Canadian Dodge sellers — who’ve gone with out new product for years and had been dwelling in uncertainty after FCA turned Stellantis — are respiration a little bit simpler after introductions of the brand new 2023 Hornet compact crossover in addition to a efficiency electrical halo idea automobile.
Retailers had been desperate to be taught extra about Stellantis’ electrification technique that was introduced early this 12 months, mentioned Mike McManes, seller principal at South Path Chrysler in Calgary.
“With Stellantis, there was a number of unknowns for thus lengthy with the place they had been going to be. And all the sudden, they did make some bulletins, so it’s like, you recognize what, I feel we’re in fairly good arms.
“Figuring out that they’re going to be within the combine, as a result of that’s what the market thinks they need, it’s good to know that we do have [EV] expertise inside the company.”
On Aug. 17, Dodge unveiled the battery-electric Charger Daytona SRT Idea as a possible future muscle automotive for the model. The corporate had beforehand mentioned manufacturing of the present gasoline-powered Challenger and Charger will finish when the plant in Brampton, Ont., retools for brand new product in 2024.
The EV idea was unveiled a day after the Hornet, which will likely be accessible as a plug-in hybrid. It should even be the primary electrified Dodge efficiency mannequin.
Whereas the destiny of the present Charger and Challenger seems to be sealed, “We’re trying on the next-generation Charger and Challenger shifting to Windsor [Assembly],” Sam Fiorani of U.S.-based AutoForecast Options mentioned in a Sept. 9 Automotive Information Canada Podcast. With a brand new battery plant being constructed close by, electrification of the 2 vehicles “makes probably the most sense,” he mentioned. “Charger and Challenger are simply a part of the package deal.”
The transfer was not confirmed by Stellantis. Windsor Meeting presently builds the Chrysler Pacifica minivan.
Stellantis introduced its Dare Ahead 2030 strategic plan on March 1. By the tip of the last decade, the automaker needs all gross sales in Europe and half in the USA to be battery-electric autos (BEVs).
Stellantis plans to have 75 BEVs in the marketplace by 2030, 25 of which will likely be offered in Canada. Plug-in hybrid fashions will even play a job within the strategic plan, the corporate mentioned.
The Hornet, Dodge’s first totally new mannequin for the reason that Durango SUV debuted in late 2010, will launch in Canada subsequent 12 months with a 2.0-litre gasoline engine. The plug-in hybrid mannequin will arrive at a yet-to-be-confirmed date.
BUZZ OVER THE HORNET
Invoice Johnston, vice-president of Johnston Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram-Fiat in Hamilton, Ont., and the top of the Canadian Stellantis seller council, is raring to obtain a brand new mass-market mannequin such because the Hornet and sees the plug-in hybrid variant as an applicable first step towards Stellantis’ electrical future.
“The small-SUV section the place the Hornet goes to play into is simply an enormous section and an important alternative for us,” he mentioned. “And fairly frankly, till the infrastructure is there throughout the nation, the PHEV technique may give the patron some selections, and they can reap the benefits of the electrification however on the identical time have some consolation in the event that they’re involved about whether or not the infrastructure is there for them to assist an electrical automobile.”
The hybrid powertrain combines a turbocharged 1.3-litre engine with a single electrical motor driving the rear wheels. This mixture will produce an estimated 285 horsepower and supply a claimed 48 kilometres of electric-only driving. Manufacturing will start at Stellantis’ plant in Naples, Italy, this 12 months — the Hornet makes use of the platform from the Alfa Romeo Tonale — however it can take awhile for autos to achieve Canadian shores, Johnston mentioned.
“Sadly, earlier than it’s going to land on our lot, it’s most likely 5 if not six months away, so we don’t have a mad rush there, however … a number of prospects asking in regards to the automobile.”
LAST CALL FOR GAS
For the present Challenger and Charger, Stellantis will launch seven Final Name special-edition fashions for 2023. Collectively, they are going to be restricted to 1,000 models and can function unique exterior color themes and different modifications to set them aside.
Stellantis in August confirmed the tip of the present Challenger and Charger, however fanatics of the model had been anticipating the announcement, Johnston mentioned.
“With all of the rumours about this for the final 12 months or two, we’ve seen an uptick in [interest in] these muscle vehicles for the final 12 months.” The quick response to the special-edition fashions has additionally been sturdy.
The Charger Daytona SRT Idea that Dodge debuted in August is meant to “preview the model’s electrified future,” Stellantis mentioned in a media launch, giving prospects a tough thought of what to anticipate from a possible future electrical Dodge muscle automotive.
The idea options an 800-volt all-wheel-drive electrical powertrain and takes design inspiration from the 1968 Dodge Charger.
Johnston mentioned he thinks that loads of prospects will likely be prepared to buy an electrical muscle automotive.
“This section will not be the scale of the Ram pickup truck section or the small-SUV section,” he mentioned. “It’s extra a distinct segment section, however I don’t see the demand altering.”