Jump to content
Create New...
  • William Maley
    William Maley

    Next-Generation Dodge Challenger To Embrace Electrification

      You can also kiss that 700 horsepower supercharged V8 good-bye

    The Dodge Challenger has been enjoying a resurgence for the past couple of years, due in part to the supercharged variants known as the Hellcat and Demon. But Fiat Chrysler CEO Mike Manley tells the Detroit News, the next-generation Challenger will be quite different.

    "The reality is those platforms and that technology we used does need to move on. They can’t exist as you get into the middle-2020s. New technology is going to drive a load of weight out, so we can think of the powertrains in a different way. And we can use electrification to really supplement those vehicles," said Manley.

    "I think that electrification will certainly be part of the formula that says what is American muscle in the future. What it isn’t going to be is a V-8, supercharged, 700-horsepower engine."

    It is unclear what is in store for the next-generation Challenger. We previously reported that the model would move to the Giorgio platform - what underpins the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio. But last year, a story came out that next-generation Challenger and Charger would use a heavily re-worked version of the current LX platform - one that can trace its roots back to Mercedes-Benz models from the 1990s.

    As for possible engines, we wouldn't be surprised if the 2.0L turbo-four found in the Jeep Wrangler becomes available in the next-generation Challenger. There is also the rumor of a new inline-six taking the place of the current Pentastar V6, which we would assume could get some form of electrification. But Kelly Blue Book analyst Karl Brauer is skeptical about muscle cars and electrification co-existing.

    "There's a long-standing rule about what constitutes American muscle, but electrification is not part of it. I need something that gets my blood pumping," said Brauer.

    "The Challenger is now challenging the Mustang for sales primacy with a V-8. Who would have thought that? In terms of sales, the supercharged V-8s have worked well."

    We're guessing that FCA will be keeping some sort of V8 option, possibly one with some sort of electric boost.

    Source: The Detroit News

    Edited by William Maley

    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments



    So no new platform for the Charger/300/Challenger triplets.  That is so Sergio: undercut ChryCo products and coddle FIAT products at ChryCo expense.  Apparently the new guy may not want ChryCo to succeed either.

    • Agree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    5 minutes ago, balthazar said:

    Most all electric cars are heavier than their counterparts, not lighter. A Bolt is 300-400 lbs heavier than a Malibu.

    So a Challenger EV could be potentially 4500lbs...cool.   The Giorgio platform was too small and lightweight anyway compared to the current LX/LC. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    25 minutes ago, Robert Hall said:

    So a Challenger EV could be potentially 4500lbs...cool.   The Giorgio platform was too small and lightweight anyway compared to the current LX/LC. 

    Plus Tesla has proven what a proper P100D could do, I can so see a New Demon Challanger destroying the Tesla and the Mustang and Camaro if done right.

    Cool :metal:

    • Agree 1
    • Disagree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    1 hour ago, balthazar said:

    Demon already destroys the P100D. It's done right.

    Yes for an ICE it is, No reason to not give up the noise and fumes and have a Demon 2.0 that can strike in the night in stealthy quietness. :D 

    • Disagree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Giorgio platform (I guess the platform is a good one. The looks of the Guilia are sexy enough, but its the motor under the suit that get my vote...but that Ferrari V6 is NOT OR WILL EVER BE a MOPAR V8!!!)

    Giorgio Armani  (Im not into his fashions) but there is one Giorgio that I dig...

    Giorgio Moroder 

     

    I feel love for an electrified Muscle Car.  I want my muscle car Challenger to remain beefy as it is. Maybe a tad less weight do to a newer platform that benefits from weight reduction materials, but I do want it to retain more or less the same exterior and interior dimensions. No substantially bigger and no substantially smaller therefore maybe a Giorgio platform is not the answer for a new Challenger. 

    So... the old platform seems to be gettiing reworked again. The Challenger brings the goods with this version of a re-worked platform. I do not see this as a bad thing...

    Back to an electrified Muscle Car. I dig that too. I buy into that idea....BUT...it looks like the MOPAR folk dont think that a muscle car should be 100% electrified.   That is a very good thing.  It looks like the Challenger might be trading in supercharge assist for electric motor assist while retaining V8 goodness.  That I applaud. Maybe the supercharger stays too?   All the better if it does. More muscle car badassery to kick Teutonic and Japanese and Swedish and Chinese ass!!!  

    MUSCLE CARS RULE. NO MATTER WHAT IS UNDER THE HOOD.  Or...um...under the seats because skateboard platform with a battery pack residing there. 

