Dodge taps the brakes on big changes

Major overhauls to the Dodge lineup, including shifting the Challenger and Charger to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ new Giorgio platform, have been delayed. Meanwhile, the automaker will stop building the Dart in September and hasn’t said what will replace it. And some models, already long in the tooth, will get extended runs.

Dart: Production ends this month. No replacement plan has been announced.

Journey: Plans to move the Journey onto a shared platform with the Chrysler 200 have been scrapped. Production of the current Journey has been extended to 2018, when it will switch to the Giorgio platform, with production moving from Mexico to Italy.

Charger: Last refreshed in 2014, the Charger will be redesigned onto the Giorgio platform in 2018. Its overall size will stay about the same, but the redesign is expected to shed over 400 pounds from the current model. Until then, Dodge will produce occasional Charger buzz models, including the return of the Charger Daytona this year.

Challenger: Dodge will introduce its first V-6 all-wheel-drive Challenger, called the GT AWD, this fall. A wide-body, rear-wheel-drive Hellcat-powered version in 2017 called the Challenger ADR will follow. The Challenger will be redesigned onto the Giorgio platform in 2018, when it will lose an expected 500 pounds from the current model.

Barracuda: A two-door convertible that will share the Charger/Challenger platform will debut in 2021.

Grand Caravan: Production of the current Grand Caravan is likely to continue as a fleet-only model into 2019.

Durango: The large three-row SUV will be lightly freshened in 2017, and it will add an SRT version that year with the 6.4-liter V-8 engine for the first time.

Viper: The current generation will be the performance car’s last. Production will end in August 2017.