Will The DUMBEST Move EVER Be To Electrify American Muscle Cars?

American muscle may never be the same.

When the iconic and popular Dodge Challenger is redesigned sometime before the mid-2020s, the new version may come with an electrified powertrain. For informed green-car readers, it's important to make clear that that doesn't mean that any new Challenger will plug in.

Instead, Fiat Chrysler CEO Mike Manley recently told the Detroit News in an interview at the Detroit auto show, the car is likely to include a version of the company's e-Torque mild-hybrid system...

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 1/22/2019 10:41:57 PM

+1 Boost

Nothing is ever going to be the same, that is why it is called change. The replacements for the Aventador and the Huracan will have EV assist. The discussion point is how much as they only want to make 1 car for the global market. Is it 25km? 30km? Or 50km that is possible under only electric power. So your future muscle car may still have a supercharged V8, but you will be able to choose to use it or the electric motor or both depending on the circumstances.

MDarringer - 1/22/2019 11:02:09 PM

+1 Boost

Where are the prototypes? I see none.

Obviously electric assist will preserve muscle cars, but I repeat: Where are the prototypes?

mini22 - 1/23/2019 1:29:27 AM

+2 Boost

There are none. All Manley said was they are coming. I would assume you will see them in a year or so.

MDarringer - 1/23/2019 8:16:48 AM

-1 Boost

Kind of like how Sergio Maricon kept promising and promising but never delivering?

rockreid - 1/23/2019 8:03:26 AM

+1 Boost

Don’t be too suprised when all-electric muscle cars are on the road complete with fake engine and exhaust sound from speakers and haptic drivers seats and steering wheels that simulate a tumbling engine. Gotta give the neanderthals something to hold onto.

MDarringer - 1/23/2019 8:17:21 AM

+1 Boost

Yeah, you're so morally superior in your EV that actually pollutes more.

xjug1987a - 1/23/2019 9:56:28 AM

+1 Boost

So EV's are for the enlightened class and ICE is for neanderthals... clearly the EV crowd is significantly more pompous and arrogant... and they ignore facts so they can "feel" better about themselves...

MDarringer - 1/24/2019 8:33:42 AM

-1 Boost

@xjug1987a Preach it!

Holydude - 1/26/2019 4:18:00 AM

+1 Boost

Morally superior for sure, the neanderthals are called deplorables for a reason.

PUGPROUD - 1/23/2019 8:34:37 AM

+1 Boost

Just as restomods are gaining acceptance and popularity electrifying old cars is starting to gain momentum too. All the looks and style but with better handling, greater performance and reliability have great appeal. While a gas powered muscle car with great exhaust sounds will always have its following (my self included) electrification is the future.

Section_31_JTK - 1/23/2019 4:24:09 PM

+2 Boost

The only reason they will electrify muscle cars is to get better mpg. The public doesn't want that. Muscle cars should remain ICE only.

And LOL @ Tesla. They're now charging significant prices for charging up new Teslas at Superchargers. Why wait in line when I can just fill up at a GAS station for just a bit more while paying thousands less for the car in the first place?

dumpsty - 1/23/2019 4:52:02 PM

+2 Boost

hybrid or EV muscle car? why not!? See Tesla vehicle acceleration performance numbers.

some early hybrid sedans had definite performance boosts (Accord Hybrid) but consumers wanted higher fuel consumption ratings, so the systems were revised to save fuel more. that became the standard - fuel ratings vs performance.

ricks0me - 1/23/2019 6:00:52 PM

0 Boost

Will The DUMBEST Move EVER Be To Electrify American Muscle Cars?

Not a dumb move but:
Keep the V8 RWD available for the "legacy" buyers. They expect the V8 & RWD

Section_31_JTK - 1/24/2019 4:30:36 AM

+2 Boost

The folks looking for a muscle car want a V-8, not an electric motor. Muscle cars look and feel a certain way, and sound a certain way. Gas mileage is irrelevant.

Holydude - 1/26/2019 4:13:26 AM

+1 Boost

Good move, if only to see the rednecks/neanderthals howl and stomp on their MAGA hat! Their wives will get the beating of their lives that night, but hey, that's the price of progress.