Dodge Plans for a Future Sub-$30K Sports Car
Dodge CEO Hints at Affordable Sub-$30K Sports Car
Dodge CEO Matt McAlear recently suggested the possibility of a new sports car priced under $30,000 during a conversation on The InEVitable Podcast. As Dodge evolves while preserving its performance legacy, McAlear believes there is strong demand for an affordable weekend car.
“I think there’s room for an entry-level model, back to that sub-$30,000 range,” McAlear said. “There’s a market for people who want a weekend car—something like a Viper, but without the $100K or $120K price tag.”
Drawing Inspiration for a New Sports Car
While Dodge has long been known for its muscle cars and high-performance vehicles, McAlear hinted that the brand is considering different influences for a future sports car. “I think there’s inspiration in what some powersports companies have done—not just the wild side-by-sides, but also three-wheelers like the Slingshot. There’s something there,” he noted.
Revisiting Dodge’s Affordable Sports Car Concepts
2002 Dodge Razor Concept
Dodge has explored the idea of a budget-friendly sports car before. In 2002, the automaker introduced the Dodge Razor Concept, a lightweight two-seater coupe aimed at delivering a pure driving experience. Originally priced at an estimated $14,500 (about $25,900 today with inflation), the Razor featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. Inspired by classic European sports cars, the minimalist Razor never reached production.
2007 Dodge Demon Concept
In 2007, Dodge unveiled the Demon Concept, a roadster designed to compete with cars like the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Pontiac Solstice. The Demon was powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine generating 172 horsepower, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. This no-frills, affordable sports car showcased Dodge’s ability to create a fun, performance-focused vehicle on a budget. However, like the Razor, it remained a concept and never made it to production.
What’s Next for a Dodge Entry-Level Sports Car?
With McAlear’s latest comments, it seems Dodge is once again exploring the idea of an accessible, performance-oriented model. While details remain scarce, the CEO’s remarks suggest that a future sports car could step away from traditional muscle car formulas while maintaining Dodge’s signature bold styling and performance.
“We need to be original, like the Viper. It has to be unique, different, and unmistakably Dodge,” McAlear emphasized. “Not a Corvette fighter, not a Mustang fighter. That’s why we’ve never said we want to go after Mustang or Camaro. We’ve always done our own thing—straight-line performance with a distinct identity.”
With this renewed focus, Dodge enthusiasts may have something exciting to look forward to in the coming years.
