It's been a while since we received any formal updates about what's next for the Dodge Charger. This silence isn't just a nod to its forthcoming all-electric engine. Dodge has mainly concentrated on the current, especially with the farewell of the gasoline-powered Charger and its two-door counterpart, the Challenger. So, is this the final curtain call for the Charger with a traditional engine?
On this topic, Dodge remains notably tight-lipped. To clarify, a Dodge representative verified in a July 2022 email to Motor1 that internal combustion for the upcoming Charger was out of the picture. The exact quote read: "The Hemi in that platform, as well as that platform, are going away. The next generation will be BEV." This confirmation came before the introduction of the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT EV concept, not to forget the subsequent debut of the non-electric next-gen Ford Mustang and, more recently, the supercharged 800-hp Mustang GTD.
Meanwhile, the combustion rumors are still very much alive. The latest buzz, courtesy of Mopar Insiders, is especially noteworthy as it distinguishes between the upcoming Dodge Charger and its Daytona variant. According to this report, the Charger Daytona is set to be all-electric, and multiple Daytona trims with varying power levels will precede the top-of-the-line Banshee model. Additionally, it mentions that a combustion engine will still feature in the Charger lineup.
2022 Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept
The high-end version could potentially employ a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine, which is already in use in the Jeep Grand Wagoneer and is speculated to be in the revamped Ram pickup. With 510 horsepower, it surpasses all existing Charger models except for the Hellcat series. This engine option would offer both power and improved fuel efficiency, providing a non-electric choice for those not yet prepared for the transition to EVs.
It's important to note that none of this has been officially confirmed. Dodge's spokesperson did not provide further details or validate their prior statement.
Significant updates could be just around the corner as Dodge's parent entity, Stellantis, is poised to make a major announcement at the 2023 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The event opens its doors to the public on September 16.
