Dodge Charger to Offer Gas and Electric Versions: Leaked Details Confirmed
Since Dodge unveiled its electric Charger Daytona SRT concept car in 2022 and announced its departure from gas-powered muscle cars, many have questioned the company’s decision. After all, Dodge has a strong reputation for its supercharged V8 engines and has sold over two million Challengers and Chargers. However, recent reports reveal that the upcoming next-generation Dodge Charger will indeed have both a full-electric version and a gas-powered version featuring the company’s 3.0-liter “Hurricane” twin-turbo inline-six engine.
Insider information from a supplier connected to Dodge’s production plans confirms the existence of both versions. The source, who requested anonymity, shared various details that authenticate their position and shed light on the new Charger. Although not all information can be disclosed, the most significant facts will be presented.
Contrary to previous reports, the new Charger will retain gasoline engines. The vehicle platform, known as LB, will be available in both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. Powering the gas version will be the new GME-T6 Hurricane inline-six engine. Additionally, the car will feature the Stellantis Gen 4 transmission, which will also be used in other production facilities.
To clarify, the current Dodge Charger and Challenger models, along with their iconic Hemi V8 engines, will cease production by the end of 2023. Dodge aimed to establish this as the end of the road for gas-powered muscle cars, but recent developments challenge this claim. CEO Tim Kuniskis acknowledged that the STLA Large platform underlying the new Charger could theoretically accommodate both electric and gas powertrains, but initially denied plans for a gas option. However, it appears that Dodge has changed its course to compete with the Ford Mustang in the coming years.
Regarding the engine specifications, the source can confirm the presence of the standard output inline-six, producing 420 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque in its current applications in Jeep models. Although the high-output variant, providing 510 hp and 500 lb-ft, is not confirmed, it is likely to be included. This ensures that the new Charger won’t be outperformed by the Ford Mustang, which currently offers a 500-hp Coyote V8 in its Dark Horse model.
The fourth generation of the Charger’s transmission will be an updated version of the existing eight-speed automatic, indicating the absence of a manual transmission option. However, there is still uncertainty surrounding the final design and whether the gas and electric versions will have distinct visual appearances.
Both the gas and electric versions of the Dodge Charger will be manufactured at the Windsor Assembly plant in Canada, where retooling is already underway. Interestingly, there is confusion about the fate of the Challenger name. The current Challenger is a coupe while the Charger is a sedan, but the Charger Daytona SRT EV concept, which closely resembles a coupe, has led to speculation about whether the final production version will have four doors. Leaked photos of the body shell seem to confirm a coupe-like design, but the truth will only be revealed later.
It is worth considering Dodge’s previous denials of a gas engine option. Some argue that the hype around the Charger Daytona SRT concept and the Charger/Challenger Last Call models would have been different if the plans for a six-cylinder variant had been disclosed earlier. The public unveiling of the new Charger is expected to take place next year, providing clarity on Dodge’s intentions.
The all-aluminum inline-six engine has the potential to deliver impressive power. The high-output version features a completely forged bottom end and is predicted to become popular among tuners. Stellantis has already announced plans to offer a crate version of the engine capable of producing 1,000 horsepower. However, it remains to be seen whether this inline-six engine will resonate with enthusiasts in the same way as the 6.2-liter Hellcat V8. Many enthusiasts are accustomed to the distinctive sound of a V8 engine, so the arrival of an inline-six may take some getting used to. Nevertheless, Dodge’s decision to offer both gas and electric options ensures that fans of internal combustion engines can still enjoy their favorite muscle car.
As the Charger’s production progresses and more information is revealed, it is clear that Dodge is not yet waving the white flag on internal combustion. The automotive world eagerly awaits the arrival of the new Dodge Charger, which promises to offer a compelling blend of power, performance, and sustainability.
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