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Report: Dodge CEO Considering Sub-$30,000 Sports Car
The cheapest model in Dodge’s three-car range is the $33,180 Hornet crossover. While that’s well below the average price of a new car, which hovers in the vicinity of $50,000, Dodge CEO Matt McAlear believes there’s room in the portfolio for an even cheaper entry-level model with a big emphasis on fun.
McAlear told The Drive that he likes the idea of an “entry-level halo” car. “I don’t know what I’d compare it to. I think there’s inspiration in seeing what some of the powersport companies have done. Not only the crazy side-by-sides, but the three-wheelers, the Slingshots … I think there’s something there,” he added.
That doesn’t mean Dodge is about to go head-to-head with Polaris. McAlear envisions the sub-$30,000 model as “a weekend car” aimed at enthusiasts “who would like a Viper but don’t have that $100,000 or $120,000″ to spend.
(As a side note, you can put a Viper in your garage for much less than that. Hagerty values a 2000 GTS in #3, or Good, condition at $55,600 and a #3 1995 RT/10 at $35,000. But we’ve digressed.)
McAlear must be thinking of something like a Mazda MX-5 Miata or a Subaru BRZ, then? Not quite.
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“If we’re gonna do future products, we need to get original like the Viper. It’s gotta come to market and be unique and different and Dodge. Not a Corvette fighter, not a Mustang fighter. That’s why we’ve never said we want to go after Mustang or Camaro, right? We’ve always been in a straight line, different kind of performance.”
Presumably, those criteria rule out a light, two-seater roadster that’s aimed directly at the Miata.
And that’s fine. There are other recipes for driving thrills at an affordable price. What about a roadster that straddles the line between the three-wheelers McAlear alluded to and a Miata look-like?
Dodge has experimented with the idea of a small, affordable sports car several times in the past few decades. One that comes to mind is the Razor concept shown above, which was unveiled in 2002 with a turbocharged, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. It featured a six-speed manual gearbox, rear-wheel-drive, and a pair of Razor scooters (remember those?) instead of a spare. The Sling Shot concept released in 2004 was a two-seater with a targa top, while the 2007 Demon concept was a two-seater clearly developed to take on the Miata. None of these design studies reached production, however.
McAlear also told The Drive that he sees a market for “a top-of-the-line halo” car, something along the lines of the Viper. Although we love the idea of a cheap, fun Dodge and a follow-up to the Viper, we’re taking his comments with a Durango-sized grain of salt. Automakers are businesses and need to turn a profit. Cars are very expensive to develop, and it takes more than an executive’s wish to put a new model in a showroom.
Profits are especially important for Dodge because 2024 wasn’t a stellar year for Stellantis. Would enough people buy a Dodge sports car priced under $30,000 to justify the cost of development? (Or, for that matter, a halo car?) Not likely. Sales of the Miata, the BRZ, and the Toyota GR86 totaled 8103, 3345, and 11,426 units, respectively, in 2024. Granted, the Mazda and the Toyota sold better last year than in 2023, but this type of car is, by nature, niche. And, with just three nameplates in Dodge’s range, is a “weekend car” really the most important item on the automaker’s “to-do” list?
What, in your opinion, should be Dodge’s next model? Let us know in the comments below.
I don’t think this is a great idea – just a corporate exec thinking out loud to draw attention to his brand. Not a bad idea, but it will not come to fruition.
I would prefer to take my 30K and invest it in an already depreciated pre-owned “real” sports car.
In the immortal words of esteemed pundit Peter D. Lorenzo, “Ain’t gonna happen .com”. Survival would seem to be more important to Stellantis than another dreamer in the ranks, seeking to divert attention to the perilous future for the marque. Low volume, low margin competitor to the Mazda MX5, a truly proven, excellent platform over generations might not be the avenue to pursue. The segment of demand is modest, yet loyal to the Japanese manufacturers. Until a clearly superior option comes about, “meh” is the expected response from the market.
It’s still a Dodge. Probably will be highly under powered with crap Mexican parts. Don’t waste money on tooling for this car.
Used to love the Neon SRT-4. It was a great car of decent size that could take you to the grocery store on Tuesday and take the family to the track on Sunday. Mercedes haughtily dismissed it and replaced it with the Caliber. The size, power and handling formula still exists.
Now a “AMX by Dodge” would sell and be great to drive for less than 30,000 would be just like 1968 price.
a crossfire SRT6 is great, revise it for less than 30,000 great.
At this point, every Stellantis executive is willing to say anything to put the brand in the news.
I don’t see Dodge and Chrysler living much longer considering there are only four models between the two brands with one model yet to be fully released and another completely alienated by the customer base.
How many times can you raise a sinking ship? Maybe a new owner can turn things around. (China-India)
This idea is something I felt should have happened back in the late 90s Razor concept.
It was said in the article I read that they were planning on releasing a bare bones version with just the power train and safety requirements only for around $14,500 in 1998 money. No radio, no carpet, no amenities. Just pure driving experience with the 2.4 4cyl turbo power plant they mentioned was going to go with it.
The they dropped that idea, kept the engine, and shoved it into the Neon SRT4.
I feel if they actually did that, they would have cornered the market for affordable performance roadsters and even have their own racing class be developed from the popularity.
I believe there is a huge market for a basic sport car, but maybe not that basic.
Three pedals, minimal (ie, none) electronics, naturally aspirated, manual only, solid rear axle, basic paint, and you got a recipe for enthusiasts.
If they will build it, I will come. lol!
The front view reminds me of one of the GM show cars that ended up at the Warhoops salvage yard in Michigan.
Dodge is a HOOT! Aren’t they on the slippery slope to bankruptcy again?
“ That’s why we’ve never said we want to go after Mustang or Camaro, right?”
… I would have sworn you make a Challenger.
I already have my sub $30K Dodge sports car…. I’ve had my 89 Daytona for almost 10 years. When I want to enjoy spirited driving, I remove the T-tops, and let the wind blow in my hair and grin from ear to ear…. And I didn’t spend anywhere near $30K for it….. I will continue to enjoy it for many years to come. And bonus is, I can actually work on it when needed!!!
Love that Mr 83Scamp! I still have my 86 Shelby GLHS and it’s awesome. I was a Dodge boy starting with the Omni, then Neon the Intrepid 3.5l (drove that one 263k mi) and currently drive a 2014 Grand Cherokee Ecodiesel with 200k on it. At this point any brand loyalty is gone.
Lots of small cars produced around the world. None will venture into the USA. Stellantis has many small cars produced around platforms. Will they have the courage to use one?
Tweak the Hornet, drop the most expensive components or simplify and use less expensive components, lower it, and put a pretty composite body on it. It would be like a cross between a Jeep, dune buggy and Miata (with AWD). Think out of the box, but since AWD multi-function vehicles are so popular and two seater fun cars aren’t…
A Dodge “Solstice”?? No. We’ve been there, done that. Pass!