Confirmed: Next-Generation Dodge Charger to Retain Gasoline Engine

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Ever since Dodge unveiled the electric Charger Daytona SRT concept car in 2022 and announced the end of gas-powered muscle cars, speculation has been rife. Would Dodge, renowned for its high-performance V8 engines and having sold over two million Challengers and Chargers, really cease production of such vehicles? It appears not. Persistent rumors have now been substantiated by The Drive, confirming that the next-gen Dodge Charger will introduce a dual offering: a fully electric variant and a gas-powered version featuring the company’s 3.0-liter “Hurricane” twin-turbo inline-six engine.

Insider information from a source linked to a supplier intimately acquainted with Dodge’s production roadmap has shed light on the next-gen Charger program. In exchange for anonymity, the source disclosed key details verifying their credibility and insight into the plans. Only the most noteworthy details about the vehicle will be shared with the public.

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“They’re retaining gasoline engines. The vehicle platform’s official designation is LB, and it will feature the new GME-T6 Hurricane inline-six engine in both RWD and AWD configurations,” as per the source. “It will be paired with the Stellantis Gen 4 transmission, which is also being deployed at Mack Assembly, Jefferson North Assembly, and Toledo North.”

In summary, the current Dodge Charger and Challenger models, along with their Hemi V8 powertrains, will cease production by the end of 2023. Dodge had previously emphasized the end of the road for gas-powered muscle cars with the conclusion of these models. Denying reports suggesting the next-gen iterations would offer internal combustion options, Dodge categorically stated that “the story is incorrect… the next generation will be BEV.” CEO Tim Kuniskis indicated that the STLA Large platform could theoretically accommodate both electric and gas powertrains but stressed that it wasn’t the plan. However, it appears that it indeed is the plan, ensuring that the Ford Mustang won’t monopolize the decade’s excitement.

The insider can only confirm the standard output of the inline-six engine, which currently generates 420 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque in Jeep models. It was mentioned that there are no hindrances to including the high-output version, which boasts 510 hp and 500 lb-ft, in the lineup. This inclusion is highly anticipated, especially considering the Ford Mustang’s top-tier configuration, the 500-hp Coyote V8 in the Dark Horse edition.

The Gen 4 transmission in the Charger represents an updated iteration of the esteemed eight-speed automatic gearbox, but unfortunately, there is no indication of a manual transmission or the speculated “enhanced” V8. It remains unclear to what extent the finalized design will resemble the initial concept’s aesthetics or if there will be visual distinctions between the gas and electric variants.

Both the gas and electric Dodge Charger models will be manufactured at Windsor Assembly in Canada, where the retooling process is reportedly well under progress, sharing production lines with the upcoming Chrysler Pacifica. One point of confusion arises regarding the fate of the Challenger moniker. Presently, the Challenger is a coupe while the Charger is a sedan, whereas the Charger Daytona SRT EV concept resembles a coupe with sedan-like traits. Speculation leaned towards a production version with four doors until leaked body shell images depicted a genuine coupe design. The source asserts that this indeed represents the Charger, yet uncertainties persist.

In light of Dodge’s prior disavowals concerning a gas engine, skeptics may question how differently the Charger Daytona SRT concept reveal and the Charger/Challenger Last Call models might have been perceived had knowledge of a six-cylinder sequel been public. Clarity will only emerge when Dodge officially unveils the new car, an event anticipated sometime next year.

The all-aluminum inline-six engine is poised for significant power outputs; the high-output variant features a fully forged bottom end and is anticipated to be well-received by enthusiasts and tuners alike. Stellantis is already planning to introduce a 1,000-horsepower crate version of the engine. However, the question remains whether it will resonate culturally with enthusiasts to the same degree as the 6.2-liter Hellcat V8. Observers have already witnessed a Ram TRX testing the Hurricane engine, raising eyebrows accustomed to the V8’s distinctive growl from the tailpipe. Nonetheless, enthusiasts may simply rejoice that Dodge is not yet bidding farewell to internal combustion.

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