At Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ dealer conference in Las Vegas, the brand showcased its reborn Barracuda, a smaller and lighter model than the Challenger it’s replacing, as a convertible. Also on display was the Barracuda’s sedan sibling, a redesigned Charger. Both models will be based on the new Alfa Romeo Giulia sedan’s rear-wheel drive platform.
This decision makes sense for more than a few reasons. First, the Giulia’s platform is much lighter than the Challenger and Charger, and its new twin-turbocharged V6 coincides with reports that smaller, turbocharged engines will replace supercharged and naturally-aspirated HEMI V8’s by 2019. It hasn’t been confirmed that the Alfa’s motor will appear in the Barracuda or Charger, but it’s a fair bet that mid-level performance variants of both cars will at least eventually borrow the powertrain.
Dealers at the conference said that FCA told them to expect up to 30 new or refreshed products in the next two years, which is A) a massive claim, and B) a good indicator that both the new Charger and Barracuda will launch within that time frame. At introduction, we can expect reworked versions of the Pentastar V6 and HEMI V8 to be offered, with the addition of a frugal turbocharged four-cylinder for entry-level models.
In related news, Dodge’s Go Like Hell (GLH) nameplate could return on the Dart compact sedan. Reportedly, the model will cost less than $20,000 and will feature either a turbocharged 1.8-liter or 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The GLH is not to be confused with the upcoming Dart SRT that will debut next year with a “high-output” turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive.
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