While the Ford Mustang is soldering on with only internal combustion power for now – including a V8 option – its competition has largely been discontinued over the past year or two. That includes the Chevy Camaro and the last-generation Dodge Charger and Challenger, though the Charger is returning for a new generation with both all-electric and twin turbocharged Hurricane I-6 gas powertrain options. The EV Dodge Charger was expected to arrive first for the 2024 model year (though it has yet to launch), while the ICE variants are slated to join them late next year, but now, it seems as if Stellantis will be prioritizing its gas muscle cars a bit more.
According to Mopar Insiders, Stellantis is planning to fast track production of the ICE Dodge Charger, which is now slated to hit the assembly lines five months earlier than previously expected. That means these models should begin reaching dealers by summer 2025 rather than later in the year, as originally planned, a move that the automaker is reportedly making based on consumer demand. Additionally, global demand for all-electric vehicles hasn’t quite reached expected levels of growth as of late, which likely also played a role in this decision.
Production trials for the Dodge Charger Sixpack ICE models have reportedly already begun, and pilot models are expected to be built very soon. When they launch, customers will be able to choose from two- and four-door variants, with outputs ranging from 420 horsepower in standard form up to 550 horsepower in high-output guise. Aside from Sixpack badging, the ICE Chargers will also feature unique front fascias, power dome hoods, and dual exhaust tips out back, differentiating them from EV models. Perhaps more importantly, the ICE Chargers will more directly rival the Mustang, particularly given the fact that the EV variants are far more expensive.
As for the Mustang, CEO Jim Farley previously stated that the iconic model will never be offered with full electric power, though a hybrid certainly remains a possibility. An electrified pony car became even more likely to happen with Ford’s recent announcement that it will add a hybrid to every model in the current Ford Blue (ICE) lineup by 2030, too.
Comments
That’s a step in the right direction, but they really need at least one V8 option get get their customers back. A V8 AWD hybrid would be amazing.
So many (myself included) told Stellantis years ago from the get go of its EV push that “EV only” would NOT work. And ICE is going to have to include a V8 option for this to work also!
I, myself 2nd your idea.
I would be more than happy with a 550 hp six. The tower of power slant six really had no power but it was super reliable. It’s about hp , who care how many cylinders it has. Yes I know that a V8 sounds better but if you can strap 550 hp to your rear then get over it. What, are you 12 years old? Are you willing to give up anything so that your great grandchildren can have some air to breathe? So Childish
That thing gotta hemi in it it?
The new design is nothing to write home about. Looks like a grocery getter very little flair. On the slant six someone wrote I had one in a van little power but ran forever.