FCA mulling RHD for next-gen Dodge Charger & Dodge Challenger
Next-gen models are due only in 2020.
The Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger, like the Chevrolet Camaro, are forbidden fruits for markets like Australia where demand for such performance cars exist. Like GM, FCA is now considering making right-hand drive Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger, as per a new report from CarAdvice.
Mike Manley, COO of FCA's Asia-Pacific Regional Operations, and Steve Zanlunghi, CEO/MD at FCA Australia, told the Australian publication that they understand the potential demand for these cars in Australia and have had the discussion. Impressed by the Mustang's performance in Australia (which recorded 2000 bookings a full 6 months before its launch), they are looking at the business case for a right-hand drive version of the Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger.
Manley said that even if a decision is made in favour of a right-hand drive version, it would be made for the next-gen Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger.
"If the decision (on RHD Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger) is made, it would be made for the next generation platform on the vehicle," Mr. Manley said. "As you move towards the next generation of these platforms, they’re more global and tends to be much, much easier to package all of the right hand drive components that you want," he added.
Also Read: Next gen Dodge Charger to retain current model’s sizing
The next-gen Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger are said to be underpinned by the Giorgio platform currently utilised by the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Alfa Romeo Stelvio. Mr. Manley said that the redesigned Dodge models could share components with the Giorgio platform, such as braking systems.
The bad news is that a report on Automotive News this month pointed out that the Charger and Challenger get the platform change not before 2020.
[Source: CarAdvice]