By Richard Truesdell
The recent leak of some internal photos from a Stellantis plant reveals what may be the next generation Uconnect infotainment system. The photos also hint at Dodge’s replacement for the recently discontinued Charger and Challenger.
First, it looks like Stellantis is not racing to replace ICE vehicles with new electric models as quickly as previously indicated.
Last year, Dodge touted its Charger Daytona Concept as the way forward for the brand’s electric future. While that may ultimately be the case, new photos, combined with earlier concept images, show the 2025 Charger and Challenger will likely be powered by good old-fashioned internal combustion engines (ICE).
The recently leaked photos clearly show a transmission tunnel. Since EVs don’t normally have transmissions, it’s easy to speculate that we’re looking at the next-generation Dodge Challenger (or whatever it might be called).
The body in white photo is a two-door hatchback version of the Challenger’s replacement. Note the placement of the rear 5 x 7 speaker openings.
Uconnect
When I enhanced the dark factory photos, the dashboard could be seen as production-ready, with a view of the next-generation Uconnect display and interface. The interface includes redundant switches for the HVAC controls below the screen. So the hard buttons have been retained, even while many OEMs are canceling them for on-screen controls.
This will likely be an all-new Uconnect system whose architecture will spread to other new Stellantis vehicles that will include the upcoming Chrysler crossover EV and other Stellantis brands like Alfa Romeo and Fiat, as well as those not sold in North America, like Peugeot.
Time will tell but for 12-volt retailers, know the switch to EV may not be smooth sailing. While you can expect to see more BEVs coming from all of Stellantis’ legacy US brands—Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram—between now and 2026, future product introductions are subject to delay due to the impact of the ongoing UAW strike.
Four-Door?
Not yet leaked are any references to a four-door version. As four-door cars outsell their two-door counterparts, I am certain one is coming. Above is a rendering of a four-door version of the next Charger.