    Related image

    Image result for Muscle cars rule meme

    Related image

     

    (BUT IM DOWN WITH ELECTRIC MOTOR ASSIST IN THAT HELLCAT!!!) 

    Edited by oldshurst442
    • Like 1
    • Haha 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    I am sure for the right price Mercedes will sell them a mid 2000s E-class platform if they want something newer.  That LX platform is way dated now, they have to do something, and Giorgio is a good platform I don’t see why they couldn’t just use that.

    As far as electrification goes, Tesla is now American muscle, though not a muscle car, the American performance car is a Tesla.  Especially with the new roadster that “will accelerate at the limit of what humans can withstand “ and do 250 mph.

    • Haha 2
    • Agree 1
    • Disagree 2
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    3 hours ago, dfelt said:

    Yes for an ICE it is, No reason to not give up the noise and fumes and have a Demon 2.0 that can strike in the night in stealthy quietness. :D 

    You glossed over the part where I said "already destroys".

    • Like 1
    • Agree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    1 hour ago, balthazar said:

    You glossed over the part where I said "already destroys".

    Nope, did not miss that at all, just pointing out a different kind of Demon that has better low center of gravity due to the battery pack in the skateboard concept that should give even better track grip.

    I see both ICE and EV Demon having a place on the auto lot.

    • Haha 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Tesla Model S is on the same wheelbase as a Challenger, but weighs 700lbs more. Plus, center of gravity has little to no bearing on acceleration. EV-ing a Demon will very likely make it slower, not quicker.

    I agree that there is room for both types of motivation. But all the talk about banning IC is nonsense we won't see in our lifetimes.

    Was reading elsewhere about Tesla & VW, and how VW (and others) may surpass Tesla. It mentioned VW's claim that it would introduce 50 EV models in a short span. Why do journalists just lap PRs up like unvarnished truth?? It's like a kid assuring you Santa Claus is real. VW sold 42,xxx Golfs in 2018. Know how many were the e-Golf? 1,385. I guarantee you VW will back away from their proclamation; they cannot survive the resulting plunging sales volume.

    • Like 1
    • Agree 2
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    This is all assuming that FCA will have money to do things like this, with the start of a larger sales decline....

    I just don’t see the money there-I see a future for some electric Jeeps, and a phase out of dodge with special editions on it’s way out....

    • Like 1
    • Agree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    1 hour ago, daves87rs said:

    This is all assuming that FCA will have money to do things like this, with the start of a larger sales decline....

    I just don’t see the money there-I see a future for some electric Jeeps, and a phase out of dodge with special editions on it’s way out....

    Quoted for truth my friend.

    • Thanks 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    15 hours ago, smk4565 said:

    I am sure for the right price Mercedes will sell them a mid 2000s E-class platform if they want something newer.  That LX platform is way dated now, they have to do something, and Giorgio is a good platform I don’t see why they couldn’t just use that.

    As far as electrification goes, Tesla is now American muscle, though not a muscle car, the American performance car is a Tesla.  Especially with the new roadster that “will accelerate at the limit of what humans can withstand “ and do 250 mph.

    1

    Again you keep repeating this and other falsehoods. First warning.

    There is nothing left of the original LX platform. The 5-speed automatic is gone, the interior trim pieces have been replaced, the rear differential and suspension setup are all replaced.  All of this is researchable by you even if you don't believe what we've been telling you for a long time now.

     

    • Agree 2
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    15 hours ago, balthazar said:

    You glossed over the part where I said "already destroys".

    For Demon to destroy Tesla you need to put those funny little wheels on the front, change computer and put in it 100 octane gas.   I don't think it can destroy Tesla in a street form.

    • Agree 2
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    3 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

    Again you keep repeating this and other falsehoods. First warning.

    There is nothing left of the original LX platform. The 5-speed automatic is gone, the interior trim pieces have been replaced, the rear differential and suspension setup are all replaced.  All of this is researchable by you even if you don't believe what we've been telling you for a long time now.

     

    Okay, so even not taking into account when any platform was made.  How competitive are the Charger/300/Challenger to a Camaro or Mustang?  Or the 300 to a Maxima or Avalon or Impala?  All those big sedans are dying off anyway, but Chrysler sales are down.  Challenger sells well for a coupe but a feel like a lot of Challenger/Charger sales are fleets without a lot profit behind it.  

