Dodge Changes Production Focus to Gas Chargers After Electric Vehicles Underperform | Carscoops

      Stellantis is redirecting its emphasis towards gas-powered Chargers as electric models encounter a poor response and regulatory shifts.

      22 hours ago

      by Brad Anderson

      Beginning next week, the Windsor Assembly Plant will go back to operating two full-time shifts.

      Production of both two-door and four-door Charger models is set to increase in Q3.

      The six-cylinder models are anticipated to generate significant interest from consumers.

      With the introduction of the all-new, all-electric Charger Daytona, Dodge seemingly aimed to herald a new chapter for muscle cars. However, the response to this new model has been lackluster, to the extent that the automaker has already discontinued the base R/T version, leaving only one electric Charger available. Coupled with the U.S. government’s decision to reduce EV incentives and ease emissions regulations, it appears that the electric Charger launched at an inopportune time.

      Nonetheless, Dodge has an alternative to revert to: the gas-powered Charger. While it doesn’t feature a V8, it does come with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine, which may be pivotal in determining whether the new Charger succeeds or fails. Reports indicate that Dodge is increasing production of both the internal combustion engine (ICE) two-door and four-door Chargers at its Windsor Assembly Plant, enabling the site to operate two shifts.

      Read: It’s Official, Dodge Is Ending the Electric Charger Daytona R/T

      Dodge’s Canadian facility has been functioning on a single shift for some time, but as of June 23, it will scale up to two shifts, with a planned two-week shutdown starting August 18, according to Windsor Star. AutoForecast Solutions' Sam Fiorani informed the publication that production of the two-door ICE Charger is projected to reach “quadruple digits” by September, while the four-door model is expected to achieve full production later in the third quarter.

      “The (Charger) EV rollout was relatively uneventful,” Fiorani stated to Windsor Star. “It’s a great product, but the market for that vehicle prefers gas-powered engines. The evolving emissions regulations in the U.S. have facilitated a greater presence of gas-powered engines. The emphasis on ICE variants will be significantly stronger than originally planned.”

      V8 Possibility?

      Not only will the gas-powered Charger attract more traditional muscle car fans, but Fiorani also predicts that it will be much more appealing to fleet buyers compared to the EV.

      Then there's the V8 issue. While Dodge is reported to be exploring the possibility of fitting a Hemi engine into the Charger’s STLA Large platform, Fiorani warns that production data has not yet verified this.

      Earlier this month, some reports indicated that a prototype featuring a V8 had been sighted, but whether this is a legitimate possibility or merely speculation remains uncertain. However, with Ram bringing back the Hemi V8, it wouldn’t be surprising if Dodge chose to reintroduce the classic muscle car engine for the Charger. The return of the V8 would undoubtedly resonate with enthusiasts longing for the powerful roar of a substantial engine.