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Stellantis

The 14 Brands of Stellantis

January 18, 2021 by admin 2 Comments


The Chrysler Pacifica may outlast the brand under Stellantis.

An all-new automotive brand is here and we can’t wait to learn what Stellantis will do as it manages 14 brands from two previously separate automakers. Stellantis, which roughly translates as “to brighten with stars,” is the fusion of Groupe PSA and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. The now-active company is trading under “STLA” at stock exchanges in Paris, Milan, and New York.

The 14 Stellantis brands are the most under one automaker, which expects to sell at least 8 million units annually around the globe, making it the world’s fourth-largest vehicle manufacturer. That’s two more than the Volkswagen Group’s 12 brands, which somehow has managed to maintain each.

As for Stellantis, we think some culling is in order, although that certainly won’t happen immediately. Instead, the new company will likely review its numerous brands, the markets where these vehicles are sold, and the future of the company as electrification and driving autonomy weigh in. In all, the combined company expects to save billions annually as it takes advantage of economies of scale to reduce expenditures.


Stellantis


14 Brands and the Future of Each

With these and other thoughts in mind, this is how we think the 14 brands will fit in, with the North American market the primary focus.

1. Abarth – Largely a performance side of Fiat in the U.S., this brand’s fate hinges upon what Stellantis plans to do with Fiat as mentioned below.

2. Alfa Romeo – Alfa is a niche player in North America and may not stay beyond the next few years. If Stellantis decides to keep Alfa Romeo, its role may be limited to a few key markets and little more.

3. Chrysler – What can be said about the Chrysler brand which will turn 100 in 2025? There is a strong chance the brand won’t survive as it’s down to two models – the 300 and Pacifica. The 300 is aged and isn’t likely to survive. The Pacifica minivan as a lasting nameplate is in decent shape, so this model could be moved to another brand and sold there.

Citroen Cactus
The Citroen Cactus
4. Citroen – Essentially unknown to the U.S., the Citroen brand isn’t likely to ever return. A Citroen model rebranded as a Chrysler or a Dodge is always a possibility.

5. Dodge — With the aged Charger and Challenger cars as well as the Durango SUV in need of updates, the Dodge brand doesn’t have much left to it, especially with the Journey and Grand Caravan gone. Like Chrysler, Dodge may be expendable unless new product is ported from Europe and rebadged in North America.

6. DS – Peugeot’s premium brand is a niche player and won’t head west anytime soon. A rebadged product might deliver fresh life into Dodge or Chrysler, but that’s about it.

7. Fiat — Ever since its return to the U.S. market a decade ago, Fiat hasn’t found its legs. The size of its cars is one issue, the limited product line is another reason. We think apart from Mexico and southward, the Fiat brand will disappear from the American and Canadian markets within a year or two.

8. Jeep – It is Jeep that made Stellantis a possibility. For without this fast-growing and now global brand, the merger might not have happened. We think Jeep will become the number one profit driver and growth possibility for Stellantis going forward as fresh products arrive and new markets are breached.


The iconic Wrangler remains the face of Jeep.

9. Lancia – The Lancia brand never made its way to North America and isn’t likely to do so. In fact, its future under the new regime is tenuous at best. We think along with Dodge and Chrysler, Lancia is also vulnerable and may not survive.

10. Maserati – Small sales have kept Maserati alive in North America. We believe the brand has much life left and as a profitable marque, it’ll still have its place here.

11. Opel – We’re not likely to find Opel-badged vehicles in North America, although the possibility of one or more products arriving stateside and sold as Chrysler or Dodge vehicles is possible. After all, since separating from GM, Opel has wound down its supply relationship to Buick’s Regal line. Perhaps one or more products will be relabeled for the U.S. market. That is, if the company decides to bring these models stateside.

12. Peugeot – The Peugeot brand was supposed to return to the U.S. market by 2023/2025. Now that the company is part of the greater Stellantis entity, its return may be in doubt. Instead of Peugeot-badged models returning, we may find select vehicles rebadged and sold under the Dodge and Chrysler labels. It is simply more cost-effective for Stellantis to work through the system already in place than to spend billions of dollars on reintroducing a brand that may only find limited success in a competitive market.