    And they are probably facing CAFE issues post 2020 but that is a powertrain issue.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    4 minutes ago, smk4565 said:

    Okay, so even not taking into account when any platform was made.  How competitive are the Charger/300/Challenger to a Camaro or Mustang?  Or the 300 to a Maxima or Avalon or Impala?  All those big sedans are dying off anyway, but Chrysler sales are down.  Challenger sells well for a coupe but a feel like a lot of Challenger/Charger sales are fleets without a lot profit behind it.  

    And they are probably facing CAFE issues post 2020 but that is a powertrain issue.

    For one, the majority of people are NOT Performance People. As such, many just like the style and design of the Auto which is proved out in how well Dodge continues to sell.

    I honestly have not seen many Challengers in rental fleets. Chargers and 300 yes.

    I do agree with you that it would be interesting to see the break out for Chrysler / Dodge products in fleet sales to normal retail sales.

    As is proven by the continued sales, one does NOT have to always start over with a new base to continue to build a decent product that customers like. FCA has clearly as @Drew Dowdell and others pointed out take and replaced old designs with new design parts that have improved greatly the quality of the 300 and dodge cars. If they had not, we would not have the Hellcat or Demon that has done so well in those cars.

    Change for the sake of change is not always needed or desired. One could easily challenge why Mercedes-Benz left the straight 6 for the V6 and now is back to it. We have all seen silky smooth engines on both engine types. As such, is this just to make the world think they have something new when they really do not have their electric auto's which will truly be different ready for the market?

    I honestly do not care for many non american auto's but I respect them all. One has to respect what Dodge and Chrysler has done with what they have and the billions they have made even if it was wrongly taken away and put into a name brand that I think is a waste of money.

    • Agree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    12 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

    ..nobody really has electrics ready for the market.. 

    Agreed, other than Tesla, the Chevrolet Bolt and Nissan Leaf are it as far as global EVs and even then Nissan still does not have their long range out yet so you have Tesla 3 or Chevrolet Bolt.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    22 minutes ago, dfelt said:

    Agreed, other than Tesla, the Chevrolet Bolt and Nissan Leaf are it as far as global EVs and even then Nissan still does not have their long range out yet so you have Tesla 3 or Chevrolet Bolt.

    Too many electrics will flood the market and overwhelm it, just like Hybrids did.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    30 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

    This is most likely going to be just the eTorque system which doesn't add much in the way of power, but gains you efficiency in other ways. 

    That would be extremely disappointing, just like the eTorque system.

    What I originally heard hybrid Ram I thought it was a great leap forward and then I realized it was basically just to get moving and it wouldn't do anything once yo're rolling..I became disappointed. 

    • Sad 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    46 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

    That would be extremely disappointing, just like the eTorque system.

    What I originally heard hybrid Ram I thought it was a great leap forward and then I realized it was basically just to get moving and it wouldn't do anything once yo're rolling..I became disappointed. 

    That blows if it is! :nono:

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    2 hours ago, ccap41 said:

    That would be extremely disappointing, just like the eTorque system.

    What I originally heard hybrid Ram I thought it was a great leap forward and then I realized it was basically just to get moving and it wouldn't do anything once yo're rolling..I became disappointed. 

    It actually does do stuff while you're rolling, but it isn't power-add things. I should do a write up on all the things the eTorque does that aren't directly related.

    • Agree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    15 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

    It actually does do stuff while you're rolling, but it isn't power-add things. I should do a write up on all the things the eTorque does that aren't directly related.

    I know I'd appreciate that. 

    • Agree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    On 1/22/2019 at 12:27 PM, ccap41 said:

    ..nobody really has electrics ready for the market.. 

    what's really pathetic is that with the head start on the market that GM had, after all this time, they could have truly wiped everyone else's ass off the floor by now and owned the market.

    Side note, how cool would it be for GM to re release the EV1 with modern electric powertrain?

     

    Image result for saturn ev1

     

     

     

    • Haha 1
    • Agree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    On 1/23/2019 at 6:55 PM, regfootball said:

    what's really pathetic is that with the head start on the market that GM had, after all this time, they could have truly wiped everyone else's ass off the floor by now and owned the market.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Woulda.  Coulda. Shoulda.  The EV-1 was a product of old GM..the dead company. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    15 minutes ago, Robert Hall said:

    Woulda.  Coulda. Shoulda.  The EV-1 was a product of old GM..the dead company. 

    Yup, The current CEO seems to think all electric, which I am very excited about especially now that they are looking to electrify the GMC Sierra!  :metal: 

    • Haha 1
    • Agree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    1 hour ago, Robert Hall said:

    Woulda.  Coulda. Shoulda.  The EV-1 was a product of old GM..the dead company. 

