In a strategic pivot, Stellantis is setting its sights on a much broader audience for its iconic Dodge Charger, built at the Windsor Assembly Plant. The automaker hopes to attract not just traditional muscle car enthusiasts but also daily commuters and even winter drivers, signaling a significant expansion of the vehicle's market appeal.
From Electric Launch to Gas-Powered Push
Tim Kuniskis, head of American brands for Stellantis, revealed the company's broader vision during an interview at the Detroit Auto Show on January 14, 2026. He acknowledged that launching the all-electric version first was a point of reflection. "In hindsight, should we have tried to figure out a way to do the ICE (internal combustion engine) and the BEV (battery electric vehicle) at the same time? Yeah," Kuniskis told The Windsor Star. He called the Windsor-made Charger a "very important car" for Stellantis's future.
The current lineup includes a high-end electric Daytona Scat Pack and two new gas-powered models, both featuring a 3.0-litre Twin Turbo Hurricane inline-six engine. The base R/T model delivers 420 horsepower, while the Scat Pack version boasts a robust 550 horsepower.
Widening the Net After a Rocky Transition
Kuniskis admitted the transition from the beloved, previous-generation Charger (built on the old L-platform in Brampton until 2023) to the new Windsor-built electric model was challenging. "We had a little bit of a rocky period there," he said, noting the electric version initially failed to resonate as strongly with buyers.
The strategy now is to recapture and expand that audience. "This car actually widens the net for the potential number of people that can accept this," Kuniskis explained. The goal is to make the Charger a viable option for everyday use and diverse driving conditions, moving beyond its performance-car niche.
Future Possibilities and Production Details
In a tantalizing hint for purists, Kuniskis did not rule out the future possibility of equipping the Charger with a classic Hemi V8 engine. "Stellantis also hasn’t ruled out stuffing a Hemi into the Charger’s engine compartment," he confirmed.
The Windsor Assembly Plant, which also produces the Chrysler minivan lineup, currently builds the electric Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack and the new gas-powered "Sixpack" models. Stellantis had initially planned to launch a base electric Daytona R/T in early 2025 but canceled those plans in May of that year due to tariffs and low demand.
With the gas-powered models now in showrooms, Stellantis is betting that the Charger's combination of practicality and potent performance will win over a new generation of drivers, from families to daily commuters, solidifying the vehicle's future and the Windsor plant's role in it.