Citroen Cactus
The Ram 3500.
13. Ram – The 1500 series is the driving force for Ram along with its heavy-duty 2500/3500 variants. The Ram brand is strong and will likely receive a midsize pickup truck next year along the lines of the Jeep Gladiator. The rest of its vehicles include various vans – we think these models will continue, although the product basis may come from some other brand besides Fiat.

14. Vauxhall – see Opel. Vauxhall continues to exist as a rebadged brand of Opel in some markets, particularly in the U.K. It is of no use beyond these markets and might simply disappear altogether.

Brand Elimination

Nixing a brand is fraught with challenges. Not only must a company wind down operations, including reassigning personnel and eliminating advertising, but it must also ensure customers move on to its other brands. And there is no guarantee of that.

Over the past quarter-century, we have seen numerous car brands eliminated from the U.S. market. You may remember some, while others are relatively unknown except to the diehard enthusiast. These include Eagle, Merkur, Daihatsu, Plymouth, Saturn, Suzuki, Scion, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, and Mercury. One brand, Hummer, returns as a sub-brand of GMC, but the others are likely gone for good.


See Also — 5 Retired American Car Brands

Photos courtesy of Auto Trends Magazine. Company logo copyright Stellantis. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: Fun News Tagged With: Abarth, ALFA ROMEO, CHRYSLER, CITROEN, DODGE, DS, FIAT, FIAT CHRYSLER, Jeep, Lancia, MASERATI, OPEL, Peugeot, Peugeot Groupe, RAM, Stellantis, VAUXHALL

Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All

January 16, 2021 by admin 2 Comments

The merger with Fiat Chrysler may nix the French automaker’s plans.


Stellantis is from the Latin word “stello,” which means “to brighten with stars.”

If you’re a fan of French vehicles, you may have been looking at Peugeot’s return to the U.S. market with anticipation. Indeed, Peugeot has been working toward making its return after a decades-long absence, leaving only Renault as the lone other major French vehicle manufacturer left behind.

Alas, the best-laid plans of man sometimes must change due to unforeseen circumstances. For Peugeot, those circumstances have nothing to do with its ability to sell cars in the United States. Instead, the automaker must now find out what its new parent company wants to do. And that company, Stellantis, emerges as the final arbitrator of how its 14 brands will operate around the globe.

The World Welcomes Stellantis

Stellantis was officially birthed in January 2021 as a new company overseeing the operations of two previously separate automakers: Fiat Chrysler and Groupe PSA. Together, there are 14 brands and most already have a presence in the U.S. market. These include the former Chrysler Corporation brands: Jeep, Dodge, Ram, and Chrysler. And Fiat brands: Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Maserati, and Lancer. The PSA Groupe brings with it Peugeot, Citroen, DS, Opel, and Vauxhall.

Peugeot, though, must reconsider its possible place in the American market. That point was driven home recently in a talk Peugeot CEO Jean-Philippe Imparto had with British journalists this week as reported by Automotive News.


Peugeot 2008 SUV
This Peugeot 2008 SUV may someday find its way to the U.S.

Explained Imparto, “We can’t not take into account that in the coming days Peugeot will be part of this new world. I imagine in the coming months due to the new strategy we will have to adapt and reconsider all elements, including this one.”

The overlap would likely cover some car models, including those from Alfa Romeo. Lancia doesn’t have a U.S. presence, but the other Italian brands are embedded in the states. The Chrysler brand is currently a shell of its former self, but Stellantis may have plans to breathe new life into the marque. As Imparto indicated, it will take months for the new entity to formulate a plan moving forward.

The Jeep and Ram Brands

One of the big challenges for Stellantis is navigating its Jeep brand and, to a lesser extent, Ram. The Jeep brand is the crown jewel of Fiat Chrysler, benefitting from billions of dollars in investments, including new models and factories. Recently, Jeep unveiled its all-new Grand Cherokee L, an extended wheelbase model of its strong-selling SUV. Other models will follow, including a still larger Grand Wagoneer. Jeep is a huge profit center for the automaker and will do likewise under Stellantis.

