While Dodge turns on its Charger, Ford prefers its Mustang V8

Dodge electrifies its muscle cars

Two rooms, two atmospheres, that is the summary of the week in the United States where we recently discovered (see photo gallery) the future of the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT in its final form, a few months before its official presentation but also a few days. after the end of production of the current Charger and Challenger.

The surprise comes from the fact that it (re)becomes a two-door as predicted by the 2022 concept that was inspired by the iconic 1969 version (which also inspired the Dodge Challenger). It is no longer a surprise, unfortunately, that it will actually be a pure electric car, a high-end version that will still produce around 820 hp thanks to two electric motors, one on each axle, and an 800V power supply.

This model will launch the amazing eRupt electronic box (with real gear lever) and the Fratzonic sound generator to reproduce (up to 126 dB) the sound of the lost V8… Yes, as in the Abarth 500e which is part of the same group of Stellantis. (this can be seen from 1’55 in the video below)

Meanwhile, at Ford

But this time, at Ford, we’re taking this opportunity to prove our love for the hot V8 and Mustang. Jim Farley, the boss of Ford, who recently launched the brand’s sports season in Charlotte, North Carolina, took the opportunity to mark his difference from his Dodge rivals by affirming his love for the V8 and declaring loud and clear that the Mustang is international. car.

« What other car in the world races across six continents every weekend? » (we can answer 911 but we won’t…)
« It’s all because we have a V8“, announced Jim Farley. It is true that the latest generation of Mustang is more involved in competition than before (especially in GT3 and GT4) and always with the Coyote V8 under the hood. ” This is the transfer of old technology. Our Research and Development department works on the circuit, and lessons learned are available at Ford dealerships.. » But it is not necessary in France because we still do not know, considering the punishment of genocide in 2024, if the new Mustang will come to us.

And Jim Farley remembers that he also sells electronics: “It’s thanks to the Mach-E that we’ll be able to sell hot engines for a long time to come. The Mustang will be celebrating 60 years while most of our competitors are gone. We were never gone. We’ve always been there with the Mustang. Sure, that’s changed in the 60s, we have the EcoBoost engine, but we also have a Dark Horse (read the review), and we’ll keep investing in. And if we’re the only ones in the world making an affordable V8 sports car, so be it. »

Come on, even if the fact that the Dodge is going electric will make it more likely to ship to Europe while the penalty makes the Mustang V8 almost unattainable, we won’t insult you to wonder which camp you’re in… (though we’re dying to to know!)