With Dodge moving faster than expected to reintroduce Hemi V8 power to the new Charger lineup, internal discussions are apparently underway about whether the six-cylinder Sixpack powertrain option that was originally positioned as a key alternative to electrification still makes sense in the product mix. The Sixpack, which uses a turbocharged inline-six engine, was designed to bridge the gap between the electric Charger Daytona and the brand’s traditional V8 performance identity, but the accelerated return of Hemi power has called that mission into question. Removing the Sixpack before it reaches customers would represent a significant strategic reversal.
Dodge enthusiasts have had mixed reactions to news of the potential Sixpack cancellation, with some seeing it as a positive sign that V8 power is being prioritized while others worry about the message it sends regarding the consistency of Dodge’s product planning. Building and then abandoning a powertrain option in such a short window is costly both financially and in terms of consumer confidence in the brand’s direction. The final decision has apparently not yet been made, and dealers and enthusiasts are watching closely for official confirmation of what the Charger’s powertrain lineup will ultimately look like.
Excellent observation
Carlos Tavares “leadership” was one of arrogance that attempted to force feed the European view of automobiles upon the America brands of Chrysler, Dodge and Ram.
It was utterly inconsistent with each brand’s legacy as well as potential American purchasers’ desirers.
He imposed an “my way or no way” approach that undermined each of the brands betting Everything on the battery powered electric motor vehicle when it was and remains quite obvious that there are legitimate concerns and lack of demand for such vehicles; i.e. lack of an electrical power grid infrastructure to support EVs becoming the norm, the environmental costs of disposing or recycling of millions of EV batteries, and the lack of EVs ability to establish range at an economical or efficient cost.
This is not to suggest that EVs should not or cannot be in the Chrysler, Dodge or Ram lineup. Tavares refused to acknowledge the F 150 lightning and Mustang Mach E market mistakes if not outright failures. He also failed to observe or emulate GM’s more measured approach to segment specific EV modes – that is not to say GM’s EVs are or will be successful but GM did not bet the house on a fickle or government soviet style mandated move to ALL EVs.
I applaud Stellantis’ top management for canning Tavares. He was a disaster.
The “Hemi” is an iconic and legitimate intangible to the each of the brands Tavares sabotaged with his arrogance.
I believe the Hurricane in-line six has a place in each of the brand – albeit the packaging of an in-line six poses challenges in the sedan arena.
Chrysler should have a medium and large sedan. They should be available in RWD and AWD. The large sedan should be available with the Hemi. Sound familiar. This was the playbook that Mercedes Benz was implementing. Chrysler should be the American luxury alternative to BMW and Mercedes. Chrysler should have an EV model for each sedan.
Dodge should follow the Chrysler model but with a sportier and muscle car focus – less luxury more driver focus. An EV should be available. The Durango should receive an update as there remains a significant market for SUVs of this size – it should have a hybrid, in-line six and Hemi option. A diesel version would blow GM and Ford’s minds.
Ram Must get its Hemi back.
My Dad and Uncles were MOPAR Men.
Chrysler was the first US Auto company to broadly adopt unibody construction, Hemi engines and an automatic transmission that was almost indestructible.
Stellantis should draw on the history of Chrysler’s engineering excellence and innovation.
Stellantis Must place MOPAR aficionados in charge of Chrysler, Dodge and RAM.
GM and Ford are ripe for the taking as neither, except for Cadillac, build a sedan that can compete with Audi, BMW or Benz. Chrysler can be that competitor and Dodge can be the M or AMG version.
Enough of soviet style market deaf mandating a product line that not even Europeans want.