Dodge's new CEO says a V8 Charger might return
Who could've imagined that muscle car lovers might not love an electrified Dodge Charger in nearly the same way as one with a supercharged V8 engine under the hood? Well, here we are.
Although sales figures for the all-electric Dodge Charger Daytona haven't been disclosed by the brand, it seems the car hasn't been moving off showroom floors the way the brand had hoped. Even with the radical Fratzonic exhaust sound, it seems traditional muscle car lovers could not be convinced to buy a very quick, very powerful electric Charger.
The new Charger Daytona rolled off the factory line in March of 2024, and Dodge also announced that there would be a gas version known as the Sixpack with the new twin-turbo Hurricane inline-six-cylinder engine. Power was purported to be either 420 or 550 horses, which would be substantially more than the 2023 Charger's 5.7L Hemi V8, good for 370 horsepower.As we reported last fall, the Sixpack was planned to hit showrooms later this year, but Dodge announced it would fast-track it for delivery a whopping five months sooner in response to customer demand for a Charger with a gas engine. For 2024, Dodge sales were down a mindblowing 29 percent compared to the year before, largely because of the elimination of the Challenger and the gas-powered Charger.
View the 7 images of this gallery on the original article
Whose idea was it to kill the V8, anyway? Well, you can blame former Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, who apparently hated the V8 engine in the old Charger and Challenger. Rumor had it h that had Tavares not been in the Stellantis driver's seat, the V8 engine might never have left. His failure to read the North American market is now the stuff of legend, and not in a good way. He left Stellantis last year and will be replaced sometime in 2025.Meanwhile, Dodge CEO Matt McAlear, who took the helm in June of 2024, gave V8 lovers hope. He spoke with The Drive recently and carefully worded that there was still a chance that a V8-powered Charger could show up in the Dodge lineup.
McAlear stated, 'We're always looking at ways to find best-in-class performance, to build on performance, and to push the boundaries … There will be powertrain variations that continue to come. We haven't even launched the SRT yet, so we still have to get into that…. and who knows where we go if the business case makes sense and there's potential…One of the things that's encouraging is that with the change in leadership, you know, V8s are no longer a bad word around the company.'
This, by no means, equates to a quick turnaround for a V8 Charger because the car was never planned to shoehorn one in. McAlear also recognized the regulatory challenges for Stellantis when it comes to bringing a thirsty set of V8s back into the mix for the Dodge Challenger (and perhaps back under the hood of the Ram 1500, to the predicted delight of pickup truck buyers everywhere). It will take some time to develop it, coupled with dealing with the regulatory side of things.
The V8 mill was perhaps the most significant reason why Dodge muscle cars sold so well, and the engine's demise with the supplanted electric powertrain was a big reason why the brand suffered. It sounds like Dodge is listening to its customers, and now that the electrification tsunami has calmed down, the brand is trying to pivot in response. If Dodge can deliver the six-cylinder version soon and the V8 Charger in the next two years, it could turn the tide with not much time to spare.
Love reading Autoblog? Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get exclusive articles, insider insights, and the latest updates delivered right to your inbox. Click here to sign up now!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Chrysler Turns 100! Chrysler Brand Shares 1,500-plus 100th Birthday Group Photo Honoring Employees, Announces Century of Innovation Summer Celebration Events As It Looks to Next 100 Years
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 1,500 Stellantis employees come together for a group birthday photo at the Chrysler Technology Center campus, honoring those who have made 100 years of Chrysler possible Group photo participants also help commemorate the Chrysler Century of Innovation with the dedication of a unique time-capsule replica of Walter P. Chrysler's toolbox The replica toolbox time capsule is encased with memorabilia and artifacts, including historic Chrysler brand and vehicle badges, brochures, merchandise, vehicle sketches and a clever nod to Walter P. Chrysler Toolbox time capsule also includes a list of names of those participating in the group photo, as well as letter from Chrysler Brand CEO Chris Feuell to future employees and customers Chrysler announces summer 100th celebration activities at enthusiast events, including the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals car show in Pennsylvania and Woodward Cruise in Metro Detroit Chrysler's seven-part Century of Innovation social media video series takes an in-depth look at trailblazers, iconic vehicles, groundbreaking concepts, technological innovations and historic moments from Chrysler's 100 years Full-length videos featured on Chrysler brand and Stellantis North America YouTube channels, with shortened versions on Chrysler brand's (Instagram) and Stellantis North America's (Facebook/Instagram/X/LinkedIn) social media channels Chrysler Century of Innovation sales event also kicks off in June to mark the brand's 100 years of automotive innovation Chrysler 100th anniversary line of branded merchandise, including apparel and gifts, available at For more information on the Chrysler Century of Innovation celebration, visit Chrysler officially turns 100 today, June 6, 2025, and the brand is celebrating by recognizing the people who have powered its path to the century mark — a rare accomplishment for any brand or company. More than 1,500 employees came together at the Chrysler Technology Center campus in Auburn Hills, Michigan, on Thursday, June 5 to participate in a special group "birthday" photo honoring the thousands who have worked over the decades to make 100 years of Chrysler possible. "Chrysler held a pivotal role