Dodge to re-engineer Dart, redesign Journey

DETROIT -- Dodge's lineup will be largely static until the second half of 2016, when a re-engineered Dart and redesigned Journey bolster the lineup.

Until then, only a mild refresh of the low-volume Viper is planned along with SRT versions of the Charger and Challenger. Dodge will be hard-pressed to regain the sales volume it lost after production of the Avenger midsize sedan ended earlier this year.

During Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' five-year product reveal in May, Dodge was more narrowly defined as a performance brand. The Chrysler brand will be expanded to compete with Ford and Chevrolet.

Dodge is scheduled to add a seventh nameplate in early 2018, a subcompact hatchback and sedan built on a Fiat platform.

Subcompact: A subcompact hatch and sedan, likely called the Hornet, is tentatively scheduled for showrooms in early 2018.

Dart: Dodge will re-engineer the compact in mid-2016, adding a nine-speed transmission and other technologies to improve fuel economy. Fewer standard features and fewer available optional configurations

should make the next-generation Dart a less-expensive option in the crowded compact sedan segment, while styling updates will give the exterior a bolder look. A turbocharged SRT version will be introduced in late 2016.

Journey: A redesigned Journey will move onto the Compact US Wide platform in mid-2016, with production likely to move to the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant. Look for the next-generation Journey to share a platform with the Chrysler 200 sedan. Expect the 200's all-wheel drive, nine-speed transmission and engine choices. But the Journey will retain an optional third row of seats.

Charger: The refreshed and re-styled 2015 Charger was shown at the 2014 New York International Auto Show and is expected in dealerships in the fourth quarter. A Hellcat-powered SRT version made its debut last month, and is expected in dealerships in January. No other major action is planned on the large sedan until its next redesign in 2018.

Challenger: The refreshed 2015 Challenger was shown at the 2014 New York auto show and is expected in dealerships in the fourth quarter. A Hellcat-powered SRT version is expected in dealerships in the fourth quarter as well. No other major action is planned on the large coupe until a redesign in 2018.

Grand Caravan: Production of the Grand Caravan ends in 2016.

Durango: Dodge's large three-row crossover will remain in the lineup, at least through 2018 and likely beyond since it will be positioned below the upscale Jeep Grand Wagoneer, due in 2018.

Minor changes are planned for early 2017 to improve fuel economy.

Viper: Engineers are planning to boost the horsepower and torque ratings of Viper's aging V-10 engine in mid-2015. They are also likely to reintroduce a convertible version then.