Die-hard Dodge fans are in for a shock when the top-to-bottom revamp of their favorite muscle car launches in a couple of years. The Sleuth hears that Dodge’s rival to the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro will be more competitive, starting with a modern rear-wheel-drive chassis originally developed for Alfa Romeo (part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles). It will also come with Alfa’s twin-turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 276 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Another Alfa engine, a turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6 that produces 505 horsepower will likely become the Challenger R/T powerplant. Word is that the top dog Hellcat model will retain the 6.2-liter ‘Hemi’ V-8 that will reportedly spit out 750 horsepower (up from 707 horses). A convertible using the Barracuda nameplate is also expected.
The current Challenger, pictured, will be replaced by a smaller car with base-four-cylinder power. A version of the Hellcat model’s 6.2-liter V-8 will likely return. (PHOTO: FCA)
