Stellantis has made it clear that Chrysler is on the path toward becoming an electrified or fully-electric brand by 2028. However, with the recent departure of former CEO Carlos Tavares and a pivot away from his “Dare Forward 2030” strategic plan, questions linger about the brand’s future direction. While these leadership changes could cause delays or adjustments, the brand’s reinvention may already be taking shape beneath the surface.
A Legacy in Decline –
Chrysler, once a dominant name in American automotive culture, is now a shadow of its former self. Today, its lineup is limited to a single mainstream model: the Pacifica. While technically there are three nameplates, the Voyager and Grand Caravan are merely cost-conscious versions of the Pacifica, catering to fleet buyers and budget-conscious consumers.
Without a flagship model to define its identity, the iconic brand has struggled to remain relevant in a fiercely competitive market.
A Glimpse of What Could Be –
After experiencing the all-new, all-electric Dodge Charger Daytona earlier this week, it became evident that Stellantis’ STLA Large platform could serve as the foundation for Chrysler’s comeback. While a new five-passenger crossover is scheduled for a 2026 debut, the Charger Daytona, Dodge’s new e-muscle car, showcases the platform’s versatility.
Its adaptability makes it an excellent candidate for a potential Chrysler 300 successor—or perhaps something entirely new and innovative.
The Charger Daytona exemplifies how adaptable the STLA Large architecture is, seamlessly combining dynamic design with performance. While Dodge uses the platform to emphasize sportiness, Chrysler could leverage the same technology to produce a refined, luxury-oriented sedan or a sleek four-door coupe, catering to a different audience.
Cost-Effective Development / Shared Resources –
The STLA Large platform’s multi-energy capability allows it to support both fully electric, hybrid, and internal combustion engine (ICE) powertrains. For Chrysler, this flexibility could ease its transition to electrification. Offering ICE options in the short term could attract a wider customer base while laying the groundwork for a fully electric future.
In an era of rising production costs, platform-sharing across Stellantis brands offers a cost-effective solution. A Chrysler derivative of the Charger could utilize the same wheelbase and many shared components, significantly reducing development expenses. By leveraging the STLA Large platform, Chrysler could create a flagship model at a fraction of the cost, maintaining profitability while offering a fresh take on luxury design.
A Distinct Identity for Chrysler –
Chrysler’s version of a Charger-based sedan could take a markedly different approach in both styling and purpose. Where Dodge’s Charger Daytona embraces aggressive, muscular lines, Chrysler could adopt a more elegant design inspired by classic American sedans from the past.
Inside, Chrysler could step up its luxury game. Plush materials like quilted leather, open-pore wood, and brushed aluminum could create a premium ambiance. Enhanced noise-canceling technology, customizable ambient lighting, and a more spacious rear seating area with premium amenities could set it apart. While Dodge focuses on sporty, driver-centric cabins, Chrysler could emphasize comfort and refinement, appealing to a more upscale audience.
This strategy would echo the dynamic seen in previous generations of the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300. Both shared platforms and components, but Chrysler offered a more refined and luxury-focused alternative. A similar approach today could yield an electrified sedan that appeals to buyers seeking sophistication over performance while still capitalizing on the shared DNA of the STLA Large platform.
Performance That Redefines Expectations –
The Dodge Charger Daytona has shown that the e-muscle car can match the performance of traditional powerhouses like the outgoing Dodge Challenger SRT HELLCAT. Chrysler’s previous-generation 300C ended production with a 485-horsepower 6.4-liter (392 cubic-inch) HEMI® V8, but it never received a HELLCAT variant, leaving enthusiasts wondering what might have been.
An new Chrysler sedan based on the next-gen Charger could rewrite that story. A 500-horsepower version with over 300 miles of range would combine impressive power and practicality, while a 650+ horsepower variant could become the most powerful Chrysler production vehicle ever, honoring the 300’s “banker’s hot rod” legacy while embracing electrified performance.
For those preferring traditional power, Stellantis’ twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter HURRICANE I6 engines offer a compelling alternative. The 420-horsepower standard-output (S/O) and 550-horsepower high-output (H/O) variants could still make a new Chrysler sedan the most powerful internal combustion engine (ICE) offering in the brand’s history, blending exceptional performance with efficiency.
Chrysler’s Opportunity for Reinvention –
As Stellantis pushes forward with electrification, a flagship sedan built on the STLA Large platform could revitalize Chrysler’s brand image. Whether it’s a traditional sedan or a striking four-door coupe, such a vehicle would serve as a much-needed halo product.
For Chrysler, the time to act is now. By leveraging the STLA Large platform, the brand has an opportunity to reclaim its status as an American icon while delivering a next-generation ‘blue-collar’ luxury sedan that captures the spirit of innovation and sophistication.
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