- What’s happening with the 2021 Dodge Charger?
- Can we get the latest Honda EV Hotness?
- Why bother with “Happy Holidays?”
The first question comes from Twitter (@Nathanadlen) regarding the upcoming 2021 Dodge Charger
Q: (Via Twitter@NathanAdlen) I hear there will be an all new 2021 Dodge Charger. New platform and new engines.
What have you heard so far? I know you like muscle cars. I hope they don’t kill the brand. – Ackidd
Howdy!
Dodge is still very important to the FCA group, and the Dodge Charger is still relevant . This year, they sold about 75,000 Dodge Chargers in North America. Granted, many were fleet sales (police departments love them), but that doesn’t take away from the fact that this old vehicle is still relevant in the marketplace.
In order for FCA to keep the Dodge Charger competitive, they have to build a new one. They need a lighter, stronger platform that’s flexible enough to house multiple drivetrains (including EV and plug-in hybrid setups), rear-drive, all-wheel drive and a variety of sizes that include SUVs/crossovers and sports-coupes.
Fortunately, they already have that platform. Or do they? I refer to the
Giorgio platform, the same one that underpins the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio. It was long rumored to underpin many of the next generation of FCA products, which would have included the Charger and Challenger.
Before his untimely passing, FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne stated to Motor Authority that the current platform may have more life in it yet. Considering this platform stems from the 1990’s Mercedes Benz E-Class, that’s a mighty old platform.
“We may not necessarily have to go as far as the Giorgio architecture for Dodge as long as we are willing to commit to a significant upgrade to the current architecture to make it competitive.” – – Sergio Marchionne (via Motor Authority)
Things can change, while it seems that the same vehicle will be around in 2021, FCA has made a commitment to electrifying a majority of their fleet in the next few years. At the very least, we should expect exterior updates, new interior, new tech and updated powertrains.
Nathan
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The next question comes from a Honda fan who wants to see sporty, fun EV cars come to the United States.
Q: Hi TFL boys!
I have noticed some real cool Honda EV concepts coming from Japan. I saw some cool stuff in Ask Nathan a while back – click (here) – so I know you are in to them too. But I don’t understand why people are saying that we’ll never see them in the USA.
I know lots of younger drivers would totally dig these cars. Imagine buying something fun for cheap that’s a EV? I would be up for that! You see my brother bought a Chevy Bolt a few months back and its an amazing car but it’s too expensive.
If they could sell these Honda EVs for like twenty grand or so, it would be a hit! They look so cool and so fun! Come on Honda!!!!!
Jeff A
A: Hi Jeff, thanks for the photos and the email!
Unfortunately, the car you sent me was a gas-powered concept based on the JDM (Japanese domestic market) Honda S660 platform. It’s the Honda Modulo Neo Classic Racer concept.
Still, it looks a lot like the awesome Honda Sports EV concept. I think this is the vehicle you’re thinking of. You can read more about it (here). If that’s the case, Honda has not released any definitive plans yet; however, given the massive, positive buzz over all of their recent concepts, they are taking a hard look at all EV markets. Yes, that includes the United States.
Cheers.
N
The last question comes from a viewer who dislikes “Happy Holidays.”
(Via Twitter @NathanAdlen) It’s a shame you guys say “Happy holidays” in stead of “Merry Christmas!”
Why bother being so PC? It’s not necessary considering your an American show right? I just don’t get it.
Bruce
A: Hi Bruce!
We’re NOT just an American show. We are an international show with viewers and fans watching us from Ancora, Turkey to Harare, Zimbabwe. Sure, we’re based in Colorado, but we have taped videos from around the world and we will continue to do so.
What that means is: we try to be inclusive with our international audience. Be they based in the USA or somewhere else, we want to thank them for watching and we want to wish them a good holiday season. Nothing wrong with that – right?
So, Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Joyous Kwanzaa, Good Festivus and may you have a good Winter Solstice… or, “Happy Holidays Bruce.”
N
Speaking of Happy Holidays…
Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and name will be omitted – leaving your initials or nickname, your preference.From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that, as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com.[Ask Nathan]\