in shaping both the automotive industry and American culture, standing as a symbol of innovation, resilience and breakthrough design for 100 years," said Chris Feuell, Chrysler brand CEO. "From the revolutionary, powerful HEMI® V-8 engine to inventing the minivan and introducing innovations like Stow 'n Go seating, Chrysler has consistently pushed boundaries. As one of the original Big Three, we've helped drive industrial growth and have left an indelible mark with vehicles like the Chrysler 300. But Chrysler is more than a brand—it's a legacy built by generations of passionate employees, and we're proud to celebrate their contributions as we look ahead to an exciting new era for the next century." Employees at the June 5 event also received a commemorative Chrysler T-shirt and birthday cupcake, and helped commemorate the Chrysler Century of Innovation with the dedication of a unique time capsule, a replica of the toolbox Walter P. Chrysler used early in his career. The iconic toolbox, which held more than 60 tools and reflects Chrysler's precision as a machinist, is a cherished family heirloom once displayed atop the Chrysler Building in New York City. Encased in the replica toolbox time capsule are rare memorabilia and artifacts, including historic Chrysler brand and vehicle badges showcasing the evolution of the brand and specialty vehicle launches, as well as historic brochures, merchandise, vehicle sketches and a clever nod to Walter P. Chrysler. A list of names of those participating in the group photo was also included in the time capsule, as well as a letter from Chrysler brand CEO Feuell to future employees and customers. Summer Century of Innovation CelebrationChrysler is also announcing plans this summer to reach out and recognize the owners and enthusiasts who have supported the brand for decades, starting with the first Chrysler-branded vehicle, the 1924 Chrysler Six, and today's segment-leading 2025 Chrysler Pacifica. The brand will travel this summer with special displays and activations at popular automotive enthusiast events, including: Carlisle Chrysler Nationals, July 11-13, 2025, in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, featuring nearly 3,000 vehicles from all eras of Chrysler and Mopar vehicles Woodward Cruise, the world's biggest car cruise, taking place on Woodward Avenue in Metro Detroit on August 16, 2025 More details on Chrysler brand activities at Carlisle and Woodward will be shared later this summer. Chrysler is also rolling out a seven-part Century of Innovation social media video series that takes an in-depth look at the trailblazers, iconic vehicles, groundbreaking concepts, technological innovations and historic moments from Chrysler's 100 years. The newest video in the series debuting earlier this week, "Automotive Legend: Walter P. Chrysler," provides an in-depth look at the man who founded Chrysler 100 years ago, his impact on automotive innovation and how his legacy lives on today a century later. New videos in the series will be rolled out on the Chrysler brand's (Instagram) and Stellantis North America (Facebook/Instagram/X/LinkedIn) social media channels. "Automotive Legend: Walter P. Chrysler " is the third video in the series; previous videos include: "Chrysler Century of Innovation," featuring Chrysler CEO Feuell reflecting on Chrysler's 100-year legacy and Chrysler's vision of the future "Chrysler Through the Decades," with Chrysler Historian Brandt Rosenbusch taking a decade-by-decade look at key moments from a century of Chrysler. Full-length versions of all videos can be viewed on the Chrysler brand and Stellantis North America YouTube channels. A Chrysler Century of Innovation sales event also kicks off in June to mark the brand's 100 years of automotive innovation, and Chrysler is also featuring a 100th anniversary line of branded merchandise, including apparel and gifts, at For more information on the Chrysler Century of Innovation celebration, visit Chrysler BrandChrysler marks its 100th anniversary in 2025, honoring Walter P. Chrysler's legacy of innovation, engineering excellence and beautiful, affordable designs. As the brand celebrates this milestone, the future looks bright with exciting new releases: a refreshed Chrysler Pacifica in 2026, a new crossover soon after and a third product inspired by the Halcyon concept. The Chrysler Pacifica, the most awarded minivan ever, continues to lead the segment it created more than 40 years ago. The Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid, the first electrified minivan in its class, achieves 82 MPGe, with an all-electric range of 32 miles and a total range of 520 miles. With class-leading safety features and available all-wheel drive, Pacifica is designed for modern families. Chrysler will also celebrate the 20th anniversary of its exclusive Stow 'n Go seating and storage system in 2025, as well as the return of the budget-friendly Chrysler Voyager to the lineup. Chrysler is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit Follow Chrysler and company news and video on:Company blog: website: brand: (Twitter): or @StellantisNAYouTube: or Stellantis North AmericaStellantis (NYSE: STLA) is a leading global automaker, dedicated to giving its customers the freedom to choose the way they move, embracing the latest technologies and creating value for all its stakeholders. Its unique portfolio of iconic and innovative brands includes Chrysler, Dodge//SRT, Jeep®, Ram, Alfa Romeo, FIAT and Maserati. In 2025, the company celebrates 100 years of influencing culture and contributing to the history of the automotive industry in the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit Follow company news and video on:Company blog: website: @StellantisNAYouTube: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Stellantis
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Market Chatter: Stellantis' New CEO Filosa to Earn Up to $23 Million Annually
Stellantis' (STLA) incoming Chief Executive Officer Antonio Filosa will have an annual pay of at lea Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Ituran Location and Control Ltd (ITRN) Q1 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Record Revenue and ...
