New Dodge Platform Could Include V8

Contrary to former reviews, MotorTrend says that Dodge isn’t really done with gasoline-burning Chargers and Challengers just nonetheless. Citing unnamed sources, the publication promises a new huge, non-EV rear-drive platform is in the performs and will change the present system — the bones of which date again nicely in excess of a ten years.

Nevertheless, a Dodge spokesperson claims that is not occurring.

Alarm bells range for Charger, Challenger die-hards

Through a Stellantis EV-centric presentation previous calendar year, the Dodge division laid out its options for electrifying the lineup. Among the the bulletins was the reveal of an electrical muscle motor vehicle anticipated in 2024, together with Stellantis’ vision to have 40% of its sales be absolutely electric powered or plug-in hybrid automobiles by 2030. These statements pointed the way towards an electric Charger and Challenger, which would in a natural way supplant the growing older gasoline-run products.

Not so rapid, explained MotorTrend. MT reported, “Our sources notify us that a brand name-new generation of [V8]-powered, rear-wheel-drive muscle equipment are coming, and coming soon. … A new, massive Stellantis rear-push system is coming and can in shape a [V8]. This platform will be different and unrelated to the EV skateboard chassis that will underpin other large Stellantis EVs. This vehicle architecture will underpin a new Charger, a new Challenger, as well as potentially a new Chrysler 300, and the up coming-era Maserati Quattroporte.”

This is appealing. Even with a flurry of electrification options generating headlines across the industry, several Dodge followers continue being steadfastly interior combustion-focused. Some of Stellantis’ brands are likely full-speed forward towards electrification Maserati, for a single, is deep into screening for its approaching GranTurismo Folgore, which is the EV version of the sport coupe. Dodge, which has created a legacy on its thirsty V8s, has fully commited to creating 50% of its vehicles battery powered by 2030.

Dodge’s response

On the other hand, Dodge is refuting MT‘s claims. “We have reported on the file: The Hemi in that platform goes away soon after 2023, as does that system,” David Elshoff from Dodge explained to Edmunds via email. “The unnamed substitution will be a BEV [battery electric vehicle].”

We may be examining concerning the traces below, but both equally sides may well be proper. Right after all, MT is expressing that a next-gen gasoline-driven Charger and Challenger will be dependent on a new system, which traces up with Elshoff’s statement. And then there is certainly the difficulty of powerplants. The Hemi could be gone, but Stellantis has a new 3.-liter twin-turbo inline-6 engine that could be employed as a substitute. Engineered for minimized tailpipe emissions and better fuel effectiveness, the so-referred to as Hurricane engine arrives in two flavors: one particular tuned for lessened use (400 horsepower) and just one tuned for effectiveness (500 hp).

Even if the V8 does not return for a upcoming-gen gas-run Charger or Challenger, we could however have a smorgasbord of energy with the rumored inline-6 powerplant and the already verified torque-on-faucet electric variations. Stellantis is masking the bases with the Hurricane, which the organization states will be built-in into future electrified versions.

What does this indicate for lovers of the typical muscle mass vehicle?