Straight-6 Dodge Charger Is Missing The One Thing Enthusiasts Desire
Last week, claims surfaced that Dodge was going all-out to bring the gasoline-powered version of the new Dodge Charger to market as soon as possible. The Dodge Charger Six Pack was initially expected to show up at dealers in the first quarter of 2025, was then pushed back to the end of 2025, then pulled forward again until the summer. Yes, that’s confusing; no, the company didn’t confirm any of it.
Now we have a new report from MoparInsiders that lets us know more about what we can expect from the gas engine Charger: a new eight-speed automatic. And only an eight-speed automatic. MI’s sources say that the new eight-speed automatic will be called the 880RE. It replaces the TorqueFlite 8HP70, which was found in the 2023 model cars equipped with a V8 engine.
Newest TorqueFlite Should Upgrade The Charger Experience
This isn’t a Stellantis design. The automaker will build the gearbox under license at its transmission plant in Kokomo, Indiana, but like the old transmission, this new one is a design from German transmission company ZF. The ZF 8HP70 name designates that it is an eight-speed transmission with a Hydraulic torque converter and Planetary gearsets. 70 meant it could handle 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. Supercharged Hellcat models got a version called 8HP90, which could handle 900 Nm (664 lb-ft) though it was capable of higher torque than that.
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Switching to the 880RE means the Charger moves from the first generation of the ZF transmission to the fourth generation. The 880RE name instead of 8HP80 refers to Stellantis building the box itself instead of purchasing it from ZF. It made a similar name change with the 850RE used in V6 Chargers and Jeeps.
The fourth generation of the widely used ZF automatic allows PHEV options (Jeep’s 4xe models use a version) with the ability to integrate a 215-horsepower electric motor. It also changes the gear ratios to deliver improved fuel economy and performance. This latest box is used in some BMW models, including the X5 M.
More Options For Dodge Charger Power, But None Have Three Pedals
Dodge shocked almost everyone when it announced that the new-for-2024 Charger would be electric only. The pricey Dodge Charger Daytona promises up to 670 horsepower (for now) and an 11.5-second quarter mile. Even more power and performance is expected to be available from Dodge’s Direct Connection after-sales parts line.
While that model is still set to start arriving in customer hands before the end of this year, Dodge wasn’t ready to go all-in on the Charger as an EV. It also announced what it called the Dodge Charger Sixpack, available in Standard Output and High Output models.
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Both SO and HO cars use the Hurricane 3.0-liter inline-six. Standard Output means 420 horsepower and 469 pound-feet of torque, while HO means 550/521. All-wheel drive is standard, another feature of the new transmission.
The same sources that indicate the new eight-speed is coming also say that the stick-shift won’t be back. While the six-speed V8 cars were popular, it’s not surprising that a new AWD car designed for electrification didn’t have room in the development process for a third pedal option. Still, we’ll miss it.
Source:
MoparInsiders