Dodge Electric Future: Can Muscle Cars Go Electric?

The Evolution of Muscle Cars and Dodge's Electric Future

The designation "muscle car" has historically represented a series of compromises. Seeking maximum power for the investment? A sports car from brands like Porsche or Lotus might not be the answer. Instead, a muscle car offered a more accessible route, accepting slightly less agility in corners. Now, Dodge has announced plans for an electric muscle car, slated for release in 2024. This naturally prompts the question: if it embodies the muscle car spirit, what defining elements will remain?

Distinguishing Muscle Cars from Sports Cars

A clear distinction exists between a muscle car and a sports car, a nuance Dodge understands intimately. The brand has long been synonymous with raw horsepower and rapid acceleration in a straight line. Models like the Dodge Viper and Challenger exemplify this heritage. Even the Dodge Durango, despite its size as an SUV, boasts a potent V8 engine capable of producing 710 hp – exceeding the power output of many Porsches, though a direct track comparison with a 911 would be unfavorable.

Electric vehicles appeal, in part, due to their inherent mechanical simplicity. This simplicity was also a core tenet of the original muscle car concept. However, rather than developing a sports car with a meticulously tuned chassis and advanced aerodynamics – a costly endeavor – American automakers opted to install larger engines into standard family vehicles. The result? Muscle cars were born.

The Muscle Car Blueprint for an Electric Era

Assuming Dodge adheres to the established muscle car formula, we can anticipate a high-power, low-cost, straight-line electric performer – akin to a Dodge Challenger rather than a Toyota Supra. This approach carries several key characteristics.

Burnouts and Customization

Burnouts are a signature move of muscle cars, stemming from an abundance of power, limited chassis refinement, and a disregard for tire wear. Dodge acknowledged this expectation in its announcement, showcasing a vehicle capable of spinning all four tires. The brand clearly understands its target audience.

Muscle car enthusiasts value the ability to tune, modify, and personalize their vehicles. This is a central appeal of the segment. While factory-fresh muscle cars are capable, buyers anticipate the need for aftermarket upgrades to optimize performance. Swapping tires for improved traction or adding stiffer sway bars for enhanced cornering are common modifications. An electric muscle car must support this level of customization – a feature becoming increasingly rare as performance relies more on software than mechanical adjustments.

A Counterpoint to Tesla's Approach

Tesla has faced criticism for its restrictions on vehicle modifications and at-home repairs. This presents an opportunity for Dodge and other manufacturers. A significant portion of car buyers enjoy working on their vehicles, and this demographic is likely crucial to Dodge’s future success.

Dodge's Position Within Stellantis

These unique characteristics are what make the muscle car segment particularly advantageous for Dodge. The brand is currently navigating a market with a somewhat outdated vehicle lineup, and the muscle car’s cost-effective formula could facilitate lower development expenses.

Lowering development costs is a critical need for Dodge. The company is part of Stellantis, a conglomerate formed by the merger of FCA (Dodge’s former parent company) and PSA Group. The ownership structure can be complex, as Chrysler, previously a standalone entity alongside GM and Ford, is now another brand within the Stellantis family. Currently, Dodge and Chrysler collectively offer only six vehicle models, none of which have received substantial updates recently.

Revitalizing a Brand

An electric muscle car has the potential to revitalize Dodge, mirroring the success of the Ford Bronco.

Ford’s 2021 Bronco is a hit because it aligns with consumer expectations. The past engine and chassis issues associated with the Bronco are largely forgotten. Instead, consumers remember a robust off-roader (and its role in high-speed chases), and Ford delivered accordingly.

Lessons from Ford and the Mustang Mach-E

Dodge should adopt a similar strategy with its upcoming electric muscle car, ensuring it meets the expectations inherent in the "muscle car" label. Ford’s introduction of the four-door electric Mustang, and Chevrolet’s rumored electric SUV Corvette, demonstrate the challenges of branding. While the electric Mustang has garnered mixed reactions, many acknowledge that the Mustang name potentially dilutes the brand identity.

Naming the Next Generation

What name will Dodge choose? Automakers are increasingly revisiting their historical catalogs for inspiration. GM resurrected the Hummer for its first electric truck, and Ford reintroduced the Bronco and F-150 Lightning. Dodge has a rich history with muscle cars. Options include the legendary Charger Daytona (ideal if the new car builds on the current Charger or Challenger), the affordable Coronet and its upgraded Coronet Super Bee variant, the Dodge Stealth, or the Dodge Polara – though the latter might be too close to the EV manufacturer Polestar. Alternatively, Dodge could draw from Plymouth, another former Chrysler brand, with names like the Roadrunner, Duster, Fury, or Barracuda.

The Sound of Electric Power

Finally, how will Dodge address the auditory experience? Hopefully, they won’t attempt to replicate the sound of a traditional muscle car. I prioritize the sensation of performance over its auditory representation – even as the owner of a modified F-150 with a custom exhaust.