Latest news with #McAlear
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Dodge Is Reportedly Bringing Back The Hemi V8 And It Might Go In The New Charger, Despite Dodge Telling Me It Wouldn't
If a new report is to be believed, we have been hoodwinked, bamboozled, led astray, run amok and flat-out deceived by Dodge. There are now rumors from inside the company that engineers are actively working on bringing the HEMI V8 back to the Charger by 2026, despite the fact they told me a while ago it wasn't possible and they weren't interested. Still, the twin-turbo I6-powered Charger Sixpack is scheduled to come first. Production on the Sixpack is scheduled to start in May, and deliveries will begin this Summer, according to Mopar Insiders. While any internal-combustion-powered version of the Charger is welcome for its most loyal fans, real ones still want a V8 under its long hood. I mean, I get it. The new Charger Daytona is a good electric vehicle, but a V8 would probably take everything up a notch — even if performance suffers. The outlet also reported that, regardless of the Charger, Hemi production is ramping back up for vehicles like the Ram 1500 and Dodge Durango. In a recent interview with Mopar Insiders, Dodge CEO Matt McAlear had this to say: "If you look back across the last generation, you go through the engines between the Charger and the Challenger and the Magnum. We started out with a 3.5L V6, 6.1L V8, then a 3.6L V6, 5.7L V8, 6.4L, 6.2L, 6.2L Demon, 6.2L Redeye, 6.2L Demon 170. Do you know how many different powertrains, RWD and AWD, we had on those engines? This is a multi-energy platform that can accommodate all of that. This is just the first year, and you've got four powertrains that outperform every one that they're replacing, with standard AWD? We're just getting started. We're going to have a lot of fun." "We haven't disclosed that," McAlear said, when asked directly about a V8's return. "But 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. But with anything, we still have to be compliant." Read more: Dodge Will Pay You $10 Per Horsepower To Buy A New Charger, Challenger, Or Durango It certainly sounds like Dodge is no stranger to adding powertrain options as vehicles get older. Now, it's sort of open season as car companies deal with a slower-than-expected EV adoption rate and the fact the U.S. President wants to do away with most of the environmental regulations that called time on those massive V8s in the first place. From a financial standpoint, I certainly get why Dodge would cram a Hemi V8 under the hood of the Charger, even if it violates the next-generation muscle car ethos it was trying to convey. The simple fact is Charger Daytonas aren't selling. They're piling up on dealer lots and getting huge discounts just to get them out the door. When I asked Dodge engineers about putting a V8 under the hood of a Charger, I was reassured multiple times that it simply wouldn't fit on Stellantis' STLA Large architecture. I suppose where there's a will there's a way, if this report from Mopar Insiders is to be believed. Jalopnik has reached out to Dodge for comment, and we will update this story when and if we get one. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
What could the new, sub-$30k Dodge sports car look like?
The idea of an affordable performance car from Dodge seems like one that's been long lost to the sands of time. Gone are the days of the turbocharged Neon SRT4, the Challenger R/T, and the glorious, 8.4-liter V10-powered Viper. Instead, we've been left with the Hornet–a crossover that shares its platform with the Alfa Romeo Tonale–an all-electric quasi-Charger, and the Dodge Durango, which is almost old enough to vote. But, according to Dodge's current CEO, Matt McAlear, our luck may turn around. According to our very own Elijah Nicholson-Messmer, Dodge's CEO has hinted at the possibility of an upcoming, sub-$30,000 sports car. If McAlear's statements are to come true, it could very well mean that we'll see a new roadster from the marque in the not-so-distant future. According to an interview with The Drive, McAlear said: "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.' His idea of a sort of "baby Viper" reminds us of a few of Dodge's past concept vehicles that never quite came to 1997, Dodge showed the world the Copperhead Concept–a functioning, prototype roadster equipped with a 2.7-liter V6, which sent power to the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission. It not only captured the hearts of car enthusiasts–it helped shape an entire generation of new enthusiasts. Featured as a drivable vehicle in the first two Gran Turismo franchise entries and as a pushable vehicle in the form of a Hot Wheels toy, the Dodge Copperhead Concept inspired automotive awe in children of all ages during the late-1990s and early-2000s. That very same year, Plymouth introduced the Prowler–a two-door, two-seater roadster with a unique, open-wheel design and a design that has aged like fine wine, in my own humble opinion. The Prowler packed a more muscular 3.5-liter V6, compared to the Copperhead's smaller 2.7, but in the many years since its debut, enthusiasts have managed to cram Hemi V8s and even supercharged Hellcat motors under their hoods–thus affording the Prowler true hot rod status. In subsequent years, Dodge would go on to produce two more concept cars that resembled traditional roadsters but were noticeably more compact than the grizzly Viper. In 2004, Dodge would show the world the Slingshot, a two-seater roadster that packed a turbocharged 3-cylinder engine under the hood. It, too, was equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. In 2007, Dodge showed off a revised roadster concept–the Dodge Demon Concept–which used a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive, and a 6-speed manual transmission. This was meant to chase after similar models being offered by rival manufacturers at the time, such as the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky. Obviously, the general idea is also very reminiscent of the legendary Mazda Dodge has never actually sent any of these wonderful concept vehicles to the production line. The closest thing we ever saw from Mopar, besides the Plymouth Prowler, was the Chrysler Crossfire–a two-door, two-seater coupe or roadster, which shared its platform and most of its parts with the R170-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK. Although it could be had in SRT6 guise with a supercharged, 3.2-liter V6, only the less-powerful, naturally-aspirated models were ever offered with a manual transmission. All models came equipped with rear-wheel drive, but the Crossfire was marketed as something of a "grand tourer", meaning more of them ended up living in retirement communities rather than living out glory on race tracks. Dodge is a brand that has found itself backed into a corner. With a lineup of just three models–all of which are either quite dated or not selling as well as they had hoped–Dodge desperately needs to do something fresh to win over the hearts of enthusiasts and buyers alike. A sub $30,000 roadster could bring some much-needed excitement to the brand without fantastically heavy research and development costs. Dodge could use a revised version of the Crossfire's Benz-based platform, which isn't entirely unreasonable considering the current Durango still uses a 1990s Mercedes-derived platform, as did the Charger and Challenger up until the end of 2023 when they were discontinued in favour of the new, electric Charger. Alternatively, a shrunken Alfa Romeo Giulia platform may also work, if that would somehow be more cost-effective. Regardless of the ins and outs of its development logistics, it's not an impossible task for Dodge to create an affordable, rear-drive generative text-to-image artificial intelligence, we take an imagined look at what a revived, true-to-its-heritage Dodge two-seat roadster could look like, incorporating recent Dodge styling cues and imagining what currently existing powertrains it could optimize. These images are for speculation purposes only and in no way depict any actual Stellantis products. To keep its base MSRP under the $30,000 mark, a likely powertrain candidate for Dodge's new sports car would be the turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine currently being used in the Dodge Hornet crossover. With a power figure of 286 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, it would certainly pack a healthy punch–enough to provide the Mazda MX-5, Toyota GR86, and Subaru BRZ with a serious showdown. As Matt McAlear made clear, things on the inside should remain simple and driver-focused. An infotainment screen with smartphone integration is a must these days, but it doesn't