Best Muscle Cars
Dodge Will Take on Tesla With EV Muscle Car
By Dave Ashton
It’s still an uneasy topic of conversation talking about electric muscle cars. However, the winds of change could bring some of the most frighteningly fast muscle cars ever. Dodge will produce the tried and tested V8 engine until at least 2023, but after this point, the parent conglomerate of Stellantis should have at least the basic structure of the next generation, superduper muscle cars in place.
As documented by the Detroit Bureau, the first Dodge EV muscle cars will be lined up to take on the likes of the Tesla Model S Plaid. A vehicle that costs $129,990 and can zap from 0-60 in only 1.99 seconds. The next generation of Dodge Challengers and Chargers may not have a V8 engine at its heart and will be a bit depressing, but wiping the floor with the competition is a good consolation prize.
The Dodge Electric Muscle Car
It’s not just the competition Dodge has to consider with the next generation. When it comes to performance, they have set the bar high with the likes of the Demon which can move from 0-60 mph in only 2.3 seconds, and a quarter-mile in a touch under 10 seconds.
Dodge also has the added responsibility of legacy. That’s over 70 years of muscle car V8 production. Arguably, the likes of Tesla don’t have this level of back history to juggle with all future models. Dodge has a more treacherous balancing act, more like a tight rope walker taking a high-up stroll over a volcano comes to mind.
Going back to the report from the Detroit Bureau, there are plans for up to six EV’s from the muscle car maker which should be spawned in the next 10 years.
What Happens to the Humble V8?
One thing’s for sure, there are no immediate plans to phase out the V8 concept. However, with Stellantis having the last say in direction, Ev’s are inevitable. With both the Challenger and Charger having a design over 10 years old, 2023 seems to be the date for a redesign, which also coincides with the Chevrolet Camaro running through its current product life-cycle.
Both the Challenger and Charger are selling well, and no one seems to be screaming out for a complete re-design. Both vehicles have morphed into a classic design, squarely bringing up the term ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ So, we expect a very familiar-looking Dodge EV lineup of designs in the future. Not some spaceship on four wheels which just so happens to have a Dodge badge.
All this means that the long-standing V8 engine isn’t going to be resigned to a cupboard in a museum with locked doors. V8-powered cars may not be sold as new in the future, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be used. Most likely, special permits will be issued to existing V8 owners in the future, with an added benefit. In a world where you will only be able to hear the noise of tires on the tarmac, the roar of a V8 will stand out more than ever.
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