S7E15: The Next-Generation Dodge Charger Is Finally Complete
About this episode
Matt McLean, CEO of Dodge, discusses the evolution of the new-generation Dodge Charger, highlighting its blend of muscle car heritage with modern technology and versatility. The conversation covers the three Charger variants—Daytona, high output Scat Pack, and the 420-hp RT four-door—emphasizing their performance, all-wheel drive capability, and practicality. They reflect on winning the North American Car of the Year award, overcoming skepticism about the new model, and how the Charger now offers muscle car excitement with SUV-like utility and everyday usability. Pricing, community feedback, and future plans for the platform are also explored.
In this episode, we speak with Matt McAlear, CEO of Dodge, about the fully realized next-generation Dodge Charger lineup. He explains why the new Charger family makes more sense than ever, offering customers the choice between a 100% electric powertrain or the Hurricane inline-six gasoline engine, along with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations. 2 or 4 doors and significantly improved technology.
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Dodge Charger
"...r having us here on the third event for the Dutch Charger. But it makes a lot of sense."
The Dodge Charger is a big car that looks sporty and can go really fast. People like it because it’s good for daily driving but also fun to drive fast. They sometimes have special events where Charger fans meet up and show off their cars.
The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan known for its powerful engine options and muscle car heritage. It is significant for blending everyday usability with high-performance capabilities, making it popular among enthusiasts and practical drivers alike. The mention of a 'Dutch Charger' event suggests a regional or special edition gathering celebrating this iconic model.
Dodge Charger Daytona
"We did the 670 horsepower Charger Daytona a little over a year ago and then we did the"
The Dodge Charger Daytona is a fast and strong car made by Dodge. It has a very powerful engine that makes it go really fast.
The Dodge Charger Daytona is a high-performance variant of the Dodge Charger, known for its powerful engine and sporty features. The version mentioned has 670 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful muscle cars in its lineup.
Dodge Charger RT
"420 horsepower RT in the four door configuration as well, which is terrific for a lot of people"
The Dodge Charger RT is a fast car with four doors, so it can carry more people. It has a strong engine that makes it go quickly.
The Dodge Charger RT is a trim level of the Charger that balances performance and practicality, equipped with a V8 engine producing 420 horsepower. The four-door configuration makes it a practical muscle car for everyday use.
North American Car of the Year award
"We won the North American Car of the Year award and it was a terrific day."
The North American Car of the Year award is a prize given to the best new car in North America. It shows that the car is very good and popular.
The North American Car of the Year award is a prestigious annual award given to the best new or significantly updated cars released in North America. Winning this award is a mark of excellence in design, performance, and value.
Dodge Challenger
"they replace from the outgoing charger and challenger, we're talking about all new powertrains,"
The Dodge Challenger is a sporty car that looks like old muscle cars and has strong engines to make it go really fast. People who like fast cars often choose this one.
The Dodge Challenger is a muscle car known for its retro styling and powerful engine options, including the famous HEMI V8. It is a direct competitor to other American muscle cars and has a strong enthusiast following.
multi-energy platform
"all new platform, multi-energy platform, battery electric, twin-turbo inline-sixes."
A multi-energy platform is like a car's basic frame that can work with different kinds of engines, like gas engines or electric motors. This helps car makers make different cars using the same parts.
A multi-energy platform is a vehicle architecture designed to support different types of powertrains, such as internal combustion engines, hybrid systems, and fully electric setups. This allows manufacturers to build various models on the same basic structure.
battery electric
"all new platform, multi-energy platform, battery electric, twin-turbo inline-sixes."
Battery electric cars run only on electricity stored in big batteries, so they don't use gas and don't make smoke from the tailpipe.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) use electricity stored in batteries to power electric motors, producing zero tailpipe emissions. They differ from hybrids or traditional gasoline cars by relying solely on electric power.
rear wheel drive
"...but rear wheel drive when you want it, is absolutely something that is unique in this segment."
Rear wheel drive means the car's engine sends power only to the back wheels, which can make the car feel more fun to drive, especially on dry roads.
Rear wheel drive (RWD) is a drivetrain layout where the engine powers the rear wheels only, often preferred for sporty driving due to better weight distribution and handling characteristics.
Challenger Hellcat
"...e up with, I don't know how many variants and the Hellcat and the Demon and all these kind of things. So I..."
The Dodge Challenger is a cool, fast car that looks like the old muscle cars from the past. Some versions, like the Hellcat and Demon, are super powerful and made for racing. People love it because it’s fun to drive and looks great.
