Two-door Dodge EV scores Charger nameplate

AFTER last year producing possibly the most brutal, 1000+ horsepower (745kW) V8-engined car in its history – the wheel-standing and parachute equipped Challenger SRT Demon 170 – it looks like Dodge has more up its high-performance sleeve in the form of a new fully electric, two door lift-back Charger coupe.

Previous model Chargers were four-door sedans while the two-door model was called the Challenger Stateside.

The new Charger EV broke cover on Meta this week with a gallery of “production ready” images posted by Dodge depicting a new, muscular EV with Daytona and throwback Fratzog badging and no exhaust pipes that retains a classic ICE profile and overall look despite being electric powered.

Dodge has obviously opted for a more conventional muscle car look for the vehicle rather than favouring an ever more common kooky-looking EV design language.

Speculation surrounding the new Mopar hot rod BEV has been rife for at least 18 months following the appearance at the 2022 SEMA aftermarket show of Dodge e-motors in 400- and 800-volt configuration with between 456hp (340kW) up to 590hp (439kW).

Since then, a drip feed of information on potential EV powertrains for the Charger/Challenger has been selectively leaked with the big news allegedly from a Dodge insider who said the new Charger/Challenger will be available in BEV and ICE forms with the latter powered by Dodge’s new Hurricane straight six turbo powerplant already earmarked for the Ram 1500, and no doubt other models.

This engine will likely be available in two power outputs of around 420hp (313kW) up to 510hp (380kW) which should be enough to rapidly propel the new Dodge muscle car and may be mated to a mild hybrid (MHEV) system as in the Ramcharger system.

There is even talk of an entry level four-cylinder ICE powertrain being available in Charger, like that offered by Ford in its Mustang.

However, the fully electric versions may take everything to another level with single and dual motor variants possibly available using either 400- or 800-volt architecture. Sources suggest the single e-motor model would be rear wheel drive and likely run a 400-volt powertrain with 400hp (298kW) or thereabouts.

The AWD dual-motor variants are tipped to run 400-volt e-motors delivering a possible combined 670hp (500kW) up to a whopping combined 885hp (660kW) with two 800-volt units.

In performance terms, the new Charger may approach the outright schtonk of the Demon 170 – at least in its ultimate dual-motor AWD 800V EV form – despite an undoubted weight penalty.

Speculation of a sub-two-second 0-100km/h sprint is rife in Dodge enthusiast circles but that seems far-fetched given the spec’ of the Demon 170 that is equipped with drag-race-specific tyres and other accelerative advantages.

All-wheel drive might help the BEV Charger get close to the supercharged 6.2-litre, e85 guzzling quarter mile monster.…. We’ll have to wait and see.

Though not confirmed, the new Charger coupe in various powertrain configurations is due to arrive in US dealerships late this year.