Ram is also a big moneymaker for the automaker. Indeed, sales of the 1500 pickup truck line and its 2500/3500 companions are surging. In particular, the Ram 1500 finds itself edging the Chevrolet Silverado in sales most months, although both are far behind the Ford F-150. The Ram brand has room for growth and may eventually gain a new SUV and definitely one or more additional electrified models.


The all-new Jeep Gladiator (l) and the Jeep Wrangler (r).
In Jeep, FCA brings to Stellantis the crown jewel of its product line.

Electric and Autonomous Vehicles

Electrification and vehicle autonomy are the driving factors for automakers today. A wholesale shift from the internal combustion engine to electrical systems is underway. It’ll take decades to complete, but the industry is headed that way.

In addition, some level of vehicle autonomy is in the works. That transition may take longer, although the fundamentals are firmly in place. These two challenges may trump everything else for Stellantis, including Peugeot’s plans to return to the U.S. market.


See Also — Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger

Logo copyright Stellantis N.V. Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: Automotive News Tagged With: CHRYSLER, FIAT CHRYSLER, Groupe PSA, Jeep, Peugeot, RAM, Stellantis

What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

January 8, 2021 by admin 1 Comment

Jeep’s new model brings the brand into three-row territory.


2021 Jeep® Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve (left) and 2021 Jeep® Grand Cherokee L Overland (right)

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is finally getting a three-row version with room for as many as seven passengers. This week, Fiat Chrysler (soon to be Stellantis) revealed the all-new 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, which will go on sale in the second quarter. Because it’s based on an all-new architecture, it is distinctly different from the current two-row Grand Cherokee.


Seven Million Strong


It has been nearly 30 years since Jeep launched the Grand Cherokee nameplate, slotting this model above the renowned Cherokee. Over the course of three decades, Jeep has sold more than 7 million copies worldwide. Its first-ever three-row variant, which carries an “L” signature, will expand this model’s reach accordingly.

The new model will be built at Jeep’s new facility in Detroit and come in four trims: Laredo, Limited, Overland, and Summit. An all-new two-row Grand Cherokee and a 4xe electrified version of this five-seater will follow.

Sitting on a 121.7-inch wheelbase and measuring 204.9 inches long, the Grand Cherokee L launches Jeep’s initiative into larger and more luxurious vehicles. Indeed, a Grand Wagoneer prototype was unveiled last year and is expected to go into production in 2022. Where Jeep has dominated the four-by-four market from the subcompact Renegade to the burly Wrangler and on through the Grand Cherokee, the brand will target some of the biggest and priciest SUV models with its expanded product line.


Competitive Set


Inasmuch as the Grand Cherokee L is a new model, it’ll compete against many existing models that already occupy that space. For example, the Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Traverse, and Buick Enclave are among its chief domestic rivals. The Dodge Durango, an FCA product, is also present.

Further, the segment features many other competitors including the Toyota Highlander, Nissan Pathfinder, Kia Telluride, Volkswagen Atlas, Mazda CX-9, Subaru Ascent, and the Hyundai Palisade. Most of these models offer standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive (only the Subaru offers standard AWD). As for the new Jeep, it comes in standard rear-wheel drive and has available four-wheel drive (like the Ford Explorer), the latter attribute underscoring its off-road prowess.


All-new 2021 Jeep® Grand Cherokee L Overland

Highlights of the Jeep Grand Cherokee L


Besides the features already mentioned, the new model will include the following:

1. Key exterior features.

All models come with automatic headlamps. From there, the differences depend largely on the trim choice and may include front tow hooks, LED fog lamps, puddle lighting, power-controlled and fold-away heated side mirrors, 18-, 20-, or 21-inch aluminum wheels, all-season or all-terrain tires, and a power liftgate, just to name a few of the key features.

2. Key interior features.

Just as the exterior comes with many feature choices, the same can be said for the cabin. Cloth seats on the base model give way to a variety of real hides on the three other trims. Further, some trims include real wood trim, including walnut. Full power accessories, climate control, and tilt-and-telescopic steering column come standard. Other available features include a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, heated and ventilated second-row bucket seats, and seat-back massage in the first row.


2021 Jeep® Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve offers a spacious interior
that features standard 10-inch display screens(right)

3. Seating for six or seven.

Shoppers have a choice of seating arrangements, with a 2-3-2 layout featuring a middle row bench seat or a 2-2-2 layout with center-row bucket seats. In the latter configuration, the seats feature 7 inches of travel and also tip forward for improved access to the rear seat. Moreover, the bucket seats can also be removed. Importantly, child safety seats installed in the second row can stay put when the seats are tilted forward. Also, the second-row seats recline 18 degrees.

4. Two engine choices.

Jeep’s newest model comes with two very familiar engine choices. Firstly, the standard engine is a 3.6-liter V6 with an output of 290 horsepower and 257 pound-feet of torque. Models powered by this engine come with standard rear-wheel drive or available four-wheel drive. Secondly, a 5.7-liter V8 engine with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque is available. This one works with four-wheel drive only. Both engines send power to the wheels by utilizing an 8-speed automatic transmission.

5. Three Jeep four-by-four systems.

Like the Grand Cherokee and certain other Jeep models, this one gives shoppers a choice of three four-by-four systems along with its Selec-Terrain traction management system with five terrain modes. Dubbed Quadra-Trac 1, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, these systems supply this Jeep with varying levels of off-road capabilities. All three systems come with an active transfer case that’s designed to improve traction as it moves torque to the wheel with the most grip. Notably, the Quadra-Trac 1 system utilizes a single-speed transfer case, the Quadra-Trac 2 system a two-speed transfer case, while the Quadra-Drive II adds a rear electronic limited-slip differential to its two-speed active transfer case. On balance, the new Jeep has a competitive off-road edge to tout.

6. An air suspension system.

The new Grand Cherokee L model offers a quadra-lift air suspension system bundled with electronic adaptive damping for heightened ground clearance and water fording. This SUV’s normal ride height is 8.3 inches, raising it to 9.9 inches when switched to Off-Road 1 mode. Move it to Off-Road 2 mode and its supplies 10.9 inches of ground clearance. The system also features park mode, whereby it lowers the normal ride height by 1.8 inches for ingress and egress improvement. Lastly, an Aero Mode lowers the suspension system by 0.8 inches for improved aerodynamic flow while driving, thereby optimizing fuel efficiency.


2021 Jeep® Grand Cherokee L Overland features the new Uconnect 5 10.1-inch touchscreen with available rear-seat monitoring camera system

7. Uconnect 5 system.

Uconnect is FCA’s infotainment system and is in our estimation one of the better ones available. Jeep’s new model rolls out the latest and most advanced version, called Uconnect 5. This one promises operating speeds that are five times faster than the previous generation. Furthermore, this system features either an 8.4- or 10.1-inch color touch-screen display, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability, a fully customizable home screen, dual connectivity for a pair of Bluetooth devices, Alexa services, TomTom navigation, over-the-air updates, and 4G LTE Wi-Fit hotspot connectivity for as many as eight devices. Surprisingly, up to 12 USB ports are available across all three rows.

8. A long list of active driving support features.

The Grand Cherokee L comes with a lengthy roster of driver-assist technologies, including full-speed collision warning with active braking and pedestrian/cyclist detection. Also included is adaptive cruise control with full stop and go, rear cross path detection, active lane management, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, advanced brake assist, blind-spot monitoring, and parking assistance. In addition, other available features include a night vision camera, head-up display, intersection collision assist, drowsy driver detection, a digital rearview camera system, and traffic sign recognition. All in all, the new Jeep brings with it the safety features we expect in today’s new models.

