U-Turn: Do Spy Shots of the Gas-Powered 2024 Dodge Charger Signal a Return to the Past?
Spy photos have surfaced showing an internal combustion two-door Dodge Charger car body. The only other glimpse of the next-gen 2024 Charger thus far has been Dodge’s EV concept car. While a gas-powered 2024 Charger might appear to be a dramatic return to the past for Dodge, the automaker probably always planned to offer an internal combustion variant of this car. And although it keeps the old Charger’s retro styling, this coupe will probably drive much more like the current Toyota Supra–complete with a turbocharged I6.
| 345 HEMI V8 (R/T) | SO “Hurricane” I6 | 392 HEMI V8 (Scat Pack) | HO “Hurricane” I6 | |
| Displacement | 5.7 liters (345 cubic inches) | 3.0 liters (approx. 183 cubic inches) | 6.4 liters (392 cubic inches) | 3.0 liters (approx. 183 cubic inches) |
| Horsepower | 363-395 horsepower | 420 horsepower | 470-485 horsepower | 510 horsepower |
| Torque | 394-410 lb-ft | 468 lb-ft | 470-475 lb-ft | 500 lb-ft |
| Boost | Naturally-Aspirated | 22 psi | Naturally-Aspirated | 26 psi |
Will there be a 2024 Dodge Charger?
Dodge dramatically announced it would kill its current cars at the end of the 2023 model year–and released special “last call” editions to capitalize on the resulting sales surge. We will almost certainly get a gasoline-powered Dodge Charger sometime in 2024, but it might show up at the end of the model year.
It was in Dodge’s best interest to remain coy about the future of the internal combustion Charger. The automaker unveiled an electric concept car called the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Banshee. Some folks applauded the “brotherhood of muscle” going electric. Die-hard fans worried that 2023 would be their final chance to get a “collectible” internal combustion Charger.
First, we know that “Dodge Charger” is far too recognizable a nameplate for Stellantis (its latest parent company) to kill completely. Secondly, much of the continental U.S. still lacks the charging infrastructure for folks to drive an EV, such as the Charger Daytona concept, daily. So it always looked like there would be a gas-powered version of the 2024 Dodge Charger.
Will there be a gasoline-powered 2024 Dodge Charger?
Almost certainly. The most likely powerplant for the gasoline version of the 2024 Dodge Charger will be the “Hurricane I6” Stellantis developed in Italy. This twin-turbocharged straight-six engine comes in 420 and 510 horsepower variants. The electric “Banshee” supercar powertrain will probably replace the Hellcat as the new halo car.
In 2022, Stellantis rolled out a series of new chassis it plans to share across its 15 brands. The “STLA Large” chassis will underpin future crossovers, American muscle cars, and perhaps some large supercars. Stellantis said from the jump that this new chassis will support both fully electric and gasoline hybrid powertrains.
Another likely 2024 Dodge Charger gasoline powerplant is the 2.0-liter turbocharged I4, which makes 270 horsepower in the Jeep Wrangler. It is part of the plug-in hybrid powertrain that gives the Wrangler 4xe 375 lb-ft of torque. The Wrangler 4xe also has 20+ miles of all-electric range. There’s a very good chance Dodge offers a mid-trim Charger plug-in hybrid.
When will the 2024 Dodge Charger come out?
Dodge has announced it is retooling both of its car factories to build future EV and hybrids. It will start this work after the final 2023 Chargers and Challengers roll off the line, so it might be the very end of 2024 before any new Dodge car hits dealership lots.
In October 2023, spy shots of a new coupe body in Stellantis’ Windsor plant hit the internet. Though just a body shell, the car definitely has a transmission tunnel, which you wouldn’t need in a pure EV. It also has a gas cap door on the rear fender. Most EVs have a charge port up front. Otherwise, it resembles the retro Charger Daytona concept coupe design. It has the same fastback and wide haunches.
One intriguing feature of the new Charger’s body is its short decklid. It may have a “liftback” design for additional cargo space. We also know it will share a chassis with Maserati supercars and–perhaps–the largest Alfa Romeos. The outgoing Charger and Challenger’s Achilles’ heel was how poorly they cornered. Dodge has a golden opportunity to lean into engineering done by its European partners and build a nimble sports car.
Dodge also insisted that even its EV Charger concept have a manual transmission. (It features a lever called the “eRupt manual,” which may be a two-speed box similar to Mercedes EVs–or just a gimmick like the Fratzonic Exhaust speakers). There’s a good chance the gas version of the 2024 Dodge Charger will offer a proper six-speed.
Turbocharged I6, manual transmission, and exciting handling dynamics. The 2024 Dodge Charger is shaping up to be much more like the current Toyota Supra than the outgoing Dodge Charger. But it will be built in North America and feature Dodge’s signature vintage good looks.
Next, see why we think the Dodge Charger Banshee will make exactly 880 horsepower, or learn more about the leaked spy shots in the video below:
