Much like many other automakers, Dodge learned that consumers still want ICE
Well, it seems that Dodge has made an oopsie. Not too long ago, it decided to replace the iconic Challenger and Charger models with a single, electric and six-cylinder offering in both coupe and sedan forms has left many enthusiasts disappointed, particularly due to the absence of the beloved HEMI V8 engine. This was a bad move.
For long-time Mopar fans, this move is difficult to accept, especially when Ford continues to evolve its Mustang lineup, keeping its Coyote V8 models alive. While this shift marks the end of an era for muscle car lovers, there is still a silver lining for those who crave the distinctive growl of a V8 engine.
Moreover, although Dodge officially ceased production of its V8-powered Challengers and Chargers on 22 December 2023, at the Brampton Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada, there is still an impressive number of these muscle cars available for purchase. This is good news for old school gearheads but not the best news for Dodge who bet on electric.
A quick look at Dodge’s current inventory reveals that 1,839 V8-powered Challengers and 1,183 V8-powered Chargers are still sitting on dealership lots across the United States. While numerous V6 models are also available, they don’t quite deliver the same thrilling experience that the V8 provides.
For those looking to grab a piece of American muscle history, the 2023 Challenger offers a variety of V8 engine options. The base model R/T, featuring the 5.7-liter HEMI V8, starts around USD45,000 (about RM199,296), making it an affordable choice for performance enthusiasts.
On top of that, for those seeking more power, the R/T Scat Pack, with its 6.4-liter/392 HEMI V8, is available for approximately USD51,000 (around RM225,873). For those seeking even more power, the Hellcat models, including the 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI, are still available in various configurations, such as the SRT Hellcat Jailbreak, which starts at USD74,519 (roughly RM330,011).
Higher-end versions like the Hellcat Jailbreak Widebody can climb up to USD102,116 (around RM452,238), while the Hellcat Redeye Widebody models can go as high as USD162,836 (about RM721,094). So what does all this say? Well, in simple terms, automakers keep pushing for EVs and abandoning their ICE lineups but this is not what consumers want.
So why do all these automakers keep saying things like “based on market research” and “customers want an EV” but the numbers say the opposite? Well, I’ll let you decide but to me, it is very clear that most customers still want ICE, the minority who wants an EV just seems to be louder than the silent majority.
We got all this from Carscoops and their full article is linked here. Thank you Carscoops for the information and images.