9. Basic maintenance is included.

Like premium automakers, Grand Cherokee L owners have access to the Jeep Wave maintenance program. Specifically, this one supplies three years of maintenance at Jeep dealerships, including oil changes and tire rotations. Also, such features as 24-hour support, trip interruption coverage with complimentary first-day coverage, and VIP access to select Jeep brand events are included.


All-new 2021 Jeep® Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve

Looking Ahead


We’ll have more information about the Grand Cherokee L nearer to its release date. Furthermore, Auto Trends will supply a full review with updated pricing, fuel efficiency, and unique photographs once this vehicle is made available to us.

To sum up, Jeep brings to the market a model it has long needed. That point alone ensures that Jeep faithful will give it a strong look before considering another brand. We think that as one of 14 brands managed by Stellantis, Jeep will continue to thrive. As a result, additional models, including electrified variants, should help grow the brand.


2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Specifications


Jeep 2021 Grand Cherokee L
Segment Large SUV
Price Range TBD
Destination Charge TBD
Engine No. 1 3.6-liter, V6
Horsepower 290 @ 6,400 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.) 257 @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission 8-speed automatic
Engine No. 2 5.7-liter, V8
Horsepower 357 @ 5,150 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.) 390 @ 4,250 rpm
Transmission 8-speed automatic
Seating 7
Curb Weight (pounds) 4,618 to 5,330
Wheelbase (inches) 121.7
Length (inches) 204.9
Width (inches) 77.9
Height (inches) 71.5
Headroom (f,m,r…inches) 39.8., 39.9, 37.3
Legroom (f,m,r…inches) 41.3, 39.4, 30.3
Shoulder room (f,m,r…inches) 59.2, 58.0, 51.9
Hip room (f,m,r…inches) 57.4, 58.0, 42.9
Storage (cubic feet) 17.2, 46.9, 84.6
Gross vehicle weight (pounds) 6,500 to 6,900
Towing (pounds) 6,200 (V6); 7,200 (V8)
Payload (pounds) 1,200 to 1,410
Fuel Regular
Fuel Tank (gallons) 23.0
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined) TBD
Manufacturing Plant Detroit Assembly Complex – Mack, Michigan

See Also — Smart Concept: Jeep Grand Wagoneer

Photos copyright Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (Stellantis). All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Models Tagged With: 8-SPEED TRANSMISSION, FIAT CHRYSLER, four-wheel drive, Jeep, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, JEEP WRANGLER, Stellantis, SUV, V6 engine

Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger

November 17, 2020 by admin 2 Comments

Stellantis unites American, French, and Italian automakers.

Stellantis


“To brighten with stars” is the meaning of the sobriquet chosen by French automaker Peugeot Groupe (PSA) and Italian-American manufacturer Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) as they plan to merge their companies under the “Stellantis” banner next year. When done, the combined entity will create the world’s fourth-largest automaker, completing an effort that began before the pandemic and could establish a trend for competing businesses to follow.

Mission Stellantis

Stellantis may not roll off the tongue immediately, but the new company hopes that it accomplishes its mission nevertheless. That endeavor unites once competing businesses under a singular umbrella, bringing with it the synergies required. Cost-saving is chief among them as the new company will enable 14 disparate marques to coalesce; share platforms, engineering, and technologies; and give Stellantis greater clout when negotiating with suppliers. Thus, the Stellantis name is reserved exclusively for the enterprise.

Notably, the company’s name will not find its way to a single vehicle. Instead, all 14 brands will operate with their own make/models serving their respective markets. These brands comprise Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS, Fiat, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, and Vauxhall. Ferrari is not included as that brand became independent a few years back.

Only one PSA name is not familiar to automotive enthusiasts: DS. The others, including Peugeot and Citroën, were once marketed in North America. Models from Opel and Vauxhall have also appeared stateside, most currently in the Buick Regal sedan, hatchback, and wagon.

Dutch Headquarters

The new company will be headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. It will continue to operate regional headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan; Paris, France; and Milan, Italy. Moreover, Stellantis will trade on three stock market exchanges: New York, Paris, and Milan.

