Congratulations to Speedy!

[Speedy!]

I made it a point to try to hang out with random people during lunch etc and ended up at a table with some of the marketing people. We got to chatting about the electric thing and I told them I was a "feel it, smell it, hear it" kinda guy. Some chatter started about piping in muscle car sounds on the EV and I told them if that was the plan prepare to be laughed off the internet.

I suggested to make the most bad ass EV car they could. That's a given, but focus on making the EV more of what it is and none of what it isn't (a supercharged V8). I told them to watch a formula 1 race and listen to the sounds those transmissions make and use something like that to enhance the "electric" side of their muscle car and bonus points if the put it on like a "sport" mode so it can be turned on and off.

I then told them the real winner would be keeping the Hellcat and it's 800HP 6.2L supercharged engine and adding a 100hp electric motor on each front wheel for AWD. Give it 50 miles of fully electric range and 1000HP when coupled with the ICE engine. They all thought that was brilliant.

 

[Demoniccat]

I would be so inclined to go the transitional route Before all electric. Put an electric motor at front wheels and a V8 preferably with blower or biturbo grunt pointing ice torque to the rear.Then I would very least be a test pilot before saying no way. Never say never. Current RE stays, only way it checks out is with Hellaphant hoofs pounding at door.

 

[BULL]

I made it a point to try to hang out with random people during lunch etc and ended up at a table with some of the marketing people. We got to chatting about the electric thing and I told them I was a "feel it, smell it, hear it" kinda guy. Some chatter started about piping in muscle car sounds on the EV and I told them if that was the plan prepare to be laughed off the internet.

I suggested to make the most bad ass EV car they could. That's a given, but focus on making the EV more of what it is and none of what it isn't (a supercharged V8). I told them to watch a formula 1 race and listen to the sounds those transmissions make and use something like that to enhance the "electric" side of their muscle car and bonus points if the put it on like a "sport" mode so it can be turned on and off.

I then told them the real winner would be keeping the Hellcat and it's 800HP 6.2L supercharged engine and adding a 100hp electric motor on each front wheel for AWD. Give it 50 miles of fully electric range and 1000HP when coupled with the ICE engine. They all thought that was brilliant.

They have that contract for the hybrid transmission, if they're going to do something, I suspect it will be that path...

.02



and only .02

 

[Demoniccat]

Forgot about that, but I think if electric were to be involved it would be better served up at front wheels, that is if we could keep the same ice power out back, traction is already a struggle.

 

[Tool Time]

I made it a point to try to hang out with random people during lunch etc and ended up at a table with some of the marketing people. We got to chatting about the electric thing and I told them I was a "feel it, smell it, hear it" kinda guy. Some chatter started about piping in muscle car sounds on the EV and I told them if that was the plan prepare to be laughed off the internet.

I suggested to make the most bad ass EV car they could. That's a given, but focus on making the EV more of what it is and none of what it isn't (a supercharged V8). I told them to watch a formula 1 race and listen to the sounds those transmissions make and use something like that to enhance the "electric" side of their muscle car and bonus points if the put it on like a "sport" mode so it can be turned on and off.

I then told them the real winner would be keeping the Hellcat and it's 800HP 6.2L supercharged engine and adding a 100hp electric motor on each front wheel for AWD. Give it 50 miles of fully electric range and 1000HP when coupled with the ICE engine. They all thought that was brilliant.

Agreed 110%, machine what ever gears the car has so that they make noise, a visceral whine that rises and falls with the push on the go pedal. Fake sounds not going to cut it for the "Brotherhood of Muscle"

 

[DGatzby]

I made it a point to try to hang out with random people during lunch etc and ended up at a table with some of the marketing people. We got to chatting about the electric thing and I told them I was a "feel it, smell it, hear it" kinda guy. Some chatter started about piping in muscle car sounds on the EV and I told them if that was the plan prepare to be laughed off the internet.

I suggested to make the most bad ass EV car they could. That's a given, but focus on making the EV more of what it is and none of what it isn't (a supercharged V8). I told them to watch a formula 1 race and listen to the sounds those transmissions make and use something like that to enhance the "electric" side of their muscle car and bonus points if the put it on like a "sport" mode so it can be turned on and off.

I then told them the real winner would be keeping the Hellcat and it's 800HP 6.2L supercharged engine and adding a 100hp electric motor on each front wheel for AWD. Give it 50 miles of fully electric range and 1000HP when coupled with the ICE engine. They all thought that was brilliant.

Good job. Glad they finally heard it. We were talking about that configuration years ago over in the ‘hood. Makes too much sense.

 

[Blown7]

Trouble is marketing isn't engineering or design people. They only sell what corporate gives them to sell.
I don't think there is enough room for electric motors with the Hemi up front.
I agree with Bull electric motor on ZF transmission will be the intermediate answer.
But add extra room under the car may give enough room to add a Trackhawk transfer case. Then you have the best of all worlds.

 

[jonx96]

Like you @Speedy! I have been waiting for something with an electric motor to make the charger awd while keeping the V8. This is something I could drive year round potentially.

 

[oilburner]

good news!!
they know how to put 2 electric motors up front, but still sorting out the hemi v8

 

[rayzazoo]

I made it a point to try to hang out with random people during lunch etc and ended up at a table with some of the marketing people. We got to chatting about the electric thing and I told them I was a "feel it, smell it, hear it" kinda guy. Some chatter started about piping in muscle car sounds on the EV and I told them if that was the plan prepare to be laughed off the internet.

