For Dodge, making an electric muscle car came with an interesting challenge: How do you make it sound like a muscle car when the performance comes from (nearly) silent electric motors?
Dodge will soon show its first electric muscle car concept, a powerful and quick car that will go on sale in 2024 and is designed to appease a loyal fan base of Charger and Challenger muscle machines. So, the automaker needs to answer that noise question sooner rather than later, though the electric Dodge that is coming “is just so brilliant that it is shocking,” Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said in Amsterdam. His remarks were made at a group interview ahead of his presentation of Dare Forward 2030, a long-range strategic plan for the automaker that extends to 2030. Stellantis was created a year ago by merging Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group.
Donuts and Burnouts in an EV
Tavares said he asked Dodge brand chief Tim Kuniskis six months ago how to keep muscle-loving Dodge customers satisfied with EVs. Kuniskis answered with market research that shows customers in their 30s are open to making donuts and burnouts using electric power. But about that noise issue—replacing the throaty growl of a powerful gas engine. Dodge engineers have created a sound that Tavares said he can only describe as “shocking”—yes, he used the word yet again.
And now the team is looking at how to make their audio creation even louder and more powerful sounding to appeal to Millennial buyers.
Chrysler Is Emotional Pillar
Tavares said the strategic vision is to invest in all the American brands, including Chrysler which now consists of minivans and the Chrysler 300 sedan.
“Chrysler is one of the emotional pillars of the former FCA. It is important for us to give this grounded brand a future and an opportunity to rebound,” Tavares said.
The CEO says he has had many discussions about the next models for Chrysler “and they are gorgeous.”
The first electric vehicle for Chrysler is expected to be based on the Chrysler Airflow concept shown at the 2022 CES. There will be a bit of a wait: Chrysler won’t have its first EV for sale until 2025. We will see the first Dodge EV concept soon, followed by a plug-in hybrid (cousin to the Alfa Romeo Tonale and expected to be called the Dodge Hornet), and we are promised a third significant new vehicle for the brand.
Keyword: Dodge Wants Its Electric Muscle Car Loud, Says the Sound Is "Shocking"