Next-Gen Dodge Charger And Challenger Set To Reuse Current Platform
The Chrysler LX platform used by the Dodge Charger and Challenger models isn’t what you’d call fresh. It’s been kicking around for 14 years now, and was originally created with multiple 1990s-era Mercedes parts.
So, you might think that the next-generation versions of Dodge’s muscle car favourites might use an all-new architecture. Perhaps the Giorgio platform used by the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio. Apparently not, according to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne.
“We may not necessarily have to go as far as the Giorgio architecture for Dodge as long as we are willing to commit to a significant upgrade to the current architecture to make it competitive. That’s something that’s already started,” Motor Authority quotes the man as saying.
The issue with the Giulia platform is its dimensions, Marchionne explained. “From size and capability standpoint it reflects much more of a European performance requirement than it does the American heritage of Dodge,” he said. In other words, you’re going to struggle to stuff a V8 up front, and it’s not exactly going to result in a car with muscle car-like proportions.
In any case, there won’t be a whole lot left of the current LX arrangement left by the time Dodge is done, with Marchionne claiming that “you will not recognize its origins,” adding that engineers “may maintain its bare-bones structure.”
What we don’t know at this stage is when the new versions of the cars will arrive, but you can guarantee that the current Charger and Challenger - in production since 2005 and 2008 respectively - will be positively geriatric by the time they’re discontinued.
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
I really hoped that Dodge would use the Gorgio platform. It would make the two very competitive with the huge weight reduction and the power levels they’re at currently.
There was also a rumour back in 2017 that Dodge would use a Maserati platform for the next Challenger and Charger.
Oh no
This platform is modified from the Diamler Crylser era. It’s a modified old E class!
That means the basic chassis structure is over 15 years old… But hey if it works it works…
But does it? The thing is incredibly heavy.
That’s a common misconception. The rear suspension was indeed from a W211 E Class, as is the wiring, and the Charger Pursuits gearbox, but everything else is Chrysler.
Well that’s disappointing
Hopefully the next gen one isn’t shaped like an aircraft carrier and more like a car (And it doesn’t weigh the same as one either)
As long as it retains the V8 then I’m okay
My thoughts too
Well, it’s a Daewoo so this was to be expected.
They’ve already started on the prototype…
Well, they can still drop a V8 in that…
Welp that was called
Ladder Frame
What e class is this based on??
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“Significant Upgrade” is basically code for “similar to the old one in principal”. You need to remember that the Corvette has used the Second-Y Platform since 1984; the C4, C5, C6 and C7 are all on Second-Y, but you couldn’t really swap parts from C4 into a C7.
It’ll be the same story with the LX platform.
Exactly what I was thinking. Manufacturers have a rule of “don’t fix what ain’t broke” for a lot of core designs. a 14yr old chassis is far from outrageous. And I’m thankful that Dodge isn’t following Ford/Camaro in their “race to be a sports car instead of a muscle car”. I didn’t buy my 2018 Challenger SRT because I wanted a track car…
Exactly. Didn’t Ford use the Fox platform from 1978 until 2014 (or when ever the new Mustang was released)?
god f*cking dammit