End of an era
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As Dodge kills off traditional muscle cars, Polestar is making an electric one
Tue, August 16, 2022 at 12:26 PM
It’s the end of an era for Dodge (STLA) —and the beginning of one for electric upstart Polestar (PSNY).
During Dodge Speed Week in Detroit, the automaker announced it was ending production of its popular Dodge Challenger and Charger muscle cars with the 2023 model year. Dodge will, however, release 7 special edition models, with details coming later this year.
The muscle cars, with versions like the Demon, Hellcat, Redeye, Scat Pack, Shaker, and Jailbreak have been in production since 2005, a very long time in the automotive world.
The Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger, in current form, are coming to an end.
“We are celebrating the end of an era — and the start of a bright new electrified future — by staying true to our brand,” said Tim Kuniskis, Dodge CEO in a statement. “[Dodge] will mark the last of our iconic Charger and Challenger nameplates in their current form in the same way that got us here, with a passion both for our products and our enthusiasts.”
For a company that only offers 3 models - the Charger, Challenger, and Durango - killing off two of those models leaves Dodge at a crossroads.
On the flipside, Swedish EV-maker Polestar is making news of its own, announcing its own "muscle car," if you will, with electric power.
Earlier today Polestar confirmed its O₂ concept roadster will be put into production, now dubbed the Polestar 6. The car is expected to launch in 2026, with reservations starting today.
Polestar O₂ Roadster, soon to be the Polestar 6
“With the overwhelming consumer and press response, we took the decision to put this stunning roadster into production and I am so excited to make it a reality,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO in a statement. “Polestar 6 is a perfect combination of powerful electric performance and the thrill of fresh air with the top down.”
The Polestar 6 comes packing some impressive electric muscle beneath its sporty metal skin. The powertrain features an 800-volt architecture with dual motors creating 884hp and 663 lb-ft of torque. Polestar says car will reach 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds.
At the moment, there are no electric two-door coupes on the market that don’t cost hundreds of thousands (or millions) of dollars, and no electric convertibles at all. In what could be a coup for Polestar, it may have the only electric roadster on the market when the Polestar 6 comes out in 2026.
Now Porsche says it will be making an electric version of its Boxster convertible, however CEO Oliver Blume has said it will be coming mid-decade, with no firm launch date. GM also says an electric Corvette is coming but offered no details or launch date. The Corvette is traditionally offered with a removable top or as a standalone convertible.
While we may not see a true convertible muscle car to challenge the Polestar 6 for some time, don’t count out Dodge quite yet — the king of muscle cars has said previously it has an electric muscle car in the works.
And maybe there will be a drop top Dodge as well, for fans of American muscle dreaming of a cruise down Detroit’s iconic Woodward Avenue.
Comments
Are there any US companies making cars anymore?
Nothing in this world interests me less than EVs.
Hope that Durango sells well for them.
"Scat" is a good name to have for a Chrysler product.
1st Cousin owns her deceased brothers 1970 Challenger T/A bought new
. Hoping one day to keep it in the family.
Electric in Illinois is at an all time HIGH rates have risen 35% or more. The last thing I want is an electric vehicle. Regulations and fines are driving the companies to do this thanks to Joey's handlers who I wish would maybe get a shock of a 440 volt line.
one of th eyou tube channels I watch ( or what ever they call there pod cast ) I think was uncle tony a big mopar guy and a history of drag racing and hot rod magazines and a few more
any way he was taking about a new electric powered mopar sorta poking fun but he also recognizes its coming ( electric cars and trucks ) but with the electric motor performance was crazy fast on take off and 1/4 mile times .
maybe just me but we seem to be living in a time period like when horses were still popular and the "new fangled horseless carriages" were coming into play
I doubt I live long enough to see a complete transformation to all electric or at least the biggest majority of transportation but just look how many have and are being sold now .
like most every thing over time , the batterys will get better as will travel distance . now the cost of a new vehicle may come into play, however its possible leasing or renting may become a big deal and public transportation will grow even more
I suppose this is a way they "fix" the valve seats from dropping in to the cylinder. Lawed only know what will drop in their rides next. I wonder if they'll mount marine speakers under the ride to make those "vroom, vroom" noises? Like Harley they'll paten the noise.
Gonna make a prediction on ole slec far's post. l think there will be a resurgence of drive-in restaurents in the future.
Customer will drive up to the speaker. Plug up his car, Then order his food
It would have to be one of those 8 coarse dinners where the meat has to be butchered when you get there along with very slow wait staff that probably don't speak or understand a word of English! 😁
Your ride is vibrating... the armature is bent
I think that will be true
We cannot have a 75 watt lightbulb but a 60000 watt electric car is fine.
That is how it is when you are an old fart. Sorry for the update.
There will come the day when it's against the law to have a gasoline type vehicle on the road without a special permit such as being in a parade or a antique car show etc. They'll have their place in museums along side the Stanley Steamer.
I heard something the governor of California newsom signed something for 2035. Turned out it was the "regulators". I might be dead by then or moved out by that time? I was recently told to look in to New Mexico but I don't think there is any beach front property there.
With EV coming on strong.
It's going to limit the distance most people travel 250-400 miles. Recharging taking 2-6 hours or a stay over night.
Government is virtually keeping you at bay, and keeping track of the energy you you use? ( to charge you more on your more bill) .
No more long Vacations or running a few States over to see family. Or to go the NRA or other Rally's.
In the Heartland, (Red States) our movement will be limited ,
Maybe we should start investing in a motel chain, hoosier.