Dodge Concept Cars

1. 1964 Dodge Hemi Charger Concept

Core design and mechanical elements were refined and integrated into the production Dodge Charger.

Unveiled during the heyday of American muscle car culture, this concept was crafted with a clear purpose: to introduce a powerful, performance-oriented vehicle that embodied the aggressive spirit and capabilities of Dodge's engineering. The concept was developed to give physical form to the potential of the Hemi engine, which was becoming synonymous with high performance and would soon become a legendary name in motor sports.

The design of the Hemi Charger concept was a departure from the more conservative styling typical of early 1960s Dodge vehicles. It featured a sleek, fastback body that emphasized aerodynamics and speed. The car's striking exterior was complemented by a bold, red paint finish, making it instantly recognizable.

One of the most notable features of the Charger concept was its engine. Equipped with a 426 cubic inch (7.0-liter) Hemi V8, the car promised and delivered exceptional power. This engine was capable of producing a staggering 425 horsepower, which was a remarkable figure for its time. The use of dual four-barrel carburetors helped achieve this output, setting a new standard for performance vehicles.

Inside, the 1964 Dodge Hemi Charger concept was just as revolutionary. It featured a cockpit-style interior that was focused on the driver, with an array of gauges and controls that provided a racing feel.

2. 2022 Dodge Charger Daytona SRT

In an electric future, the excitement and performance that have been hallmarks of the brand will continue.

The 2022 Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept marks a significant pivot for Dodge as it transitions into the era of electrification. Unveiled as a concept that blends Dodge's muscular heritage with modern electric vehicle technology, the Charger Daytona SRT Concept serves as a bold statement about the future direction of the brand.

The design of the Charger Daytona SRT Concept is a modern reinterpretation of its classic predecessors, featuring a low, wide stance and aggressive styling cues that are quintessentially Dodge. The front of the vehicle maintains a familiar silhouette but adapts it for better aerodynamic efficiency, which is crucial for electric vehicles.

The concept car showcases Dodge's new "Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust" system, which is an industry-first application designed to provide a performance sound experience in an EV. This system can emit up to 126 decibels, matching the roar of Dodge's current V8 engines, thus preserving the auditory signature that enthusiasts expect from a Dodge muscle car.

Central to the Daytona SRT Concept is its all-electric powertrain, which Dodge has named "Banshee." The 800V system delivers the power for the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept car, and she screams performance, making Dodge’s first electric vehicle faster than a Hellcat in all key performance measures, and to make sure all this power remains relatively safe to drive, this Concept comes with an all-wheel-drive system.

Dodge positions the Charger Daytona SRT Concept not just as a one-off prototype but as a precursor to its future production models in the electric vehicle segment.

3. 2018 Dodge Super Charger Concept

A restomod that blends the design of the '68 Charger with a monstrous 1,000 horsepower "Hellephant" crate engine.

Mopar have unleashed its Super Charger creation at SEMA 2018, packing a supercharged “Hellephant” 426 Hemi V8 pumping out 1,000 hp and 950 lb-ft of torque. Making this even better is the news that this engine, which generates impressive numbers on 93 octane pump gas, will be available as a crate engine.

The chosen car for the Super Charger is a 1968 Dodge Charger, which is celebrating it’s 50th anniversary this year.

The body has undergone extensive modification sitting 2.5 inches lower and four inches wider with huge fender flares housing 305 tyres up front and 315 tyres in the rear. The wheelbase has been lengthened by 2 inches reducing the front overhang of the car, and placing the front wheel arches more central to the front fender. The taillights now serve as outlets for the exhaust pipes with the tips sticking out slightly, and the lights illuminating from behind.

Sadly the Dodge Super Charger concept will remain just that, a one-off show car that was built for the purpose of providing an exciting housing for Mopars new crate engine. Still it sure is good to look at, and we can all just dream of what could be if Dodge just decided to actually build and sell the thing.

4. 2006 Dodge Challenger Concept

A modern reimagining of the iconic muscle car, featuring a bold design that paid homage to the original.

In creating the new Dodge Challenger concept car the designers at Chrysler Group’s West Coast Pacifica Studio knew they had a rich heritage to draw upon.

Tasked with the enviable assignment of developing a hot-looking performance coupe using Chrysler Group’s advanced rear-wheel drive LX platform and its fabled HEMI engine, the designers explored a variety of options, eventually gravitating to “something” for the Dodge brand — appropriate given that brand’s bold performance image. The idea of reinventing the highly-collectible Challenger quickly came to mind.