Revenue: $86.5 million, a 2% increase year-over-year. Subscription Fees Revenue: $62.2 million, a 2% increase year-over-year. Product Revenue: $24.3 million, a 1% increase year-over-year. EBITDA: $23.3 million, 26.9% of revenues, a 4% increase year-over-year. Net Income: $14.6 million, or $0.73 diluted earnings per share, a 12% increase year-over-year. Operating Cash Flow: $15.5 million for the first quarter. Subscriber Base: Increased by 99,000 to 2,508,000. Dividend: $10 million declared for the quarter, representing $0.50 per share. Net Cash: $75.7 million as of March 31, 2025. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 4 Warning Signs with MOV. Release Date: May 28, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Ituran Location and Control Ltd (NASDAQ:ITRN) achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 2.5 million subscribers, driven by a net addition of 99,000 subscribers in the first quarter. The company signed a new telematics service agreement with Stellantis, a major car OEM manufacturer, contributing to the subscriber growth. First-quarter revenues reached a record $86.5 million, marking a 2% increase year-over-year, with a 7% growth in local currency terms. EBITDA for the quarter increased by 4% to $23.3 million, with a 12% growth in local currency terms. Ituran Location and Control Ltd (NASDAQ:ITRN) declared a $10 million dividend for the quarter, reflecting strong profitability and cash flow, with an annualized dividend yield of around 6%. The strengthening of the US dollar negatively impacted financial results when translated from local currencies, particularly affecting revenues from Brazil and Mexico. The new OEM agreement with Stellantis, while contributing to subscriber growth, involves lower ARPU compared to the company's average. Increased R&D and marketing expenditures outpaced revenue growth, raising concerns about cost management. CapEx was higher than average in Q1, with expectations for it to decrease in subsequent quarters, indicating potential volatility in capital expenditures. The insurance market in Latin America, particularly in Brazil and Mexico, shows limited short-term potential for usage-based insurance (UBI) solutions, impacting growth opportunities in this segment. Q: In terms of new agreements, does it imply you set up new equipment and provide services for each produced car by Stellantis in Latin America, or do you have some options for them? A: Eyal Sheratzky, Co-CEO, explained that the current agreement with Stellantis is to provide services based on existing technology in their cars. While there is potential to broaden the relationship and add other services or hardware in the future, the current focus is on service provision. Q: What primarily affected the ramp-up of your subscription base, given the recent increase to roughly 100,000 per quarter? A: Eyal Sheratzky noted that the agreement with Stellantis initially brought a bulk of car owners to Ituran, which is not typical. Future quarters are expected to return to the usual rate of about 40,000 new subscribers per quarter. Q: Has Ituran taken steps to improve product gross margins, and what should we expect for the next couple of quarters? A: Eli Kamer, CFO, stated that the improvement in gross margins is due to operational leverage and cost savings. While telematics services margins are expected to improve with subscriber growth, product margins may fluctuate due to product mix changes. Q: What are your expectations for the Latin American insurance market, particularly regarding UBI insurance? A: Eyal Sheratzky mentioned that while there is high demand for car theft solutions in Brazil, the insurance companies in Brazil and Mexico are not yet ready to adopt UBI solutions. However, Argentina has shown some interest, and Ituran is prepared to capitalize on future opportunities. Q: Can you discuss the dynamics in the market for product revenues and how you see the pipeline evolving throughout the year? A: Eli Kamer explained that product revenue pipelines are managed on a daily basis, with stock levels adjusted according to demand. Gross margins for product revenues are expected to remain around 20-25%, depending on the product mix. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
