I'm glad that Stellantis is bringing back the heavy hitters. But the company can not afford to fall back into being so biased on the top tier models that are out of reach for the regular market that they fall on their faces again. If this is really going to work, the big focus needs to be on vehicles like the Charger GT, an affordable SE/SXT Charger model, the Ram 1500 Warlock and the Ram Rebel.
A base model "SE" Charger with the smooth Daytona style front fascia, a flat hood, no spoiler, 4-door only model with small infotainment screens, low-back cloth seats and 18" wheels as a true "base" Charger with a 295hp 3.6L Pentastar V6 with AWD standard makes alot of sense under an SXT model with the same equipment, differentiated by a 2.0L Hurricane Hybrid powertrain pushing out 370hp/450lb-ft of torque along with a rear spoiler as standard, optional leather interior seating and optional larger screens. A SXT Performance pack would give options of a Direct Connection cold air intake and a free-flowing exhaust along with larger "non-brembo" brakes, sport suspension, 20x9" wheels, the mail-slot bumper and SXT badging on the fenders and trunk along with the light bar in the grille. The SXT would also be available as a four-door only car just like the SE.
The Charger GT is the Charger model that should be celebrated heavily as the actual entry level street performance vehicle. TBH, the car should come with 450hp/470lb-ft of torque from the S/O being that it should be more aggressive than the truck variant and get a Stage-1 performance package that puts the power up to 496hp/505tq, which is still way below the 550hp Charger variant that will slot in above it. The GT trim package should get an optional Super Track Pack with 20x11" wheels wrapped in 305/35R20 tires at all four corners, 4-piston front and rear Brembo brakes, adaptive suspension and other Chassis tuning along with the mail-slot front bumper, six pack hood, and a rear spoiler. The GT should have several interior options and would be the lowest tier option for 2 or 4 door models. The GT model should also be where Direct Connection starts really coming into play with styling options and performance options. Suspension tuning, performance exhaust upgrades, wheel options, different caliper covers for the Brembo brakes, different hoods & spoilers, lighting upgrades (inside and out), steering wheel options and upgrades (illuminated horn covers with either the fratzog, Rhombus, Dodge or GT logo), stereo upgrade packages (MB Quartz) Recaro seat options, graphics, etc. While it's true I did take some of that from the GM playbook from what they used to offer for the Camaro, it was a genius idea that worked well. Things need to be offered on the GT level.
Ram trucks shouldn't be any different. Performance Stage kits and some performance parts from the RHO and TRX should be offered as package options for the Warlock and the Rebel along with styling upgrades. Let customers spend money building their cars right from Mopar with parts that will allow them to keep factory warranties, especially on the affordable models.
moparinsiders.com