Announced in October 2019, the $50 billion deal uniting PSA and FCA was finalized internally two months later. The understanding then, as it remains to this day, is that the companies must work through a lengthy closing process. Indeed, following its initial review, the companies won the approval of their respective shareholders as well as meeting other antitrust and other regulatory requirements. Some of the later milestones are yet in progress. An end-of-first-quarter 2021 closing is expected.

Peugeot’s USA Initiative

Well before the Stellantis development, the Peugeot brand has been working on returning to the U.S. on its own — without the four other PSA brands. For several years, the company has operated out of its Atlanta headquarters to begin the long work of bringing its vehicles to America. That effort will continue although it may now include some help from Stellantis’ American family.

Nothing has been said of this, but a company bent on consolidating to cut costs may find that Peugeot vehicles sold side-by-side with Chrysler brand products, for instance, is the best approach to advancing its agenda. We’d be surprised if this weren’t so.

Looking Ahead

Uniting disparate companies is often fraught with cultural challenges as evidenced in the earlier DaimlerChrysler debacle. Yet, a few years after that company separated, Fiat joined with Chrysler to form arguably a strong union. The Chrysler side will now have a third opportunity to work with an international automaker.

This time, the Fiat Chrysler team will come into this relationship on a 50:50 basis with the PSA Groupe. The Italian and French automakers are longtime rivals, but under the Stellantis umbrella, the new structure allows all stakeholders to advance two areas where the industry is heading: automation and electrification. Separately, the cost to develop them is nearly prohibitive for some companies who must then consider mergers, acquisitions, or alliances to move forward (GM and Honda, for example). Under Stellantis, the 14 brands will have the opportunity to not just survive but thrive, although further consolidation may cause underperforming brands such as Chrysler and Vauxhall to cease.


See Also – Deal Undone: Fiat Chrysler Renault Merger

Logo courtesy of Fiat Chrysler and PSA Groupe.

Filed Under: Automotive News Tagged With: CHRYSLER, FIAT, MERGER, Peugeot, PSA Groupe, Stellantis

On the Prowl With a 2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody

July 22, 2020 by admin 2 Comments

Behind the wheel of the world’s most powerful production sedan.


The 2020 Dodge Charger line is topped by this SRT Charger Widebody.
You’ll pay about $70,000 to acquire one.

The Dodge Charger stands alone among mainstream sedans. Its full-size body style is increasingly uncommon and its traditional rear-wheel-drive platform makes it unique in this segment, sharing its footprint with the Chrysler 300, while also counting a Dodge Challenger coupe derivative.

We recently had the opportunity to drive the most potent version of the 2020 Charger when an SRT Hellcat Widebody model was dropped off for a week’s worth of fun. To that end, we’re dispensing with our usual model review to drill down on this most impressive of Charger models.

Hellcat Musings

Dodge’s use of the Hellcat name originated in 2015 when it released a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine for both the Charger and Challenger. In 2018, the Jeep Grand Cherokee got its version, which was named the Trackhawk. That same year Dodge made a crate engine (hellcrate) available to anyone wanting this engine to upgrade their ride. Beginning in 2021, we’ll see a Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, what’s likely to become the fastest SUV in the world.

The Hellcat name comes from the Grumman F6F Hellcat, which was the naval carrier-based fighter aircraft introduced in 1943 and used widely in the Pacific theater. Great Britain also received more than 1,000 units and these were widely used until the end of World War II.


The Charger features a classic coke bottle layout. This one is amplified with a bright patina, widebody trim and wheels, and huge Brembo brake covers in red.

History of the modern Dodge Charger. Car fans know that the original Charger name was affixed to a sport coupe in the 1960s and 1970s. What they prefer to ignore is that this name was later used on a subcompact front-wheel-drive model for six years in the 1980s. While the switch to four doors angered some when the current model rolled out in 2005, various performance versions have consoled the faithful. Besides, with the Challenger coupe’s arrival in 2008, happiness followed. This writer has gotten over his disappointment that the Magnum wagon disappeared in 2008 after an all-too-brief four-year run.


