DON’T GET YOUR HOPES UP: NEXT-GEN DODGE CHARGER, CHALLENGER ARE ELECTRIC ONLY

An Inaccurate Report Suggested Otherwise

by Manoli Katakis July 30, 2022, 4:18 pm 4 Comments

2021 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Hemi V8 Muscle Car

Image copyright Steven Pham, Muscle Cars & Trucks.

The office janitor of a source that was feeding incorrect information about GM future product plans must have gotten a job in Auburn Hills recently, because Motor Trend recently published something only to get debunked officially by Stellantis shortly after. It’s not often that an automaker or brand goes on record to dispel a report, so we’re going to have to side with the official commentary for this one. The story claimed that Dodge is planning next-generation Charger and Challenger muscle cars on the STLA Large platform, with the Hurricane inline turbo-six serving duties in place of the 5.7L and 6.4L Hemi V8 engines. A Hellcat V8 would be available for the more expensive SRT performance models.

Dodge nipped that rumor almost immediately, going on record to say: “the story is incorrect. The Hemi in that platform, as well as that platform, are going away. The next generation will be BEV.”

2024 2023 Dodge Charger Challenger Barracuda Cuda 'Cuda EV Electric Muscle Car Vehicle Tim Kuniskis STLA Large Platform — Screenshot via Stellantis.

In all fairness, that plan probably was in the cards at one point, but the Stellantis EV Day presentations from last year really seemed to put ice on any expectation that Dodge would keep its Hemi V8 engines roaring. Although, we’d certainly like to believe. The Dodge Challenger and Charger in their current form are wildly popular, and profitable. The market is there. The customer is there. But they’re not politically correct. So, there you go.

We’ll get a closer look at what Dodge is cooking up soon during Speed Week in August. Following Roadkill Nights, Dodge plans on debuting three different products on the days leading up to the 2022 Woodward Dream Cruise. These plans include new versions of the Dodge Charger and Challenger – likely the 900+ hp Hellcat Redeye models with an E85 tune. The Dodge Hornet small SUV is also expected to debut, something Dodge is describing as “entry muscle,” which we’ll have to see about. Finally, Dodge is expected to tear the sheet off the show car version of its upcoming eMuscle car, which could rival the Tesla Model S Plaid in raw acceleration.

Written by Manoli Katakis

Muscle Cars & Trucks was founded by Manoli Katakis - an automotive media veteran that has been covering the latest car news since 2009. His journalism has uncovered dozens of major product changes, updates, plans, and cancellations long before automakers were ready to make things official.

Some highlights over the years of his reporting include the uncovering of the Zora trademark before anybody else reported on the coming of a mid-engine Corvette, as well as the dead-accurate reporting of the coming of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, two years before it hit the market, and even before the debut of the concept vehicle. This type of reporting has immediately continued here, with reports of the original seventh-generation Camaro plans being shelved, as well as what's in store for the Chevrolet Silverado.

Some of his work can be found on massive automotive media outlets, such as Motor1. He also has been a guest on the 910AM Radio Station with Detroit News auto critic Henry Payne, as well as the enthusiast-oriented Camaro Show podcast.

Over the years, Manoli has interviewed various automotive industry titans, leaders, and people that make things happen otherwise. These include figureheads such as GM CEO Mary Barra, GM President Mark Reuss, automotive aftermarket icon Ken Lingenfelter, Dodge firebrand Tim Kuniskis, along with various chief engineers of vehicles such as the Ford F-150 & Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro & Corvette, and many more.

At MC&T, Manoli is taking his journalism expertise, deeply planted sources, driving abilities, and automotive industry knowledge to new levels, covering more vehicles and brands than ever before. This is the place where you will continue to read groundbreaking stories about American performance vehicles, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Here is where you’ll also read insights and quotes from various automotive subject matter experts on the latest relevant products, as well as some of the latest official news from their manufacturers.

Fun facts: he also once beat Corvette Racing driver Tommy Milner in an autocross with a Chevrolet Bolt EV. The biggest vehicle he’s ever driven is a John Deere mining truck. Besides a go-kart, the smallest vehicle he’s driven has been a Hyundai i10. He’s also spent time in the cockpit of various American performance vehicle icons, including the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, Dodge Challenger Demon, and Ford Mustang GT350R. He has reviewed dozens of trucks, SUVs, and performance vehicles over the years.

One of his favorite new vehicles on the market today happens to be the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison. He is also a card carrying member of the Sports Car Club of America, and regularly participates in Detroit Region autocross events.

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