Dodge Challenger to Get All-New Generation in 2019, Hellcat and Barracuda Convertible Rumoured
Dodge is preparing a new-generation Challenger for 2019, with reports pointing to a revised Hellcat and the possible revival of the Barracuda as a convertible.
Dodge is reportedly planning to launch an all-new generation of the Challenger in 2019, bringing its long-serving muscle car into line with rivals that have already undergone major redesigns. The current Challenger, introduced in 2008, has seen only incremental updates since its debut.
While Ford’s Mustang and Chevrolet’s Camaro have each moved to new platforms in recent years, Dodge has kept the Challenger on its original architecture. According to reports, the 2019 Challenger will shift to a platform related to the Alfa Romeo Giulia’s, which could deliver a lighter and more agile car than before. However, this architecture is not brand new, raising questions about how much weight Dodge can shed compared to its rivals.
Hellcat to Receive Power Boost
The Hellcat badge is expected to remain at the top of the Challenger line-up, with sources indicating a revised supercharged V8 producing upwards of 750 horsepower. That would push the new Hellcat ahead of its predecessor, which was already known for its 707hp output. If confirmed, the new figure would keep Dodge competitive in the escalating American horsepower race.
The Challenger SRT Hellcat has been a headline-grabber since its introduction, with high demand leading Dodge to freeze orders at times. The new generation is likely to continue this tradition, though official details remain unconfirmed. For more on the Hellcat’s impact and earlier models, seeDodge Halts Hellcat Orders as Demand Overwhelms Supply.
Barracuda Convertible Rumoured
Alongside the Challenger, reports suggest Dodge may revive the Barracuda name as a convertible. The Barracuda would share some mechanicals with the Challenger but adopt different design cues and more compact dimensions. If the Barracuda convertible reaches production, it would mark the return of a nameplate last seen in the 1970s, aimed at buyers looking for an open-air muscle car.
