300

Make
Chrysler
Segment
Sedan

Automakers file for trademark patents all the time to ensure other companies don't steal names that they intend to use. Recently, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (now Stellantis after a merger with Groupe PSA) filed a patent for the name Hornet as well as Wagoneer Client Services. The former could end up as a new model, while the latter seems more like a luxury experience for the upcoming Jeep Grand Wagoneer.

These trademark filings can often result in a real production model, or they can often be a preventative measure that never sees the light of day. Earlier this month, Stellantis filed for another patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and we have no idea what it might be. The patent covers the name Atlantic for land vehicles, namely, passenger automobiles.

The application, which was filed on October 12, 2020, covers the goods and services category, meaning this name could see use on a future model. The name Atlantic doesn't have much history with any of the FCA brands, although there was a concept car called the Chrysler Atlantic back in 1995 (pictured above). Chrysler never built a production version, as the idea of a massive two-door personal luxury car was too crazy even for the '90s.

Although it wore a Chrysler badge, the Atlantic Concept was styled to look like the Bugatti Atlantic. The car was designed by Bob Hubbach, who also played a role in designing the original Dodge Viper. It even featured a straight-eight engine with 360 horsepower and a manual transmission.

Unless Chrysler has lost its mind completely, there's no way the company plans to build anything remotely similar to the original Atlantic Concept. If we had to guess, the Chrysler Atlantic could be an SUV based on the upcoming Jeep Grand Wagoneer or possibly using the Giorgio platform from the Alfa Romeo Stelvio.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 will soldier on for a few more model years, and the Pacifica and Voyager minivans sell pretty well. But if the Chrysler brand really hopes to remain relevant, it needs a crossover of some kind, and Atlantic seems like a pretty nice name for one.