It’s not exactly a secret that cars have gotten exponentially more expensive over the past few years, a trend fueled by raging inflation that has driven the prices of pretty much everything to new heights. Throw in the fact that the Ford Mustang has lost much of its competition as of late (including the Camaro, which may not return as previously expected), and it’s no surprise that the iconic pony car is pretty pricey these days. However, the Mustang is still cheaper than the all-electric Dodge Charger Daytona, at least, but it seems as if that brand might also be considering a much more affordable solution.
In a recent interview with The Drive, Dodge CEO Matt McAlear was asked specifically about the Viper, which he called “one of my favorite cars,” as well as the potential need for some sort of performance halo car. “Is there a need? I don’t know if there’s a need,” McAlear said. “Is there a want, a desire, and a market? I think yeah. I think there’s a market for two things. There’s a market for an entry-level halo and a top-of-the-line halo.”
“I think there’s some kind of entry-level, back to that sub-$30,000 mark,” McAlear added. “I think there’s a market for people who just want to have that weekend car again, who would like a Viper, but don’t have that $100 or $120K. Something that doesn’t need all the safety features, doesn’t need the heated seats. Just a car.”
This is certainly music to the ears of folks that miss the days when they had several fun, affordable, performance-focused vehicles to choose from on dealer lots, which have largely disappeared as of late. It’s also quite likely that Dodge might actually go out and develop such a thing, given its big change of gears as of late. In addition to prioritizing production of the ICE-powered Charger, Stellantis is also reportedly mulling the idea of a compact Ford Maverick rival, as well as a mid-size Ford Ranger foe, too.
Comments
Would that be a two-door Dart? I’ll pass…
All Dodge has to do is bring back the Challenger (or Chevy with the Camaro), make sure the price isn’t outrageous, and don’t make sedan/suv versions of the car. Then they would take over the market again, but if Ford finally comes to its senses they could hit Dodge and Chevy before the cars hit dealerships.
GM cancelled all plans (ICE and EV) for a new Camaro earlier this week. It’s toast.
Nothing is ever toast!
Stellantis changes division CEOs monthly so this is irrelevant. I’d have to agree, though, because the new Charger is WAY too big for what was intended.
At least Dodge is starting to get it. Build an affordable performance car without all the useless technology. A DRIVER’S car.