Industry journal Automotive News has released a new report this week claiming that the next-generation Dodge Charger may be some 225kg lighter than the current model, and that a small turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine might be added to the range.
The unnamed source, who claims to have knowledge of the company’s plan, says that the new Charger will ride on a version of the FCA ‘Giorgio’ platform that underpins the new Alfa Romeo Giulia. That one change alone would help reduce its kerb weight from just under 1814kg to around 1587kg. In addition to the more modern chassis, Dodge will likely introduce a new twin-turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine, producing around 225kW (302hp).
The current Dodge Charger shares its platform with the closely-related Chrysler 300, offered with a range of V6 and V8 petrol engines, including a 6.2L supercharged V8 in the SRT Hellcat variant, which produces 527kW (707hp) of power and 881Nm (650lb-ft) of torque. But with claims that the new 300 might be switching to a front-wheel drive layout, it makes sense that Dodge might be looking at a new chassis for the Charger.
The current Charger is due for a second refresh in 2018, meaning that the next-generation model may not debut until the turn of the decade.