Dodge has breathed new life into its historic Charger nameplate with a 2024 car that fuses some emotional button-pushing classic styling cues with a brand new Stellantis platform that works with both EV and ICE powertrains. And that got us thinking: what other Stellantis-owned badges could get another shot at glory thanks to the Charger’s STLA Large platform?
We’ve had a root through the archives and come up with 10 classic, and not-so-classic medium and full-size sedans and coupes that we’d love to see get the STLA Large treatment, and the Charger’s range of Hurricane I6 engines and bi-motor EV options.
Vauxhall Lotus Carlton / Opel Lotus Omega
We doubt China’s Geely would be happy to lend Stellantis its Lotus name for the project, but badge aside, Stellantis now has all the ingredients needed to remake the 1990s super-sedan monster for British and European buyers denied the Charger – and for Aussies who still hold a candle for the 1970s Valiant Pacer.
Chrysler 300C
Here’s one we know is happening. It took Chrysler 26 years to resurrect the 300 badge for 2005’s sedan, but it’ll only spend three years in the grave this time before being applied to an all-new car due in 2026.
Citroen SM
We’re bending the rules here because the Maserati V6-powered Citroen SM was front-wheel drive. It was also slow off the line and unreliable, but a modern incarnation needn’t be any of those things with the Daytona’s 670 hp (680 PS) bi-motor EV setup under that still-stunning skin.
Fiat 130
Oh, come on, this one is too easy. The new Charger looks more like the Fiat 130 than it does the the ’68 Charger it’s supposed to remind us of. And Fiat even sold it as both a sedan and coupe. Swap the badges out and it’s a done deal.
Lancia Aurelia
Sure, we’d all love to see Lancia build a new Stratos or Delta Integrale, but a re-booted Aurelia grand tourer is a far better fit for the Charger platform and running gear. The original 1950s coupe and sedan were among the first cars in the world to feature V6 power, had a rear transaxle and bagged a string of motorsport victories including a class win at Le Mans and outright glory in the Monte Carlo Rally. We’d take a new Charger-based Aurelia over a Lancia-fied Opel Corsa any day of the week.
Imperial
What’s the one glaring omission in Stellantis’s North American strategy? A Lexus-like luxury brand. Yes, Jeep makes expensive cars, but they’re all SUVs. The obvious solution is to bring back Imperial – though woke buyers (and Stellantis execs) would be wringing their hands over the connotations of that name.
Alfa Romeo Giulia
Like the 300C, this one is more than wishful thinking. Alfa will replace the current Giulia with an STLA Large-based model in 2026 that will be available with combustion and EV powertrains, though expect the base ICE car to feature a boring inline four, not the Charger’s Hurricane six. And don’t worry, it won’t look anything like our tongue-in-cheek render seen above.
Peugeot e-Legend
Remember this stunning dual-motor electric concept from the 2018 Paris Motor Show? Peugeot decided not to put it into production, claiming the business case wasn’t there, just as it had with the 505 coupe it teased us with in the 1980s. Booo. But that e-Legend knockback dates from before Peugeot joined forces with FCA to form Stellantis, and so also came before the 2024 Dodge Charger was even a glint in Ralph Gilles’ eye. No excuse now, Peugeot.
Maserati Mexico
An electric Quattroporte built around the SLTA Large architecture is coming in 2028, but what about a coupe counterpart? We’re thinking of something more upright, formal and roomier than the GranTurismo introduced in 2023. Something like the 1966-72 Mexico, or 1990s Ghibli and Shamal, whose square-jawed styling isn’t far off that latest Charger’s.
Chrysler Cordoba
The rich Corinthian leather would have to be vegan this time around, and a Cordoba would probably have to be a crossover to get anyone interested, but the power of AI means Ricardo Montalban’s 2009 death needn’t prevent him starring in adverts to promote an all new Cordoba.
What would you like to see Stellantis do next with the 2024 Charger’s STLA Large platform and powertrains? Leave a comment and let us know.