have to be much more than that, and it certainly doesn't need to occupy the entire dash as it does with far too many contemporary vehicles. Another must-have feature is rear-wheel drive, but we're praying that a 6-speed manual transmission is made available as well. An optional ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic wouldn't be unwelcome either, and it would certainly help boost those pesky sales figures. Perhaps a cheeky V8-powered model could come along at some point, as well. There's just something about the idea of a factory Hellcat-powered two-seat roadster that should raise the hair on the back of every car enthusiast's neck. Considering the Dodge Hornet's pricing starts at $31,585, it's not so far-fetched to think that a small roadster with an identical powertrain could end up with a price tag just shy of $30,000, albeit in relatively stripped-down, base model guise. We'd love to see more affordable, enthusiast-oriented vehicles like this from as many manufacturers as possible, so it's comforting to see that a large manufacturer like Dodge recognizes a desire for these kinds of news of a potential sports car with a driver-oriented design focus in this day and age is both massively exciting and a bit of a relief. If you're a driving enthusiast these days, it's easy to feel like manufacturers can't seem to justify offering the exciting, charismatically engaging vehicles that many of them used to. Hearing Dodge's CEO speaking directly to that crowd is refreshing to see, and we hope that this sentiment continues to make its return into the mainstream automotive industry. For now, nothing is officially confirmed, so we'll just have to await the upcoming turbocharged inline-six-powered Charger, which should arrive sometime this year. We're looking forward to getting behind the wheel and seeing how it compares to its all-electric counterpart. Do the hairs on the back of your neck tingle at the thought of an affordable roadster from Dodge, and would you like to see one stuffed with a 6.2-liter, supercharged Hellcat V8? Would you like to see more brands hop back on the affordable sports car bandwagon, or do you think the segment is a lost cause entirely? Let us know what you think in the comments–we love to hear from you! 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!
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Dodge hints at a sub-$30,000 sports car: Could it happen?
Between spec 'd-out Durangos and loud-mouthed Hellcats, Dodge has spent years building its reputation on big, powerful muscle cars with equally hefty price tags. But in a surprising turn, Dodge CEO Matt McAlear hinted at a potential shift—one that could see the brand introducing a sub-$30,000 sports to The Drive, McAlear said that while high-performance models like the new Charger Daytona remain crucial to the brand's identity, there is an underserved market for affordable, fun-to-drive cars. 'I think there's some kind of entry-level, back to that sub-$30,000 mark,' he said. '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.' McAlear envisions something simple: a driver-focused machine that prioritizes enjoyment over excessive the options for affordable sports cars are limited. The Mazda MX-5 Miata starts just over $30,000, as do the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ. There are virtually no sub-$30,000 sports cars left on the market. This leaves Dodge with an opportunity to carve out a niche—one reminiscent of the Neon SRT-4, a turbocharged compact that once served as an entry point for performance enthusiasts. Dodge has long been associated with raw power, largely thanks to its history of V-8 muscle cars. But McAlear suggested inspiration could come from outside the traditional sports car realm, even citing vehicles like the Polaris Slingshot and side-by-sides as examples of stripped-down the conversation naturally led to speculation about a new Viper, McAlear was careful not to make direct promises. Instead, he stressed that any new product would have to be uniquely Dodge—neither a Mustang nor Corvette fighter, but something distinct. That leaves plenty of questions. Would this new car be electric, given Stellantis' push toward EVs? Would it feature an internal combustion engine, possibly even a return to Dodge's turbocharged four-cylinder roots? And, most importantly, will Dodge actually build it? 'Everyone has so many hobbies these days, they want to spend their money on so many different things,' McAlear said. 'It's tough to be all-in on one thing, put all my chips in one basket and say, 'I gotta have that car.' It's great for those who can afford it, but not all of us can or want to do that.'For now, a sub-$30,000 sports car remains just an idea. Dodge has yet to announce any concrete plans for an affordable sports car, but McAlear's willingness to discuss the possibility signals a new openness at the brand. With Dodge dealerships currently lacking an entry-level model aside from the Hornet crossover, introducing a small, fun, and affordable performance car could be a game-changer. Will Dodge take the plunge and bring a budget-friendly sports car to market? Only time will tell. But for enthusiasts hoping for an affordable thrill ride, McAlear's comments offer a glimmer of hope.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
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 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 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!
