What if turning the page on thermals could be very profitable for automakers? This is the case of Dodge, which is preparing for the end of life in thermal versions of two of its legendary models: the Charger and the Challenger.
The current generations of the two vehicles will cease to be manufactured from the end of 2023, to make way for 100% electric versions. But, as a Reuters article indicates, Stellantis, the group that owns the American brand, is preparing to make this end of life profitable.
future collectors
How? Offering seven low-volume versions and paying homage to its illustrious ancestors of the 1960s and 1970s. Priced to far exceed the classic versions of the Charger and Challenger. Very powerful cars, with six or eight cylinder engines, but that have always wanted to remain affordable for the average American, like their competitors in the “muscle car” category, the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro. A 2022 Challenger equipped with a V6 engine, for example, starts at just over $30,000.
If the price of these future limited editions is not given, Dodge believes that these models should become future collector’s vehicles. Brand boss Tim Kuniskis’ only fear is that speculation will push some to buy a dozen instead of just one.
Stricter emission standards in the United States
While Europe has opted for 100% electricity from 2035, anti-pollution standards are also being tightened in the United States. “Stellantis ranked last among major US automakers for company average fuel economy in 2021, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency,” Reuters writes. However, the American authorities would like to reinforce the sanctions in case of exceeding certain thresholds and Stellantis would thus be exposed to a fine of 572 million dollars.
Enough to push to make these two legendary models electric. Stellantis has planned to spend $2.8 billion to transform the Brampton plant that currently assembles the Charger and Challenger, as well as Chrysler’s big 300 sedan.
Source: BFM TV
