2023 Dodge Barracuda Rumors and Expectations

It’s been more than a decade since we heard rumors about the Barracuda comeback for the first time. The legendary muscle car was expected to come back with a completely new design, with a lot of things in common with the new Challenger. However, we haven’t seen anything yet. These days, rumors about the comeback are loud once again and from what we can hear, it looks like experts have different visions for the new model, which could arrive already in the next year, as the 2023 Dodge Barracuda.

Some sources suggest a genuine sports car design, which has a lot of resemblance to the original model. Others believe it could come as a convertible version of the next-generation Challenger. Finally, some speculate about the possibility to see it go all-electric.

In any case, the officials are still quiet about the new Barracuda, so take everything you’re about to read with a big reserve.

2022 Dodge Barracuda render

2023 Dodge Barracuda Design

Among the three aforementioned scenarios, the one that makes the most sense is to see a new 2023 Dodge Barracuda with a completely new design. It would come with a typical sports car layout and we presume that it would ride on Alfa Romeo’s Giorgio platform. This architecture turned out to be excellent for sports cars, such as Alfa Romeo Giulia. So, the new Cuda would definitely borrow some parts from it.

When it comes to the exterior design, we presume that the new model would come with a styling that resembles the original model from the 70s. Also, the overall size would probably be smaller compared to the Challenger. This model would be lighter and more maneuverable.

The other scenario suggests a convertible version of the Challenger. This would also mean a completely new design, because the Challenger is about to receive a full redesign soon as well. Once again, the Giorgio would be the base of the new model, though we would probably see a little bigger size.

2022 Dodge Barracuda rendering

Interior

When it comes to the 2023 Dodge Barracuda interior, it’s way too early to talk about details. Dodge hasn’t been released a new model for years. So, it still needs to establish its new design philosophy, whether it’s about exterior or interior design.

The thing we could expect on the inside is a typical 2+2 seating configuration, which plenty of passenger space in both rows. Furthermore, count on a full load of the latest tech goodies, including the new generation of the company’s intuitive infotainment system.

2023 Dodge Barracuda Engines

When it comes to powertrain, we count on all kinds of powertrain options. This would include various forms of electrification as well, so the base model would probably come with a familiar 3.6-liter V6 engine, which comes equipped with the eTorque mild-hybrid system. A plug-in hybrid version is also expected, especially after the launch of the new electrified Wrangler. That system is based on a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine and features a combined output of 375 horsepower.

2023 Dodge Cuda Hemi

There are a few options if engineers want to make the 2023 Barracuda a high-performance car. A couple of Hemi engines are waiting in the line to jump in. A 5.7-liter V8 can deliver 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. Definitely, drivers would like to see this one more than a hybrid configuration, although it consumes way more gas. FCA also can offer a 6.4-liter V8 powerplant for the 2023 Dodge Cuda Hemi package. In this case, the power output will be at least 470 hp, and if engineers manage to squeeze more juice, the car could deliver 500 ponies. It is still way under the famous Hellcat engine, which is definitely not an option for the new Barracuda.

2023 Dodge Barracuda Electric

Finally, the third option for the 2023 Dodge Barracuda would be to see it as an all-electric vehicle. Electrification is an inevitable thing and the use of familiar nameplates always looks like a great way to advertise new technology, just like Ford did with the Mustang E. Therefore, it would be pretty interesting to see a completely electric Barracuda.

If this happens, the new model would be built from the scratch, as a completely new vehicle. It could even come as a crossover, just like the all-electric Mustang. More updates should come in the future.

2022 Dodge Barracuda rendering

Release Date

At this point, we can’t say much about the 2023 Dodge Barracuda release date and price. The new model is still a rumor. So, the best we can do is to rely on rumors, which suggest the new model could arrive already in the next year. Stay tuned for more updates.

Plymouth Cuda is not Dodge Barracuda (And More Fun Facts)

This is another dose of revival rumors. The original Barracuda was produced by Plymouth as one of the most expensive muscle cars. The nameplate left the mark, but the parent company was shut down more than 20 years ago. Of course, FCA will try to continue the legacy if it is profitable. With more questions asked about the ‘Cuda’, the comeback is not impossible. Dodge is the right choice to inherit the heirloom and add Barracuda to its portfolio, alongside Charger and Challenger.

Why enthusiasts still ask about this car, almost 50 years after its last appearance in factories? Well, the popularity is not in doubt. The most famous season was 1971, when only two models were dropped. One of them was in auction and the highest bidder paid $3.5 million! The return rumors make more sense now. Also, the Plymouth Cuda was famous for its color palette. There were 25 paintjobs available. You can still hear for some of them – Tor-Red, Lemon Twist, Vitamin C, Lime Light, and Violet Metallic. The ‘strobe’ strike is a unique mark of the high-performance version AAR Cuda from 1970, built in less than 3,000 examples.

Timothy

Timothy

Timothy has been an FCA enthusiast way before the two major companies merged. With an innate passion for muscle cars from the golden era, Ram trucks and anything that has a huge engine under the hood, it’s not hard to presume that Timothy is a true motorhead. On the other side, classic Italian sports cars have always had a special place in his heart, as a sense of style and sophistication is an integral part of his persona. For Timothy, FCA is a perfect match.

3 Replies to “2023 Dodge Barracuda Rumors and Expectations”

  1. Beignet at the Beach says:

    Some background on the platforms involved. Waaaay back in 2012 60 Minutes actually showed a bit of the replacement for the Challenger during their interview : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M469PJ5pdV0
    The LC Challenger platform came to market in 2008. Most 2 door North American cars have a short shelf life…typically 4 years. So the Challenger was a candidate for replacement with the new GA Giulia platform. (Production date 2017).
    So the Challenger has this near mythical sales record year after year….why would it get replaced? Yeah its older than the Mustang and Camaro , kinda overweight compared to new technology, but HEY..ITS STILL SELLING WELL. ..14 YEARS and still going.
    Now some irony… The GA Giulia platform is brilliant. And since it came out FIRST it is “Italian”…so, when Dodge/ne Stellantis brings out the new Cuda/Challenger, I’m sure the automotive press will say… ” they’ve adapted the Italian platform for the lowly Dodge… Had the LC platform been abandoned, and the GA version of that cool red 2 door you can just barley see in the 60 minutes video when they are in the Styling Dome at Auburn Hills, been introduced instead, the auto press recriminations can be predicted….” They took a Dodge and re-badged it as an Alfa…”

  2. Marshall Spencer says:

    Btw, don’t/never let the Italians design AMERICAN autos/Dodges/Mopars, & our American Mopar designers will leave their Italian autos alone. We’re still selling most of these cars to AMERICANS, who love NASCAR, ‘The King’/Petty & hemi, as well as electrics.

    Muscle car enthusiast/Mopar man lifer

    From Within

  3. Marshall Spencer says:

    Dodge, you must return to NASCAR/2024, or lose yet more market share/future revenue.

    Mopar forever

    From Within

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