Zac Quinn 
Previous reports indicated that in addition to the battery-electric replacements to today’s Dodge Challenger and/or Dodge Charger, the new vehicles on the STLA Large platform would have versions powered by an internal-combustion engine, perhaps even a Hemi V8. However, the Dodge PR team quickly put this fire out by going on record to say that the Hemi-powered cars are going away after 2023 and that the “next generation will be electric.” It’s rare that brands comment on future product, but this is one such case. However, analyst reports are painting a different picture than the “official” word.
Next Generation Dodge Muscle Cars: Details
Two reputable forecasting houses – AutoForecast Solutions and LMC Automotive – report that ICE versions of the Charger and/or Challenger replacements will be available. The engine that will likely be replacing the legendary Hemi V8 is the new Hurricane 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline six-cylinder. And replacing the Pentastar V6 will be a 2.0L turbo hybrid system a la Jeep Wrangler 4xe. Both of these new powertrains mean plenty of power beneath the right foot, but it’s likely to also mean higher prices, more complexity, and engine sounds that don’t come close to the drama of a Hemi V8.
Yes, Dodge will sell fully electric muscle cars as previewed by the Charger Daytona SRT Banshee Concept during Speed Week. But internal combustion will see another generation, as well. These new vehicles may be “electrified” with mild hybrid or PHEV powertrains, but not fully electric. They may not also be called Charger and/or Challenger at all, with Stellantis recently trademarking names like ‘Cuda and “Six Pack” with the USPTO. The vehicle under wraps during Dodge EV Day, pictured up top, also appears to not be an electric vehicle at all, and bears no resemblance to the all-electric Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Banshee concept car.
MC&T reached out to AutoForecast Solutions and clarified that the Dodge muscle cars that have been delayed to 2025 are, in fact, the ICE vehicles. These combustion engine-powered replacements to the current LX-platform Charger and Challenger will also be built at the Windsor Assembly plant in Ontario, Canada, utilizing the STLA Large vehicle architecture. This flexible platform will also underpin production versions of the electric Dodge muscle cars, as well. Sam Fiorani of AFS tells us that it’s still unclear when these all-electric variants will begin production.
With the current Charger and Challenger set to end production in 2023, it could mean that Dodge will be fairly thin on product, having only the Hornet small SUV and perhaps the longstanding Durango in showrooms for at least a year.
Hopefully, Stellantis will fully communicate its Dodge product strategy in the near future.