The Dodge Challenger is a classic American muscle car known for its retro styling and powerful engine lineup, including high-performance variants like the Hellcat and Demon. These versions offer extreme horsepower and track-ready features, making the Challenger a favorite among performance enthusiasts. The variety of models allows buyers to choose from daily drivers to full-on drag racers.
powertrain
"For our third time in just over a year and we're taking you on our third powertrain now. So we've got some more stuff in the works and we're excited."
The powertrain is the part of a car that makes it move, like the engine and the parts that send power to the wheels.
The powertrain refers to the components that generate power and deliver it to the road, including the engine, transmission, and drivetrain.
all wheel drive
"So the two door RT with 420 horsepower and standard all wheel drive starts at 49,995."
All wheel drive means the car sends power to all four wheels, helping it grip the road better when driving.
All wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that powers all four wheels simultaneously to improve traction and handling, especially in adverse conditions.
horsepower
"But that is absolutely the most horsepower available in the industry under 55,000."
Horsepower tells you how strong a car's engine is and how fast it can go. More horsepower usually means the car can go faster or accelerate quicker.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for engine power, indicating how much work an engine can perform. It is commonly used to compare the performance capabilities of different vehicles.
Radford racing school
"You go up from 420 to 550, you get a one day driving experience that are a Radford racing school where you talked about last year, which is extremely exciting for consumers that haven't had a chance to experience that."
Radford Racing School is a place where people can learn how to drive fast cars safely and have fun doing it. You get to practice driving on a race track.
Radford Racing School is a driving experience program where participants can learn high-performance driving skills, often using race-prepared or high-powered cars. It offers hands-on training and track time.
muscle car
"We have the most standard horsepower at 420 horsepower of any muscle car. ... And you said it almost SUV like in a muscle car."
Muscle cars are strong and fast cars made in America that are fun to drive and look cool. They usually have big engines that make a lot of power.
Muscle cars are a category of high-performance American cars known for powerful V8 engines, aggressive styling, and affordable prices. They emphasize straight-line speed and often have a nostalgic appeal.
Dodge Drango
"...ntial here. Let's move for a little bit with the Dodge Drango, which is another huge tech story for Dodge, righ..."
The Dodge Durango is a big car that can carry lots of people and stuff. It’s also built to be strong and safe, with new technology that helps drivers. People like it because it’s good for families and can go fast too.
The Dodge Durango is a midsize SUV that combines family-friendly space with strong performance, often featuring V6 or V8 engines. It is notable for incorporating advanced technology and safety features, making it a competitive choice in the SUV market. The reference to a 'huge tech story' highlights recent upgrades or innovations in the model.
V8
"So now the V8 is available everywhere this month in March. People can't get enough of that and having V8."
A V8 engine is a type of car engine with eight cylinders that help the car go fast and have a lot of power.
A V8 is an engine configuration with eight cylinders arranged in a V shape, known for producing strong power and torque, commonly used in muscle cars and performance vehicles.
5.7 liter Hemi
"Over 50% turn rate is the GT with the 5.7 liter Hemi. People can't get enough of that and having V8."
The 5.7 liter Hemi is a strong engine made by Dodge that helps the car go fast and have lots of power.
The 5.7 liter Hemi is a V8 engine produced by Chrysler featuring hemispherical combustion chambers for improved airflow and power output, widely used in Dodge and other FCA vehicles.
towing capability
"So we offer towing capability and performance of larger vehicles and a package that's easy to park, easy to put in your garage, easy to drive,"
Towing capability means how much weight a car can pull behind it, like a trailer or a boat. Some cars are built stronger to pull heavier things.
Towing capability refers to a vehicle's ability to pull trailers, boats, or other heavy loads safely and effectively. It depends on engine power, transmission, suspension, and chassis strength.
seven-passenger seating
"seven pass when you want it, extra cargo room with hidden rails from the storage, a roof rack on top."
Seven-passenger seating means the car has seats for seven people, so you can take a big group with you.
Seven-passenger seating means the vehicle can accommodate seven people, usually with three rows of seats. This is common in larger SUVs and minivans.
roof rack
"extra cargo room with hidden rails from the storage, a roof rack on top. It's a vehicle that is easy to live with and looks different again than any other SUV out there."
A roof rack is like a special frame on top of a car where you can put big things like bikes or bags when you don’t have enough space inside.
A roof rack is a set of bars mounted on top of a vehicle that allows carrying extra cargo such as luggage, bikes, or kayaks.
SUV
"It's a vehicle that is easy to live with and looks different again than any other SUV out there. Yeah. And I saw some of them driving around here on the snow."
An SUV is a type of car that can carry people and stuff, and it can also drive on rough roads like dirt or snow.
SUV stands for Sport Utility Vehicle, a type of vehicle designed for both passenger comfort and off-road or utility use. SUVs often have higher ground clearance and available all-wheel drive.
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