    YEAH!  GM WAS SO GOOD WITH ELECTRIC CARS, THEY REALLY ......... (wait for it)    CRUSHED IT!!!!!!!!!!

     

    Image result for CRUSHED EV1

    Edited by regfootball
    • Haha 3
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    4 hours ago, regfootball said:

    YEAH!  GM WAS SO GOOD WITH ELECTRIC CARS, THEY REALLY ......... (wait for it)    CRUSHED IT!!!!!!!!!!

     

     

    I remember parking in a garage in downtown Sacramento back in the early 00s and seeing a row 3-4 of these along a couple of the funky chunky Honda electric car of that time..all had CA government plates. 

    Edited by Robert Hall
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Electrics failed because gas was and is cheap and batteries were either too weak to do the job or too expensive to justify sales.  Once the batteries are actually superior to gas and charging is as fast as filling up, sales should rise significantly.  Give them at least 10-15 years for that to happen.

    • Like 2
    • Agree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    6 minutes ago, riviera74 said:

    Give them at least 40-55 years for that to happen.

    Typo fixed

    14 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

    they did it before anyone else.

    ...and stopped it for blaringly clear reasons

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    On 1/25/2019 at 5:26 PM, Drew Dowdell said:

    they did it before anyone else.

    Actually since GM has probably built more cars than anyone else more GM cars have been crushed than anyone else's. This is not unique to electrics.

    On 1/26/2019 at 8:44 AM, ocnblu said:

    I agree with Drew, hopefully it will just be the ineffective e-torque baloney strapped on, and not full suicide.

    Tell us how you really feel.

    • Haha 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    AC DC can do well in Amish country...they have their own heavy metal...

    Just now, Drew Dowdell said:

    No... please don't. We've all heard it all before. 

    We have never used sarcasm before here at C and G so no one recognized it.

    • Haha 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites




    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
    Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

    Guest
    Add a comment...

    ×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

      Only 75 emoji are allowed.

    ×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

    ×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

    ×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • google-news-icon.png



  • google-news-icon.png

  • Subscribe to Cheers & Gears

    Cheers and Gears Logo

    Since 2001 we've brought you real content and honest opinions, not AI-generated stuff with no feeling or opinions influenced by the manufacturers.

    Please consider subscribing. Subscriptions can be as little as $1.75 a month, and a paid subscription drops most ads.*
     

    You can view subscription options here.

    *a very limited number of ads contain special coupon deals for our members and will show