See Also — The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon by the Numbers


Origin of the current Charger. Credit DaimlerChrysler with supplying us with the Magnum, Charger, 300, and Challenger. DaimlerChrysler was the name of the entity founded in 1998 that brought Mercedes-Benz and the Chrysler Corporation brands under one name. The LX platform underpinning these models comes from the Mercedes-Benz E-Class platform of the 1990s, but the American version was designed stateside. Chrysler tapped the Mercedes parts bin for its five-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, rear differential, and the multi-link rear suspension. In 2011, four years after separating from Daimler, Chrysler rolled out an updated platform and dubbed it LD (the Challenger sits on an LA variant). The three remaining models are based on the 2011 update.

What’s a widebody? In recent years, we’ve seen Dodge roll out Widebody versions of its Challenger and Charger. No, Dodge did not broaden vehicle width, but they did add bodywork such as chunky wheel lips to give these models an even more formidable presence. The Widebody models have improved tire and suspension packages, including modified springs, sway bars, and shocks. The Bilstein three-mode adaptive damping system is especially noteworthy here.




Design attributes. Besides the various “widebody” exterior enhancements, the Hellcat benefits from several interior features and upgrades. We point out the front seats which are wide, gently bolstered, and all-day comfortable. In other words, they’re much more livable than the sport seats you find in many other models. In fact, I believe if you are a larger individual – taller and a bit wider, you’ll find these seats quite pleasing. Few cars can deliver such and that’s why pickup trucks are popular for bigger people. Move beyond the base model and you’ll find an ample amount of soft-touch materials. We liked the Hellcat’s quilted leather seats with the SRT debossing. It’s a fetching look without being overwrought. The center stack is cleanly ordered with an 8.4-inch touch-screen display (7 inches in base trims) with knobs and switches underneath to control audio and climate functions. The fat transmission shifter seems entirely appropriate for this model as do the metal-wrapped pedals.

Big on safety features; old design. The Charger’s aged design doesn’t help it with crash test scores, although it still earns high marks from the NHTSA, while the IIHS is less forgiving. The institute’s small front overlap testing typically favors modern models. With the Charger, it scored marginally. That said, the Charger does come with several features that go beyond the requisite suite of airbags and a rearview monitor. All models come with rear parking sensors. You have to move up through the trim ranks to find such features as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. They’re available and are certainly worth considering.

Four engine choices. Most manufacturers offer one or two engines for each model and call it a day. Not so with the 2020 Charger as there are four choices available. Beginning with a 3.6-liter V6 and extending to 5.7- and 6.4-liter V8 engines, there’s a naturally aspirated powerplant for varying levels of performance and efficiency available. The 6.2-liter V8 exclusive to the Hellcat is the only boosted engine of this cohort. All four engines work with an 8-speed automatic transmission.


The Hellcat’s instrument panel utilizes analog and digital displays.

Enhanced Hellcat performance. When it comes to performance, all eyes are on the Hellcat. The 2020 Charger features the standard amount of Hellcat power, specifically 707 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. That’s an incredible amount of power available and dwarfs the 300 horsepower delivered by the V6 and the 485 horsepower derived from its largest engine, the 6.4-liter V8. How fast is this most powerful of all Chargers? We’ve seen 0-60 mph times of 3.6 seconds from published sources. Yes, that likely makes the Charger the fastest production sedan in the world.

Hold on. Tightly. There is nothing subtle about the Hellcat’s performance. From the moment the ignition is engaged, the performance exhaust system percolates. I had a few people remark that the Charger is “very loud.” That’s what it is supposed to be – you’ll hear it coming well before it arrives. Step-off acceleration is excellent, but it is when you “floor it” that the Hellcat’s awesomeness comes to bear. And this is where maximum attention and control is required – the rear wheels quite easily will give out from underneath this burly sedan, sending the SRT Hellcat into a spin. This model is ideal for the straightaway, but extra caution is required on twisty roads and when entering and leaving corners. Its steering is weighty with direct handling. The Charger tracks well, but a measured increase in performance should result in a corresponding increase in personal attentiveness. We like the Hellcat’s around-town moan as well as its banshee-like scream when pressed into action.


