Dodge to roll out 'Cuda droptop

Dodge will benefit from Fiat Chrysler's massive effort to revive Alfa Romeo. The American brand will use an Alfa rear-wheel-drive platform for the next-generation Charger and Challenger. An early version of the next Charger, said to resemble a 1999 concept, was a hit when it was revealed to dealers last week in Las Vegas.

Also among the new products shown to dealers: a convertible version of a vehicle on the Charger/Challenger platform that will carry the 'Cuda name from Plymouth's past. Meanwhile, the planned production run of the Grand Caravan minivan has been extended into 2017.

In 2014, Dodge's mission was defined as affordable performance. Expect redesigns in the coming years to emphasize brash styling and high horsepower.

Subcompact: A subcompact hatchback, likely called the Hornet, will arrive in 2018, based on a Fiat platform.

Dart: Dodge will re-engineer the compact in mid-2016, adding a nine-speed transmission and a revised 2.0-liter inline-four engine. A turbocharged SRT version will be introduced in late 2016.

Journey: A redesigned Journey will move onto a Fiat platform in mid-2016, and production likely will move to the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, home of the Chrysler 200. Expect the 200's all-wheel drive, nine-speed transmission and engine choices. The Journey will retain an optional third row of seats.

Charger: The Charger was freshened in 2014 and will remain on its current platform until 2018, when it will be redesigned to share a platform with larger Alfa Romeo sedans. 

Challenger: Like the Charger, the Challenger was freshened in 2014 and will keep its current platform until 2018, when it will migrate onto an Alfa Romeo platform. 

Barracuda: A two-door convertible that will share the Charger/Challenger platform will debut in 2018. 

Grand Caravan: Production of the current version of the Grand Caravan has been extended into 2017. Plans call for the Grand Caravan to die eventually, leaving the Chrysler Town & Country as FCA's only traditional minivan.

Durango: The large three-row crossover will be freshened in early 2017 to improve fuel economy.

Viper: The current generation is likely to be the performance car's last. Slow sales don't justify further investments. Although a final decision on ending output has not been made, tighter fuel economy and safety regulations are expected to help bring production to an end by 2019.