  • Similar Content

  • Posts

    • WOW, California now has 48% more chargers than gas pumps. California Just Crossed an EV Milestone. Here's How
    • Showcased as a Concept in Tarragona, Spain for Kia EV day, the Concept EV2 is a agile B-segment electric SUV that show cases what a production model could be for people to experience urban spaces in new immersive ways. The Concept EV2 is designed for the lifestyle-driven buyers who want cutting edge technology with a connected inspiring driving experience. Kia stated the key exterior features of the Concept EV2: Clean, confident exterior look with vertical DRLs, Kia’s Star Map signature lighting, and a dynamic appearance Compact design, with a strong silhouette and rugged bumpers, gives the Concept EV2 a bold, premium feel Profile combines solid stance with a dynamic shoulder line, robust fenders, and geometric glass and wheel arch details for a refined, technical look Kia President and CEO, Ho Sung Song stated the following: “The Kia Concept EV2 represents a bold step forward for the future of urban mobility. With the Concept EV2, we challenged ourselves to create a vehicle that defies expectations, offering innovative technology and practicality beyond its size. This concept previews Kia’s future vision to redefine the segment, bringing a new level of sophistication and usability to urban drivers. It's a clear signal of our dedication to making electric vehicles truly accessible for everyone." Kia stated that the Concept EV2 is a preview of an accessible sub-compact SUV for the masses that is a B-segment EV that hits above its class. Offering innovative experiences with beyond class features. The vision of the Concept EV2 is to bring sustainable mobility to everyone. The Concept EV2 is clearly identifiable as a part of the Kia EV Family. A clean design that projects a unique confident character as the EV2 starts off with DRLs or Daytime running lights. Kia believes they have delivered a sophisticated focus of style in a city-friendly dimension while also projecting a rugged appearance. This dynamic character on the outside continues with a dynamic interior. Key features of the Concepts EV2 interior: Sustainable interior with flexible seating, vibrant design, and functional LED lighting Easy access and versatility with rear-hinged doors, flat floor, and wide-opening tailgate for active urban lifestyles Concept EV2 features pop-up luggage dividers, message window tech, and removable triangular speakers for customizable audio experience Kia is focused on an interior that hits above the beltline for its b-class and yet also allows innovation so that folks can adjust for just about any reason / experience. The Kia Concept EV2 continued to hit above what other companies have done by stating that this B-Segment sub-compact will offer features usually found on larger class EVs. Second row folding seats V2L or Vehicle-to-Load charging OTA or Over-the-Air updates If you were in bad weather but still wanted to have a picnic, the EV2 has a flat floor where one could fold up the rear seats, slide the front seats up against the dash and enjoy a picnic in a segment leading interior floor space. The creation of an expansive area that users can take full advantage of when parked continues with no central pillar and rear-hinged rear doors. The Concept EV2 will have a diagonal LED lighting throughout allowing lighting to be available where one needs it for the lifestyle you want to live. Music can be played through the Concept EV2 triangle speakers found in the front doors and in strategically placed interior areas. Concept EV2 features an innovative pop-up sliding luggage dividers and straps that secure items of all size. Kia's unique message lighting allows occupants to display text messages through the windows allowing communication with pedestrians and other road users. Kia has since stated the EV2 will go into production globally with a launch in early 2026 in Europe and spreading out across the quarters to Asia and North America. Pricing and full options details will be released closer to launch. Kia/Hyundai/Genesis has also announced that they will be investing 21 billion U.S. dollars in expanding their U.S. production capabilities. This will cover the following: The Group to invest a total of USD 21 billion in the U.S. from 2025 to 2028 USD 9 billion to expand U.S. automobile production to 1.2 million units annually USD 6 billion to enhance parts, logistics and steel business, increasing the localization of auto parts and strengthening supply chains USD 6 billion to expand future industries and strengthen external partnerships and energy infrastructure, including EV charging Investment is expected to create more than 100,000 direct and indirect job opportunities by 2028, including 14,000 direct full-time jobs Expansion of production will happen in Alabama and Georgia as well as a production of a Electric Arc Furnace steel mill in Louisiana producing 2.7 million tons of high-strength light weight steel products. This investment will expand the robust nature of their supply chain across the U.S. This investment has a commitment that goes beyond what most companies do in that six billion will cover the following investments: Collaborating with Boston Dynamics to expand the U.S. ecosystem for robotics components and establish a mass-production system Partnering with NVIDIA to accelerate the development of AI solutions for future mobility, including autonomous driving and robotics Advancing R&D with Supernal, the Group’s US affiliate for AAM business, to commercialize an eVTOL vehicle by 2028 Supplying robotaxis to Waymo as part of its strategic partnership with Hyundai Motor Company, and co-developing autonomous driving services with Aptiv Investing potential startups through venture capital and other funding mechanisms to support U.S. startups specializing in mobility, robotics, and AI Strategic cooperation between Hyundai Engineering & Construction Holtec International on Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology Establishing infrastructure to bolster use of renewable energy Investing in IONNA EV charging alliance to expand infrastructure This commitment of investment is expected to generate 570,000 jobs nationwide as Kia presses on to become the dominate ICE / Hybird / EV producer in North America. This brings it back to the question that started it all, will the public love and want the EV2? View full article
    • The upcoming quarterly report of Tesla is going to be interesting and I suspect major drop in sales. Edmonds is reporting registrations across the U.S. has dropped big time. The bad news continues for Elon Musk: Tesla users are switching to other car manufacturers at record levels
    • Have you had Albert look at the Kia/Hyundai/Genesis portfolio? Maybe a GV60?
    • yeah, I got the e-mail about it because I'm a reservation holder.  I technically need to cancel that. Albert decided he didn't like the R2.
  • Who's Online (See full list)

    • There are no registered users currently online
  • My Clubs

×
×
  • Create New...

Hey there, we noticed you're using an ad-blocker. We're a small site that is supported by ads or subscriptions. We rely on these to pay for server costs and vehicle reviews.  Please consider whitelisting us in your ad-blocker, or if you really like what you see, you can pick up one of our subscriptions for just $1.75 a month or $15 a year. It may not seem like a lot, but it goes a long way to help support real, honest content, that isn't generated by an AI bot.

See you out there.

Drew
Editor-in-Chief

Write what you are looking for and press enter or click the search icon to begin your search