“Challenger draws upon the initial 1970 model as the icon of the series,” said Tom Tremont, Vice President – Advanced Vehicle Design. “The 1970 model is the most sought after by collectors.

But instead of merely recreating that car, the designers endeavored to build a Challenger most people see in their mind’s eye — a vehicle without the imperfections like the old car’s tucked-under wheels, long front overhang and imperfect fits. As with all pleasurable memories, you remember the good and screen out the bad.

“We wanted the concept car to evoke all those sweet memories, everything you thought the Challenger was, and more.”

5. 1999 Dodge Charger R/T Concept

Four-door muscle car that modernized the classic Charger design, with a compressed natural gas powertrain.

While paying homage to the muscle car era, the Charger R/T concept produces emissions so low it would meet the California Air Resources Board Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standard. It would also reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 25 percent. That’s because this Charger R/T is powered by a supercharged, compressed natural gas (CNG) 4.7-liter V-8 engine. Not only is this powertrain clean, but it generates 325 horsepower, blending both power and ultra low emissions.

This concept Charger R/T, while sharing the long nose and rearward cab of the original, is a good deal shorter. It’s 187 inches in overall length compared to 203 inches for the 1966 Charger. It’s also lighter; 3,000 pounds versus 3,650 pounds.

While making an important statement for CNG technology, the Charger R/T was equally appealing to the design community. One other major change distinguishes the concept from the original Chargerof the mid-1960s-the concept has four doors. It has functional side scoops, as does the Viper, and the chrome plated, central mounted exhaust is somewhat reminiscent of Viper. It even has functional air exhausters sculpted into its rear fascia.

6. 1989 Dodge Viper Concept

A raw, aggressive two-seater sports car concept that previewed the iconic Dodge Viper production car.

The 1989 Dodge Viper Concept marked a pivotal moment in automotive history, unveiling what would become one of the most iconic sports cars of all time. Introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Viper Concept not only captured the imagination of car enthusiasts worldwide but also set the stage for the return of the American muscle car with a modern twist.

The concept was a brainchild of Chrysler's then-president, Bob Lutz, who envisioned a modern Cobra—a car that offered no compromises in power, handling, and style. The design was led by Tom Gale, who crafted its distinctive, aggressive lines that communicated power and speed.

The design of the Viper was groundbreaking, characterized by its long nose, curvaceous body, and minimalist, lightweight construction. The exterior was defined by its low-slung stance and wide body, which not only enhanced the car’s aerodynamics but also its visual impact. The open-air roadster design, lacking external door handles and hard doors, emphasized its track-ready nature and sports car purism.

Powering the 1989 Viper Concept was a monstrous V10 engine, initially developed from truck engine components, which was an unusual choice at the time. This 8.0-liter engine was engineered in collaboration with Lamborghini, then a part of the Chrysler Corporation, to refine its performance and adapt it for sports car use. The engine produced an impressive 400 horsepower.

The unveiling of the Dodge Viper Concept was met with widespread acclaim, quickly becoming the highlight of the auto show and a media sensation. The enthusiastic reception led Chrysler to fast-track the development of the Viper into production. By 1992, the production version of the Dodge Viper RT/10 was launched, largely retaining the concept's fundamental design and performance ethos.

7. 1990 Dodge Daytona RT Concept

A sleek, aerodynamic sports coupe with advanced tech like all-wheel drive and a variable nozzle turbocharger.

The 1990 Dodge Daytona RT Concept was a forward-looking prototype unveiled by Dodge, encapsulating the brand's vision for the future of sports cars. Introduced at a time when the auto industry was burgeoning with technological advancements, the Daytona RT Concept combined aggressive styling with innovative features, illustrating Dodge's commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive design and performance.

The design of the 1990 Dodge Daytona RT Concept was a dramatic departure from the production Daytona models of the late 1980s and early 1990s. It featured a sleek, aerodynamic profile that was both futuristic and functional, aimed at reducing drag and enhancing the car's speed capabilities. The body was adorned with bold, sculptural lines that gave it a dynamic and aggressive appearance, aligning with the sporty aesthetics that Dodge was known for.

One of the most striking features of the Daytona RT Concept was its use of advanced materials. The car incorporated lightweight composites for its body panels to reduce weight without sacrificing strength or safety. This choice highlighted Dodge's interest in exploring new materials and technologies to improve vehicle performance.

Under the hood, the 1990 Dodge Daytona RT Concept was powered by a sophisticated engine setup that was quite advanced for its time. It boasted a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which was a popular choice in Dodge’s performance segments due to its balance of power and efficiency. The engine was paired with an advanced electronically controlled transmission that promised optimized gear shifts and improved driving dynamics.