The Viper, Charger, and Challenger—Dodge has given us an impressive lineup of sports cars over the years. In fact, the American automaker’s passion for performance vehicles dates back much further, as Dodge was already making a name for itself in the sports car market in the 1960s. However, the brand hasn't always been about big, high-performance cars. Many will remember the legendary Neon from the late '90s and early 2000s.
According to multiple sources, Dodge is looking to make a comeback in the segment with an affordable sports car. This news was confirmed by Matt McAlear, CEO of Dodge, during an interview on The InEVitable podcast.
A Different Concept
This time, we’re not talking about a muscle car or a supercar, but rather a small sports car that nearly any enthusiast could afford. The CEO mentioned that Dodge might draw inspiration from vehicles like the Polaris Slingshot or even side-by-sides.
After the news broke, many enthusiasts pointed to the Dodge Razor concept. This small, two-seater convertible had everything to appeal to drivers in the early 2000s. Unfortunately, it never made it to production. Back then, Dodge’s prototype was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission—pretty much a dream setup.
Dodge’s goal is to create a car that is "as original as the Viper was in its time." This means it won’t be positioned as a new rival to the Mustang or Camaro. If you ask me, this makes the prospect even more exciting. Dodge and its sister brands have delivered some truly bold vehicles over the decades. Just think of the Plymouth Prowler—a car unlike anything else on the market at the time.
Like many of you, I can’t wait to learn more about this project. Given Dodge’s history, we can expect something truly surprising in the coming years. Reports suggest this new sports car could be priced under $30,000 USD, or just under $40,000 CAD.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
