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captdownshift
captdownshift GRM+ Memberand UberDork
9/1/16 6:16 a.m.

A modern, i.e. new from the factory, sub compact hatchback that's rwd, with independent rear suspension, 7" of suspension travel on both ends, a di turbo 4 as the base motor and available 300+hp V6. Limited slip would be available as an option. 6 spd gearbox std, there would be an auto option as well. Pricing would start in the mid 20s and top out around 33-34k.

RealMiniParker
RealMiniParker UberDork
9/1/16 6:22 a.m.

The hive would love it, but wouldn't buy one new. The general public wouldn't buy enough of them for the manufacturer to continue making them more than a few years.

EDIT: Maybe five hive guys would buy them new.

captdownshift
captdownshift GRM+ Memberand UberDork
9/1/16 6:27 a.m.

In reply to RealMiniParker:

I should add that it would have regular standard class features as well. 7" touch screen with available sat nav and satellite radio, climate control, yadda yadda.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ SuperDork
9/1/16 6:35 a.m.

And a stripped model with insane rally contingency benefits! I can't afford something like that unless it has a huge upside, like maybe a warranty that repairs race damage for the first 3 years or something

HappyAndy
HappyAndy PowerDork
9/1/16 6:42 a.m.

Is this one of those crazy Renault Clios with the FWD drive train in the back from the factory?

captdownshift
captdownshift GRM+ Memberand UberDork
9/1/16 6:55 a.m.

In reply to HappyAndy:

Nope not a Clio v6. This would be new from a US manufacturer that has struggled in the small car market over the past decade and would be looking at producing a model with differentiation within the segment and a potential segment killer for a niche market with no natural competition.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ SuperDork
9/1/16 6:57 a.m.

In reply to captdownshift:

Chevy is bringing back the Vega?

petegossett
petegossett GRM+ Memberand UltimaDork
9/1/16 7:00 a.m.

In reply to captdownshift:

A new car targeted toward rallyx - cool!

captdownshift
captdownshift GRM+ Memberand UberDork
9/1/16 7:01 a.m.

In reply to ¯_(ツ)_/¯:

Not Chevy. FCA. All of their non crossovers are already rwd, so it fits the product line. The dart is being culled and there's no small car to replace it. Use the 1.4L di turbo lump and offer the V6 from the base challenger/charger for the hot sauce edition.

Tyler H
Tyler H GRM+ Memberand UltraDork
9/1/16 7:04 a.m.

Sounds like a UTV / side by side?

¯\_(ツ)_/¯
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ SuperDork
9/1/16 7:04 a.m.

It sounds like I'm planted squarely in the target market, and I can't see myself ever spending the money on a new car. I think most people who want something like that wouldn't buy it until it's a decade old.

RealMiniParker
RealMiniParker UberDork
9/1/16 7:07 a.m.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ wrote: It sounds like I'm planted squarely in the target market, and I can't see myself ever spending the money on a new car. I think most people who want something like that wouldn't buy it until it's a decade old.

Exactly my point.

captdownshift
captdownshift GRM+ Memberand UberDork
9/1/16 7:07 a.m.

In reply to petegossett:

It wouldn't be developed for such a niche market as rallycross, more for people who want a small, fun practical car with rwd dynamics. With stability control and traction control, other than the cost and packaging of McPherson strut suspensions in a fwd car there's no advantage. Make a small, rwd car that allows for a practical daily that you can drift without a button if you choose. That being said, I see rallycross, autocross and b-spec darling. And I'd be beyond okay with that.

wvumtnbkr
wvumtnbkr GRM+ Memberand SuperDork
9/1/16 7:11 a.m.
captdownshift wrote: A modern, i.e. new from the factory, sub compact hatchback that's rwd, with independent rear suspension, 7" of suspension travel on both ends, a di turbo 4 as the base motor and available 300+hp V6. Limited slip would be available as an option. 6 spd gearbox std, there would be an auto option as well. Pricing would start in the mid 20s and top out around 33-34k.

Doesn't this describe the Hyundai Genesis?

HappyAndy
HappyAndy PowerDork
9/1/16 7:13 a.m.

If this is going to be constructed from existing FCA RWD parts bin stuff it's going to be heavy.

STM317
STM317 HalfDork
9/1/16 7:13 a.m.

It's a fun idea. Maybe they could basically do a hatch of the Fiat 124/ND platform?

Honestly though, if FCA were to do something like this, they'd probably just take some FWD FIAT or Jeep platform and drop it.

captdownshift
captdownshift GRM+ Memberand UberDork
9/1/16 7:20 a.m.

In reply to STM317:

It'd take licensing from Mazda (possibly a return of the GLC). I'll either be able to say more this afternoon or have a gag on me this afternoon.

captdownshift
captdownshift GRM+ Memberand UberDork
9/1/16 7:22 a.m.

In reply to wvumtnbkr:

More of a practical traditional upright hatch design, but running gear wise you're spot on.

Hungary Bill
Hungary Bill GRM+ Memberand UltraDork
9/1/16 7:22 a.m.
wvumtnbkr wrote:
captdownshift wrote: A modern, i.e. new from the factory, sub compact hatchback that's rwd, with independent rear suspension, 7" of suspension travel on both ends, a di turbo 4 as the base motor and available 300+hp V6. Limited slip would be available as an option. 6 spd gearbox std, there would be an auto option as well. Pricing would start in the mid 20s and top out around 33-34k.
Doesn't this describe the Hyundai Genesis?

Maybe like a RWD Veloster? I'd be in, but back to that "doesn't buy new cars" thing...

alfadriver
alfadriver MegaDork
9/1/16 7:32 a.m.

Other than the wheel travel, the Mustang is a great car. And it has two optional motors that make a lot of power. Which lets it top out in a much higher range. But they already start at the $25k price point, and has everything else listed as a want.

It, and the Camaro/Charger, gain a lot from a market that is very well established and of reasonable size- much more robust than the sports car market.

Duke
Duke MegaDork
9/1/16 7:34 a.m.

As others have said, the people who bitch the loudest about the lack of this car are the ones who categorically refuse to buy new.

I'd be interested, definitely... but not if it looked like a Veloster.

Brian
Brian MegaDork
9/1/16 7:49 a.m.

If we are talking theoretical FCA cars, expand on the Miata platform, give it a fixed roof and the pentastar and call it the 'Cuda.

HappyAndy
HappyAndy PowerDork
9/1/16 8:01 a.m.

I could definitely be interested in a hard top body on the Miata/124 chassis. Would it look reminiscent of a Volvo P1800?

bluej
bluej UltraDork
9/1/16 8:01 a.m.

If FCA did a shooting brake based on the ND platform, I'd actually put my $$ where my mouth is.

Aspen
Aspen Reader
9/1/16 8:22 a.m.

So put a hatch on one of the BRZ/FRS twins, offer a turbo version with LSD and done. They would sell less than 5000 for sure and wouldn't be able to cover the costs of government certifications and crash tests. Pity.

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