It seems that the planned 2024 Dodge Challenger (as well as the Charger) may not go entirely electric for their upcoming production, despite their claims and plans for full electrification. The company may focus on an electric powertrain as the primary development, but they may also offer the turbo six-cylinder unit for the Charger and Challenger. According to some leaked info, the future Charger and Challenger may not be completely electric just yet as they are still offering a petrol powertrain with twin turbochargers and six cylinders.
2024 Dodge Challenger Concept
The era of V8 (at least for Dodge) may indeed end, but some sources say that the 2024 Dodge Challenger and Charger would likely come with a six-cylinder twin-turbo petrol unit with a 3.0-liter capacity. This unit, however, is a new one. Dodge had announced that they were considering cutting off their V8 Hemi units for their Charger sedan and Challenger coupe because they are turning to muscle models that run on electric power.
In reality, some of their muscle productions would be running on electric motors, but they still offer petrol units from an entirely new six-cylinder Hurricane unit. This move has been rumored for a while, especially in US media.
2024 Dodge Challenger Electric: Rumors or True?
The update was ‘leaked’ from a former employee who claimed that he had worked in Stellantis, the parent company of Dodge that covers brands like RAM and Jeep. The product engineer stated through his social media that he helped with the new Hurricane’s exhaust components creation for Charger and Challenger. He even said that during his work there (which lasted for 15 months), he was responsible for the design and released requirements of Dodge Challenger/Charger’s new catalytic converter GMET6 3.0 liter.
The new straight-six twin-turbo unit has been internally referred to as the GMET6 by the company (and the employees). It would come as two tuning states: the standard version generates 298 kW and 610 Nm of torque, while the high output version would produce around 373 kW and 644 Nm of torque. Other sources indicated that both engines would be available for Charger and Challenger, which also mean that they could likely replace the V6 Pentastar unit with a 3.6-liter capacity (which is the entry-level type) as well as the V8 Hemi of 5.7 liter capacity (for the mid-range type). Meanwhile, the 400V electric powertrain is possibly replacing the Scat Pack 6.4 liter unit, while the 800V Banshee may replace the V8 supercharged 6.2-liter unit for the top trim level of Hellcat models.
2024 Dodge Challenger Electric Possibility
The six-cylinder unit itself has been considered punchy and powerful enough. It has met and even exceeded the performance specs of naturally aspirated V8 units. But the Hurricane units have been created, tweaked, and designed to create improvements to the fuel economy. It is also claimed to improve emissions by up to 15%.
Price and Release Date
The price for the upcoming Challenger isn’t known. It’s pretty logical, considering that Dodge hasn’t provided any details and further information about their iconic muscle rides. The release date is still shady too.
Some people wait for the official release of the 2024 Dodge Challenger before making any decision. Those who still want to get the combustion engines still have opportunities to December 2023 to make orders for their Challengers and Chargers. Afterward, there is no guarantee that the regular combustion muscle rides will still be available.