See Also — 12 Things We LOVE About the Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack


More power for 2021. If 707 horsepower isn’t enough for you, then know that it’ll be bumped up to 717 horsepower for 2021. But the performance enhancement doesn’t stop there. We’ll also see a Hellcat Redeye variant roll out, this one based on the Challenger of the same name. Here, Dodge upgrades the standard 2.4 IHI supercharger to 2.7 liters. Moreover, boost increases from 11.6 PSI to 14.5 PSI, while the redline moves up from 6,200 to 6,500. The Redeye also benefits from stronger rods and pistons, an enhanced oil capability, and a pair of dual-stage oil pumps (up from the current one). Other upgrades include an all-new performance hood, mail-slot grille, and a cold-air intake fixed near the wheel liner. In all, the top-shelf Hellcat bakes 797 horsepower and 707 pound-feet of torque.

Looking ahead. We know what 2021 holds for the Charger, including the Hellcat, but what about the long term? You may know that Fiat Chrysler and France’s PSA Groupe are planning to merge and will form a new company called Stellantis. If the merger passes regulatory scrutiny (and that’s never a guarantee), the new company should emerge in the first half of 2021. We don’t know what that will mean for the Dodge brand, but we expect it will survive. Likely, the brand will continue in its present form for the short term, but new models based on PSA architecture seems likely. This could also mean the first plug-in Charger hybrid as well as other engine choices. But as long as demand remains for performance models, the Charger, Challenger, and Durango should remain.


Rear breather cutouts help keep the Charger cool.

Your Cost

Choose a 2020 Charger SRT Hellcat and you’ll pay handsomely to own one. Indeed with the $2,100 gas guzzler tax and $1,495 destination charge, your cost is $73,950. Options such as a Carbon/Suede interior, navigation, and Alcantara seats add thousands of dollars. With special paint and wheels, you’re looking at $80,000 before discounts kick in.


2020 Dodge Charger Specifications


Dodge 2020 Charger
Segment Full-Size Sedan
Price Range $29,995 to $69,995 (plus $2,100 gas guzzler tax)
Destination Charge $1,495
Engine No. 1 3.6-liter, V6
Horsepower 292/300 @ 6,350 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.) 260/264 @ 4,800 rpm
Transmission 8-speed automatic
Engine No. 2 5.7-liter, V8
Horsepower 370 @ 5,250
Torque (lb.-ft.) 395 @ 4,200 rpm
Transmission 8-speed automatic
Engine No. 3 6.4-liter, V8
Horsepower 485 @ 6,100 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.) 475 @ 4,100 rpm
Transmission 8-speed automatic
Engine No. 4 6.2-liter, supercharged V8
Horsepower 707 @ 6,000/6,100 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.) 650 @ 4,800 rpm
Transmission 8-speed automatic
Seating 5
Curb Weight (pounds) 3,964 to 4,586
Wheelbase (inches) 120.0
Length (inches) 198.4, 200.8, or 201.0
Width (inches) 75.0, 78.3
Height (inches) 58.5, 57.8, or 57.6
Headroom (f,r…inches) 38.6, 36.6
Legroom (f,r…inches) 41.8, 40.1
Shoulder room (f,r…inches) 59.5, 57.9
Hip room (f,r…inches) 56.2, 56.1
Storage (cubic feet) 16.5
Gross vehicle weight (pounds) NR
Towing (pounds) 1,000
Payload (pounds) NR
Fuel Regular (V6), Midgrade (5.7), Premium (others)
Fuel Tank (gallons) 18.5
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined) 19/30/23 (V6); 13/22/16 (6.2)
Manufacturing Plant Brampton, Ontario, Canada


Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.


See Also — The High Potency Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: CHRYSLER 300, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, DODGE, DODGE CHALLENGER, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, Mercedes-Benz, rear-wheel drive, SRT, SRT HELLCAT, Stellantis, SUPERCHARGER, V8 engine

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