Is it a muscle car though?
The American muscle car landscape is buzzing with anticipation as rumors about the 2025 Dodge Charger's electrification plan send shockwaves through the industry. According to speculative reports, Dodge is setting the stage to outdo itself with an electric powertrain option that could thrust the Charger to the zenith of its class with a staggering 885 horsepower.
Meanwhile, Toyota is warning about rushing into electrification too quickly. See what the automaker has to say here.
While Dodge maintains its cards close to its chest regarding the next-gen Charger — expected to be a successor to the Challenger — insider whispers suggest a lineup that will not only honor the marque's storied V8 heritage but also embrace the electric revolution. The Drive, referencing an unnamed source, hints at three potential electric drivetrains that promise to deliver a spectrum of power and innovation.
The entry-level EV model is said to boast a single, rear-mounted motor with a 400-volt system pushing around 402 horsepower, a slight decrease from previously speculated figures. However, it's the mid-range model that could start shifting consumer expectations with a dual-motor setup — harnessing 670 horsepower with all-wheel drive — and the possibility of power-boosting upgrades.
The apex of this electric triumvirate is the rumored 885-horsepower variant, a powerhouse poised to redefine muscle car benchmarks through an 800-volt electrical system.
For purists still yearning for the roar of an internal combustion engine, the Charger may not disappoint. Allegedly, two versions of the Hurricane straight-six engine could be in the works: a base offering with 420 horsepower and an uprated version delivering 510 horsepower. Despite the lower power output compared to their electric counterparts, these gasoline-fueled options may still rival EVs in performance, taking advantage of a potentially lighter power-to-weight ratio.
While leaked images and factory snapshots fuel speculation about the new Charger's design and engineering, Dodge remains silent on the veracity of these claims. The brand's strategic silence could be a calm before the launch of a game-changing model slated to begin sales in the 2025 model year.
This new era for the Dodge Charger is not just about keeping up with the electrification trend. It represents a seismic shift for the iconic nameplate, blending the soul of American muscle with the relentless torque and modern performance of electric drive. As enthusiasts and skeptics alike await confirmation, one thing is certain: the automotive world is on the cusp of a new chapter in muscle car evolution.
