same architecture is alleged to underpin the next-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee, as well.

While the DNA of the upcoming Dodge performance SUV may sound very European, elements of American muscle are reportedly being weaved into its makeup, as well. For instance, the Mopar enthusiast outlet claims that a Hemi V8 will be an optional powertrain, while a Scat Pack model is also being pieced together also. Sounds delicious.

We can only speculate about other engines at this time, but considering that FCA patented a turbocharged straight-six engine, and that the company placed a massive order for hybrid-ready 8-speed transmissions from ZF to be ready by 2022, it’s likely that this upcoming Dodge performance utility vehicle will share a lot of propulsion personality with its future brand stablemates.

The report says to look for this new exciting SUV around the 2022-2023 timeframe.

Written by Manoli Katakis

Muscle Cars & Trucks was founded by Manoli Katakis - an automotive media veteran that has been covering the latest car news since 2009. His journalism has uncovered dozens of major product changes, updates, plans, and cancellations long before automakers were ready to make things official.

Some highlights over the years of his reporting include the uncovering of the Zora trademark before anybody else reported on the coming of a mid-engine Corvette, as well as the dead-accurate reporting of the coming of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, two years before it hit the market, and even before the debut of the concept vehicle. This type of reporting has immediately continued here, with reports of the original seventh-generation Camaro plans being shelved, as well as what's in store for the Chevrolet Silverado.

Some of his work can be found on massive automotive media outlets, such as Motor1. He also has been a guest on the 910AM Radio Station with Detroit News auto critic Henry Payne, as well as the enthusiast-oriented Camaro Show podcast.

Over the years, Manoli has interviewed various automotive industry titans, leaders, and people that make things happen otherwise. These include figureheads such as GM CEO Mary Barra, GM President Mark Reuss, automotive aftermarket icon Ken Lingenfelter, Dodge firebrand Tim Kuniskis, along with various chief engineers of vehicles such as the Ford F-150 & Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro & Corvette, and many more.

At MC&T, Manoli is taking his journalism expertise, deeply planted sources, driving abilities, and automotive industry knowledge to new levels, covering more vehicles and brands than ever before. This is the place where you will continue to read groundbreaking stories about American performance vehicles, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Here is where you’ll also read insights and quotes from various automotive subject matter experts on the latest relevant products, as well as some of the latest official news from their manufacturers.

Fun facts: he also once beat Corvette Racing driver Tommy Milner in an autocross with a Chevrolet Bolt EV. The biggest vehicle he’s ever driven is a John Deere mining truck. Besides a go-kart, the smallest vehicle he’s driven has been a Hyundai i10. He’s also spent time in the cockpit of various American performance vehicle icons, including the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, Dodge Challenger Demon, and Ford Mustang GT350R. He has reviewed dozens of trucks, SUVs, and performance vehicles over the years.

One of his favorite new vehicles on the market today happens to be the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison. He is also a card carrying member of the Sports Car Club of America, and regularly participates in Detroit Region autocross events.

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