Dodge CEO Ridicules Electric Turbos

Dodge Stands by Legacy with EV, but Has Made Exceptions for Special Cars in the Past

The CEO of Dodge, Tim Kuniskis, has verified that the Hellcat moniker will always be linked with robust supercharged V8 engines.

In an interview with Road & Track, the dynamic Chief Executive Officer declared that the renowned brand will not be revived for electric battery and Hurricane-driven muscle cars. The reason behind this decision? He holds great reverence for the Hellcat label, just like its devoted fans.

According to the company’s spokesperson, “For the past decade, our main focus has been on simplifying our brand. We no longer market Journeys or Darts; instead, we solely specialize in American performance vehicles.” This means that our marketing strategy revolves around promoting the highest level of performance, and then we work our way down from there.

During a recent interview, the CEO of a well-known car company took a subtle jab at the all-electric Porsche Taycan Turbo. In response to a question about the Taycan’s name, the CEO stated, “So if you […] call it a turbo and it’s a BEV, it doesn’t fit, right?” The CEO’s comment seemed to suggest that using the term “turbo” for a battery electric vehicle (BEV) was not accurate or appropriate.

According to Kuniskis, “If I referred to it as a Hellcat, I would face severe backlash because that is not its true identity.”

Kuniskis, in a possible response to automakers profiting from distinctive features and visually enhanced limited editions, stated, “Our focus is on selling the tangible components, not the aesthetics or materials or shades. We prioritize the physical hardware, making names crucially significant.”

Unfortunately, the revival of the Hellcat moniker is not anticipated. Dodge has announced that they will be ceasing production of V8-powered cars, although the V8 will continue to exist in the Durango for a limited time. Though this news is disheartening, fans of internal combustion engines can still anticipate the release of the Hurricane-powered inline-six motors. And just because the famous Hellcat name will no longer be used doesn’t mean we won’t see powerful versions of the recently unveiled Charger.

It should be noted that Dodge had initially announced the Durango Hellcat as a limited edition for only one year, but later revived it, so there is a possibility that the Hellcat designation may resurface in the future.

The R/T version of the electric Charger Daytona made its debut, boasting 496 horsepower and 404 lb-ft of torque. These numbers are certainly impressive for a muscle car, but the Scat Pack takes it to the next level with a whopping 670 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque.

The upcoming models that use 400-volt architecture will have the option to upgrade with Direct Connection packages. However, for those seeking the exceptional performance of the Hellcat, they will have to wait for the 800V Banshee version. This variant is projected to compete with the current Challenger SRT Hellcat’s power output. To compensate for the absence of a V8 growl and a supercharger’s whir, Dodge is developing a unique Fratzonic exhaust system designed to enhance the electric motors’ sounds.

As previously stated, ICE enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six versions will be available. A special ‘High Output’ SIXPACK HO version boasting 550 horsepower will be on offer, along with the SIXPACK SO ‘Standard Output’ model delivering 420 horses.