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Opposite to earlier stories, MotorTrend says that Dodge is not carried out with gas-burning Chargers and Challengers simply but. Citing unnamed sources, the publication claims a brand new massive, non-EV rear-drive platform is within the works and can exchange the present platform — the bones of which date again nicely over a decade.
Nonetheless, a Dodge spokesperson says that is not taking place.
Alarm bells vary for Charger, Challenger die-hards
Throughout a Stellantis EV-centric presentation final yr, the Dodge division laid out its plans for electrifying the lineup. Among the many bulletins was the reveal of an electrical muscle automobile anticipated in 2024, together with Stellantis’ imaginative and prescient to have 40% of its gross sales be totally electrical or plug-in hybrid automobiles by 2030. These statements pointed the best way towards an electrical Charger and Challenger, which might naturally supplant the growing old gas-powered fashions.
Not so quick, stated MotorTrend. MT reported, “Our sources inform us {that a} brand-new technology of [V8]-powered, rear-wheel-drive muscle machines are coming, and coming quickly. … A brand new, massive Stellantis rear-drive platform is coming and may match a [V8]. This platform will be separate and unrelated to the EV skateboard chassis that can underpin different massive Stellantis EVs. This car structure will underpin a brand new Charger, a new Challenger, in addition to probably a brand new Chrysler 300, and the next-generation Maserati Quattroporte.”
That is fascinating. Regardless of a flurry of electrification plans making headlines throughout the business, many Dodge followers stay steadfastly inside combustion-focused. A few of Stellantis’ manufacturers are going full-speed forward towards electrification; Maserati, for one, is deep into testing for its upcoming GranTurismo Folgore, which is the EV model of the sport coupe. Dodge, which has constructed a legacy on its thirsty V8s, has dedicated to creating 50% of its automobiles battery powered by 2030.
Dodge’s response
Nonetheless, Dodge is refuting MT‘s claims. “Now we have stated on the report: The Hemi in that platform goes away after 2023, as does that platform,” David Elshoff from Dodge advised Edmunds through e-mail. “The unnamed substitute will be a BEV [battery electric vehicle].”
We could also be studying between the strains right here, however each side could also be appropriate. In any case, MT is saying {that a} next-gen gas-powered Charger and Challenger will likely be primarily based on a brand new platform, which strains up with Elshoff’s assertion. After which there’s the problem of powerplants. The Hemi could also be gone, however Stellantis has a brand new 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine that may very well be used as a substitute. Engineered for lowered tailpipe emissions and higher gas effectivity, the so-called Hurricane engine is available in two flavors: one tuned for lowered consumption (400 horsepower) and one tuned for efficiency (500 hp).
Even when the V8 doesn’t return for a next-gen gas-powered Charger or Challenger, we’d nonetheless have a smorgasbord of energy with the rumored inline-six powerplant and the already confirmed torque-on-tap electrical variations. Stellantis is masking the bases with the Hurricane, which the corporate says will likely be built-in into future electrified fashions.
What does this imply for followers of the basic muscle automobile?
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