Dodge enthusiasts were taken aback when the brand initially unveiled its plans to embrace electric propulsion. The prospect of Hellcat and Scat Pack enthusiasts silently navigating traffic was, to put it mildly, a perplexing thought. However, today brings some respite, as Stellantis has officially confirmed that the next-generation Dodge Charger will indeed retain a gasoline engine, albeit not the familiar V8 powerplant. The verification stems from an undisclosed source privy to Dodge’s inner workings who has chosen to remain anonymous. According to this source, the forthcoming Charger will be offered with a version of the brand’s Hurricane straight-six engine, in conjunction with electric power.
The decision to preserve gasoline engines represents a noteworthy shift in Dodge’s trajectory. The platform for the Charger’s next generation was originally deemed a host solely for electric powertrains, according to Dodge Head Honcho Tim Kuniskis. However, the tide has turned, and the Charger is now set to feature a gasoline engine, making for an intriguing development.
The Hurricane straight-six engine, presently employed in the Stellantis lineup exclusively within the Jeep Wagoneer, has been gaining notoriety for its capabilities. A twin-turbo iteration of this engine has already supplanted the 6.4-liter V8 engine in the Grand Wagoneer, and there is speculation that a standard-output version could replace the 5.7-liter V8 in lower Wagoneer models. The engine comes in two variants: a twin-turbocharged version with a robust 510 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, and a standard version with 420 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque. The source providing this information could only confirm the inclusion of the standard version of the straight-six in the next Charger, leaving the potential inclusion of the high-output version a matter of uncertainty.
Regrettably, for fans of manual transmissions, there is no indication that such an option will be available for the upcoming Charger. Likewise, the rumored “updated” V8 remains in the realm of speculation, with neither confirmation nor denial. The Charger’s Gen 4 transmission, an evolution of the well-regarded eight-speed automatic, is confirmed. However, there are currently no plans for a manual transmission.
Furthermore, questions regarding the Charger’s final design and the visual distinctions between its gasoline and electric variants remain unanswered. Additionally, details regarding the body style of the new Charger remain undisclosed.
In conclusion, while the announcement sheds light on the Charger’s future powertrain options, Dodge’s comprehensive plans for the forthcoming Charger remain veiled in secrecy. The journey toward the next Charger promises to be a captivating one, as it melds gasoline and electric power in a yet-to-be-revealed form.
Images source: Dodge
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