Certain automakers are doing very well for themselves in these transitioning times, and they've managed to become more interesting in the eyes of their fans by constantly expanding and renewing their portfolios. However, others, like Chrysler, have lost their vibe.
The Stellantis-owned brand is a shadow of its former self with a very modest vehicle lineup. In fact, its family of cars comprises a single model that's still in production: the Pacifica minivan. A quick look on their U.S. website reveals that the discontinued 300 sedan is still listed, and that's because dealers likely still have numerous ones on sale.
But things weren't always this blurry for Chrysler. Quite the opposite, in fact, as there was a time when its offering was vast, comprising several models from different classes. One vehicle that doesn't get that much attention these days is the New Yorker, especially since it's been nearly three decades since we last heard of it officially.
The last one rolled off the Brampton assembly line in Canada in 1996. This generation shared its nuts and bolts with the Concorde, Dodge Intrepid, and others. It featured a V6 motor, a four-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. Thus, it wasn't exactly a sports sedan in disguise. It measured over 207 inches (5,268 mm) from bumper to bumper, or about as much as a modern-day Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and had a 113-inch (2,870 mm) long wheelbase.
Photo: Behance | Nihar Mazumdar
It made sense for rumors to speak about a possible revival of the New Yorker back in the day, as large sedans were still popular then. However, since this segment has lost much ground to crossovers and SUVs, especially in Western markets, we reckon we'll never see a Chrysler New Yorker ever again. Not with the usual recipe and an internal combustion lump under the hood, anyway.
If anything, Chrysler might decide to bring this moniker back from the dead and use it on a future crossover of some sort, likely with partial or fully electric firepower. Nevertheless, that's our two cents and doesn't necessarily mean anything, as there is always the possibility that the automaker will never launch a fresh New Yorker, regardless of the platform, body style, and power options.
Now, while the Chrysler New Yorker doesn't seem to be anywhere on the horizon officially, unofficially, it has been resurrected. Nihar Mazumdar is behind these renderings that we found on Behance, and you don't need to be a Stellantis expert to tell that they've been based on the 2022 Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept. The pixel artist kept it very simple, as the car only has a few modifications here and there, revolving around the front and rear ends for the most part. Is it something you'd consider buying if it was real?
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News