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Could Dodge’s Next-Gen “eMuscle” Cars Feature An F1-Inspired Pushrod Suspension?

New Patents Show New Performance-Oriented Suspension For EVs...

There are some interesting new findings that could prove to be game-changing for the next generation of Dodge “eMuscle” cars when they arrive in showrooms in 2024. In a recent article, Muscle Cars & Trucks (MC&T) uncovered some recently approved patent designs from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a new F1-inspired pushrod suspension design using horizontal dampers, active control elements, and paired with either traditional coil springs or transverse leaf springs.

Front of the Dodge eMuscle Concept Car. (Dodge).

The patent describes the new suspension setup as…

Stellantis EV Pushrod Suspension Patent. (USPTO).

“An electric vehicle includes a frame module carrying an electric motor unit and a suspension including, for each wheel, upper and lower oscillating arms connected to a wheel support by swivel joints which define a steering axis of the wheel. The suspension includes two shock absorber devices arranged in horizontal positions and along directions transversal with respect to a vehicle longitudinal direction, which is carried by the frame module centrally on the vehicle.

Stellantis EV Pushrod Suspension Patent. (USPTO).

Each shock absorber cylinder is operatively connected to a respective oscillating arm by an oscillating linkage member. Brake discs are arranged at remote positions with respect to the wheels, on two output shafts at two opposite sides of the motor unit, which, in one example, includes two electric motors and two respective gear reducer units from which project the output shafts carrying the brake discs; the latter connected to wheel hubs by respective drive shafts.”

Stellantis EV Pushrod Suspension Patent. (USPTO).

The patent for the suspension was filed on March 8th, 2019, and was granted on January 19th, 2021.

During a pair of interviews with Motor Authority and Motor Trend, Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis stated that the brand would show off a concept version of its next-gen battery-electric vehicle (BEV) eMuscle car during the Q1 of 2022 (which is right now). Sources close to MoparInsiders.com confirmed that the car would be based on the next-gen Dodge Challenger (LB), due to hit dealer showrooms for the 2024 model year. 

Stellantis EV Pushrod Suspension Patent. (USPTO).

The concept BEV will be a full-on working model capable of high-performance driving, according to Kuniskis. Dodge will also reveal the BEV’s performance specifications, along with all the technology Stellantis is patenting. The executive said Dodge plans to “do electrification different than everybody else.” “That’s why I’m waiting, until I have all my patents done,” Kuniskis noted.

The new pushrod suspension could be one of those patents that Kuniskis was talking about.

Rear of the Dodge eMuscle Concept Car. (Dodge).

Both the next-gen Dodge Challenger and Charger models will have both internal combustion engines (ICE) and BEV offerings when they arrive in 2024.

The Dodge muscle car duo aren’t the only vehicles that could adopt the suspension. A production version of the Chrysler Airflow Concept is expected to arrive in 2025, as is the next-gen Jeep® Cherokee (KM) around the same time.

Stellantis EV Pushrod Suspension Patent Image Gallery:

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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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I wish I were bright enough to understand these diagrams, but one thing this dull bulb knows, this looks sophisticated, complex and expensive. I also know this level of suspension technology applied to the upcoming Dodges and Chrysler’s would be a total game changer. I can’t believe it can happen at the projected price point for these cars, but Italian engineering has been at the apex of F-1 for decades, they have something to prove, so I will hope it comes to our muscle cars. Never say never, so that light bulb just lit up, why put this out if it were not destined for some Stellantis products. I’d suggest changing the game and winning new fans everywhere.

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To me, looks like the rear motor is integrated into the rear diff, and if BEV and ICE are sharing the same platform, my worry for having this pushrod suspension, especially the rear side, is the affect on the rear passengers and trunk space.

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How does all of this hold up when exposed to snow and road salt?

Beyond that, I wish I could speak directly to Stellantis management to explain to them just how profoundly uninterested in electric vehicles most people in the U.S. are.

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To me, looks like the rear motor is integrated into the rear diff, and if BEV and ICE are sharing the same platform, my worry for having this pushrod suspension, especially the rear side, is the affect on the rear passengers and trunk space.

More than likely this suspension system will be used in high performance models of Dodge, Chrysler, Alfa Romero and Maserati where rear seat and trunk space is not a major concern, but performance is very important. If you need space, buy a mini van.

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How does all of this hold up when exposed to snow and road salt?

Beyond that, I wish I could speak directly to Stellantis management to explain to them just how profoundly uninterested in electric vehicles most people in the U.S. are.

One reason why internal combustion engines is going to be a core part of the whole Dodge plan. Let’s not forget those inline sixes on the way for Dodge. Guys like us have to play the cards we are dealt or like me, keep your Hemi for your lifetime, perhaps with a new Challenger too for interest. My plan.

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