Automakers are currently experiencing an earthquake as legislation forces them to switch from combustion engines to electrification around the world.
But Dodge has been doing things differently, and the company that brought us muscle cars like the Challenger SRT Hellcat and Demon has accepted that electrification is not for its Brand image facts.
Because of this, the Detroit-based automaker has found a way to circumvent the impending ban on gasoline-powered vehicles. The company has announced plans to introduce an 800-horsepower hydrogen-fueled muscle car that will replace the Hellcat in its lineup, dubbed the SRT Hydra.
Ivan Tobrakfri, Dodge muscle car development director, said:
"Hydra represents the next evolution of muscle cars without compromising our brand integrity."
“The Hydra name is symbolic to us. While legislation may have chopped off the head of our internal combustion engine powered (ICE) muscle cars, there are new models that will grow back in its place "Muscle cars don't go down so easily."
The second "head" Tobrakfri mentions is electrification.
"We acknowledge that the announcement of the electric muscle car was a direct response to the legislation," he said, "but our engineers have been working hard to create a clean-burning internal combustion engine while still delivering the aural pleasure and emotional connection of a muscle car to Meet the expectations of our loyal supporters."
However, he explained that electrification is necessary. "Electrification is a must in order to expand our product offering, which is why we will be launching an electric family SUV. However, our muscle cars must be fueled by combustion - that's non-negotiable."
As for what drives the SRT Hydra, Dodge has developed the brand's supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that can run on hydrogen, similar to the hydrogen-powered Lexus V8s in Toyota and Yamaha.
Hydrogen-fueled supercharged 6.2-liter V8
Dr. Mohammad Powababi, Dodge's Director of Advanced Powertrain Development, said:
"The development of hydrogen combustion technology has made great strides."
"We've found ways to increase the compression ratio, reduce the risk of knocking, and increase the power density of liquid hydrogen, which allows us to realize the full potential of hydrogen. In base state, we have 800 horsepower."
Inside, Dr. says the engine functions essentially the same as a conventional gasoline-powered V8.
"The Hemi's existing cylinder heads, intake manifold, fuel injectors and a few other parts did require modifications, but we found the supercharger made the power goal easy to achieve. 800 horsepower was just the beginning."
The new model will be launched by the end of 2023, and Tobrakfri stressed that government approval is the next step.
"Lawmakers around the world believe electric vehicles are the only way forward, but we are currently in discussions with them to show that there are other ways to create clean personal mobility."
Other manufacturers are starting to pursue the same technology, with Ford recently filing a patent for one of its own hydrogen-supercharged engines, while European automakers are discussing similar concepts.
Dodge seems confident of beating other manufacturers, and by doing so, hopes to keep the muscle car alive.
