Dodge affordable sports car.
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Dodge is now apparently tempted to add an “affordable” sports car to its lineup. Something that could be around $30,000.
In a recent podcast interview, Dodge CEO Matt McAlear mentioned an “entry-level halo Car”. Something that would be much more affordable than the current $61,000 Dodge Charger.
Of course, less expensive versions of the new Charger are coming. Like an RWD trim of the EV-powered Charger. It also has a new inline 6-cylinder powered model that could start at around $45,000.
Currently, the Toyota GR86 might be the only car on the market that fits that bill, with a starting price of $30,000. As well as the Mazda Miata which actually a few hundred dollars cheaper. And let’s not forget the upcoming 2026 Honda Prelude.
Mc Lear also mentioned the new Dodge wouldn’t compete with cars like the Corvette or Mustang, obviously. he even mentions a “sub-$30,000” starting price.
The problem is that Dodge doesn’t really have an obvious platform for such a vehicle. However, Stelantis might. While most Stelantis brands currently only offer crossovers and SUVs, these new platforms could be either FWD, RWD, or AWD. To be affordable, something like this could be based on one of their smaller platforms. Like the STLA small or even STLA medium platforms. Apparently, the STLA small will debut next year with new models in Europe. The STLA medium is already used for cars like the Peugeot e-3008, Opel Grandland, and the next-generation Jeep Compass. Which means it’s already been engineered for the North American market.
It doesn’t seem impossible for Dodge to come up with an affordable sporty car based on a lower version of that same platform. Something fun and attractive that most people can afford.
The illustration above shows what a sporty compact 2 door hatchback from Dodge could look like.
WHAT ABOUT CHRYSLER?!?!?!
Chrysler should have an “affordable luxury” car. Not a sports car.
Stellantis has a lot of compact car platforms to draw from. Renault and Vauxhall/Opel for example has some decent compact hatch backs. CDJR has Ralph Gilles to design a good looking body along with the Hurricane 4 cylinder turbos to power a prospective sport compact. Though I now hear Dodge may partner with Mazda for this.
Uh-huh… under $30k. I don’t believe that for a second. It will be starting in the >$35k range if its from Dodge. And here’s the thing about all Stellantis brands…. Like VW, they do a lot of talk and very little follow through. Its a sign of a company too involved in its own internal BS to bother any doing real work.