I suggested to make the most bad ass EV car they could. That's a given, but focus on making the EV more of what it is and none of what it isn't (a supercharged V8). I told them to watch a formula 1 race and listen to the sounds those transmissions make and use something like that to enhance the "electric" side of their muscle car and bonus points if the put it on like a "sport" mode so it can be turned on and off.

I then told them the real winner would be keeping the Hellcat and it's 800HP 6.2L supercharged engine and adding a 100hp electric motor on each front wheel for AWD. Give it 50 miles of fully electric range and 1000HP when coupled with the ICE engine. They all thought that was brilliant.

@Speedy! Hopefully we get to hear great news on 4/26

All of those things (feel, smell, hear) along with a couple of other senses that tie something with a great experience will be what people will remember. Those memories fuel passionate enthusiasts who'll likely share those experiences with future generation muscle car enthusiasts. 2024 will be interesting to see the evolution of the muscle car. Performance seems to be Dodge's driving factor, but will it be the driving factor for the future generation.

I think a challenge for marketing/engineering/developers/designers/enthusiasts is understanding the future generations over the next 5-10 years such as Generation Alpha "Screenagers". Then create a product that links them to those great experiences while also keeping the DNA of what Dodge is all about. Phasing out over time seems to be the approach but 2 years seems rather quick.

As an example, SRT used to be based on the five product development pillars:
-awe-inspiring powertrains
-outstanding ride
-handling and capability
-benchmark braking
-aggressive and functional exteriors and race-inspired and high-performance interiors

I would add that the modern generation would include:
-digital connectivity
-social media perception/likeability/passionate/inspirational
-technology that is high tech/efficiency-focused

 

[Speedy!]

Well, the original muscle car era started over 50 years ago and here we all are still highly interested in it, but there were lulls (the 80s and 90s were awful for car folks). We may be headed in to that lull again and it may take a while before the lights come back on. Glad I have my Hellcat.

 

[72 440 Barracuda]

Watching the interview video is interesting, I find myself looking at the "contestants" - the gender (glad it's only male / female - lol), race, background, personality, enthusiasm, and presence. This makes me wonder why they chose who they did, which will put some light on what they are looking for in a chief donut maker. I would not be surprised if they are looking into the internet background of all ten to see where they stand - since the final choice will be representing Dodge. Hopefully they don't go woke in their choice and they truly pick the best person, but either way I think Speedy stands a good chance and is a great choice for Dodge to choose as their ambassador. I was a little disappointed Speedy didn't get more airtime in the video, the ones that did seem to focus too much on theatrics - hopefully that doesn't mean anything. Dodge needs a good ambassador not just a personality...

 

[Tool Time]

Like you @Speedy! I have been waiting for something with an electric motor to make the charger awd while keeping the V8. This is something I could drive year round potentially.

So if they add electric motors, batteries, transfer case and AWD to the Hellcat, probably looking at a 7000 lb "performance" car. HC already gets the "Happy Boating" jeers as it is.............. not gonna happen

 

[vortecd]

Well, the original muscle car era started over 50 years ago and here we all are still highly interested in it, but there were lulls (the 80s and 90s were awful for car folks). We may be headed in to that lull again and it may take a while before the lights come back on. Glad I have my Hellcat.

this is why I had mustangs in the 90's and 2000's

 

[Speedy!]

With some upgrades you could do OK, but I remember the Chevy Truck with the 454 motor in it making like 290hp lol.

 

[Jack_Toepfer]

With some upgrades you could do OK, but I remember the Chevy Truck with the 454 motor in it making like 290hp lol.

But it made over 400lbft!!!
(I know, still not impressive)

 

[Hickster]

Or the 454. I agree with a lot of points. There has to be and electric sumtin. How about a solar powered cigarette lighter that every one will throw away. Easy in, easy out with a rebate for not smoking.

 

[Blown7]

@Speedy! Did Dodge ask your permission for a full background check like a security sensitive employer would?

 

[Speedy!]

Yep

 

[Boris]

Well, the original muscle car era started over 50 years ago and here we all are still highly interested in it, but there were lulls (the 80s and 90s were awful for car folks). We may be headed in to that lull again and it may take a while before the lights come back on. Glad I have my Hellcat.

I know of a few "kids" (recent HS grads/tech school etc) that purchased a cheap performance car and modifying it.

A few are having melt downs over Cobb's decision to ban any stage 2/catless tune (or whatever the fuck it is) because of the CARB regulations and EPA fines.

Muscle cars back in the day were easily accessible.
Today, the Hellcat is in the luxury class that 99% of 20 somethings are not touching.

I think the big 3 have done a real disservice by going away from performance trims to entry level cars. Instead of starting with an turbo 4 cylinder neon/cobalt/focus, they buy a WRX or Civic SI.

Guys I know who had the imports 20 years ago, most still drive those brands today.
Im seeing a nice resurgence in SRT4 Neons as well in my area. Big IC's, loud mufflers, and dammit they are pretty quick! it would be cool to see Mopar release something. The Dart was cool, it just needed SRT's touch and a big turbo upgrade.