New Dodge Platform Could Include V8

Contrary to earlier reports, MotorTrend claims that Dodge is just not accomplished with fuel-burning Chargers and Challengers just however. Citing unnamed resources, the publication promises a new large, non-EV rear-push platform is in the performs and will switch the recent system — the bones of which date back again perfectly above a ten years.

However, a Dodge spokesperson claims that is not happening.

Alarm bells variety for Charger, Challenger die-hards

In the course of a Stellantis EV-centric presentation very last calendar year, the Dodge division laid out its strategies for electrifying the lineup. Between the announcements was the reveal of an electrical muscle mass motor vehicle envisioned in 2024, alongside with Stellantis’ vision to have 40% of its gross sales be totally electric powered or plug-in hybrid motor vehicles by 2030. These statements pointed the way toward an electrical Charger and Challenger, which would in a natural way supplant the growing old gas-run models.

Not so quick, said MotorTrend. MT described, “Our sources convey to us that a brand-new era of [V8]-powered, rear-wheel-push muscle equipment are coming, and coming shortly. … A new, significant Stellantis rear-push platform is coming and can in shape a [V8]. This system will be independent and unrelated to the EV skateboard chassis that will underpin other massive Stellantis EVs. This automobile architecture will underpin a new Charger, a new Challenger, as nicely as possibly a new Chrysler 300, and the future-generation Maserati Quattroporte.”

This is interesting. In spite of a flurry of electrification designs generating headlines across the sector, lots of Dodge enthusiasts keep on being steadfastly inner combustion-concentrated. Some of Stellantis’ models are heading total-velocity forward towards electrification Maserati, for one particular, is deep into screening for its forthcoming GranTurismo Folgore, which is the EV model of the activity coupe. Dodge, which has created a legacy on its thirsty V8s, has committed to producing 50% of its cars battery run by 2030.

Dodge’s reaction

On the other hand, Dodge is refuting MT‘s promises. “We have reported on the history: The Hemi in that system goes absent following 2023, as does that system,” David Elshoff from Dodge instructed Edmunds by using electronic mail. “The unnamed replacement will be a BEV [battery electric vehicle].”

We may well be reading through in between the traces listed here, but each sides might be suitable. Soon after all, MT is expressing that a upcoming-gen fuel-driven Charger and Challenger will be based mostly on a new platform, which lines up with Elshoff’s assertion. And then there’s the problem of powerplants. The Hemi may possibly be gone, but Stellantis has a new 3.-liter twin-turbo inline-six motor that could be applied rather. Engineered for minimized tailpipe emissions and greater gasoline performance, the so-named Hurricane motor arrives in two flavors: one tuned for reduced consumption (400 horsepower) and 1 tuned for general performance (500 hp).

Even if the V8 does not return for a following-gen fuel-powered Charger or Challenger, we may still have a smorgasbord of ability with the rumored inline-six powerplant and the presently verified torque-on-faucet electrical variations. Stellantis is covering the bases with the Hurricane, which the firm says will be built-in into future electrified models.

What does this indicate for fans of the vintage muscle mass car?