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Dodge or Chrysler Needs a Smaller Four-Door Sedan

The Time is Now for A Smaller RWD-Based Sedan...

For years, Dodge and Chrysler have been known for their big, bold sedans. The last-generation Dodge Charger was often criticized for its massive size, yet the all-new, all-electric 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona is even bigger. While muscle car enthusiasts love the commanding presence, there’s a growing demand for a smaller, sportier four-door sedan—one that could bring performance and practicality together in a more compact package.

Looking Back: The 2009 Chrysler 200C EV Concept – 

2009 Chrysler 200C EV Concept. (Chrysler).

Back in 2009, Chrysler introduced the 200C EV Concept, a stunning midsize sedan that was ahead of its time. Unlike the full-size Chrysler 300, the 200C EV Concept was built on the Dodge Challenger’s LC platform but with a shorter 116.1-inch (2948 mm) wheelbase compared to the Charger Daytona’s 121-inch (3073 mm). This made it significantly more agile while maintaining a strong road presence. The concept also had sleek, modern styling with a sculpted body, short overhangs, and an upscale yet sporty interior.

One of the most groundbreaking aspects of the 200C EV Concept was its powertrain. It featured a Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) setup, similar to today’s Ram 1500 Ramcharger. A 0.9-liter Fiat Twin-Air I2 engine acted as a generator to recharge the battery, offering an electric range of 40 miles (64 km) before the gasoline engine kicked in to provide a total range of 400 miles (644 km). This setup eliminated range anxiety while still benefiting from electric propulsion. Despite its potential, the 200C EV never made it to production. However, with modern advancements in battery technology and hybrid powertrains, a similar approach could prove to be a game-changer today.

Comparing the 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona – 

2025 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack Stage 2 in White Knuckle. (Dodge).

The 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona, while impressive in performance, is significantly larger than the 200C EV Concept. The Daytona measures 201.3 inches (5111 mm) in length, 78 inches (1980 mm) in width, and 55.8 inches (1416 mm) in height, with a 120.1-inch (3050 mm) wheelbase. Compared to the 200C EV, it is 9.1 inches (232 mm) longer, 4.3 inches (110 mm) wider, and has a 4-inch (102 mm) longer wheelbase.

The Charger Daytona’s increased size enhances high-speed stability and interior space, but it comes at the cost of agility and maneuverability. Additionally, while the Daytona’s all-electric powertrain offers impressive performance—especially in the dual-motor AWD configuration—it lacks the flexibility of a hybrid setup like the 200C EV’s REEV system. The Daytona’s Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust aims to bring back the muscle car sound experience, but some enthusiasts still crave a traditional internal combustion engine or a hybrid option.

The Opportunity for a New Mid-Size Sedan – 

2009 Chrysler 200C EV Concept. (Chrysler).

A midsize performance sedan from Dodge or Chrysler could be an excellent addition to the lineup, appealing to buyers who want a sporty four-door without the bulk of a full-size car. Stellantis’ new 2.0-liter turbocharged GME-T4 EVO I4 engine could be a perfect fit, rumored to be offering near 300 horsepower in a standard-output (S/O) version and even more in a high-output (H/O) variant. Such a vehicle could rival the Alfa Romeo Giulia in performance while being more accessible in terms of price. Additionally, an electric variant with improved battery technology could revive the REEV concept, providing extended range and efficiency.

The Time is Now – 

2009 Chrysler 200C EV Concept. (Chrysler).

With EV technology advancing and Stellantis developing high-output turbo engines, now is the perfect time for Dodge or Chrysler to introduce a midsize four-door sedan. Whether it follows the 200C EV Concept’s electric roots or offers a turbocharged gasoline option, such a car could bring new customers into showrooms. A well-balanced, smaller sedan would provide the perfect blend of power, agility, and practicality, giving muscle car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike a new and exciting option. The time is right for Dodge and Chrysler to take action—will they seize the opportunity?

Robert S. Miller

Robert S. Miller is a diehard Mopar enthusiast who lives and breathes all that is Mopar. The Michigander is not only the Editor for MoparInsiders.com, 5thGenRams.com, and HDRams.com but an automotive photographer. He is an avid fan of offshore powerboat racing, which he travels the country to take part in.

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STLA LARGE PLAFORM DART WITH A 2.0l TURBO HYBRID 400HP

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Chrysler needs anything, something, please.... But they really need a luxury SUV that is of astonishing quality if they want to be taken seriously again. Mediocre isn't going to cut it anymore. I thought the Airflow was a step in the right direction but I'm not sure what happened with that. People aren't buying cars these days. They are buying crossovers and SUV's. And people want luxury. The new Ram 1500 Tungsten is proof that Stellantis can do it. That is, make a real luxury vehicle of quality. And I'm not saying that they need something as large as the Ram or the Grand Wagoneer either. It needs to be unique, solid and not over-priced. I would hope that they already have something in the pipeline but you never know. I feel like Charlie Brown trying to kick the football why Lucy pulls it away at the last second. Someone mentioned it on here before, I like the idea of it having some art deco touches in the styling.

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Dodge or Chrysler Needs a Smaller Four-Door Sedan​

The Time is Now for A Smaller RWD-Based Sedan...​

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For years, Dodge and Chrysler have been known for their big, bold sedans. The last-generation Dodge Charger was often criticized for its massive size, yet the all-new, all-electric 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona is even bigger. While muscle car enthusiasts love the commanding presence, there’s a growing demand for a smaller, sportier four-door sedan—one that could bring performance and practicality together in a more compact package.

This falls under No Chance In Hell.

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Every time I see this Chrysler concept I get upset. Why in heavens sake did this not make it to production? Much more beautiful than the actual Chrysler 200 that eventually was discontinued.
The answer to this survey of opinions is a resounding YES !!!

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To add a viewpoint. Build two midsized vehicles, a luxury four door sedan for Chrysler and a muscle car coupe or hatchback for Dodge. Differentiation comes from very different styling and boosted versions of the same engine for Dodge. AWD will add the needed driving characteristic to set them up as very appealing.
Those who claim the sedan and coupe are dead are ignoring those pesky imports that dominate with all those hot selling dead sedans out there. The market is ready for Stellantis to use its mid-size platform for more than SUVs.

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