Student-Designed Dodge EV Muscle Car Concept Stuns with Radical Styling and GTD-Rivaling Performance

It’s not every day a student project grabs the attention of a global automaker’s design chief—but for John Carioti, that’s exactly what happened. While completing his senior thesis at Detroit’s College for Creative Studies, Carioti crafted a striking electric Dodge muscle car concept that left a lasting impression on none other than Stellantis’ Chief Design Officer, Ralph Gilles.

Gilles—renowned for leading the design language behind powerhouse brands like Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, and Maserati—took to Instagram to spotlight Carioti’s creation. “Once again, @ccs_detroit Seniors are Fire! ##,” he captioned the post featuring the student’s work. For a young designer, this kind of exposure is not only rare but potentially career-defining.

A Fresh Take on the Electric Muscle Car Formula

Carioti’s EV concept, simply dubbed [DODGE] for now, made waves during the College’s end-of-year exhibition, standing out among dozens of student projects. Designed as a forward-looking, fully electric muscle car, it blends familiar Dodge DNA with futuristic proportions and aggressive aero. Think of it as a modern rival to the Ford Mustang GTD—only electric, and dripping with attitude.

One look at the front fascia and it’s clear this isn’t just another design exercise. A prominent chin splitter commands attention, while a sleek, full-width LED headlight array stretches across the front, surrounding a minimalist pass-through grille. The hood features a functional air channel that feeds into a sculpted vent, giving the car an assertive stance while optimizing airflow—hallmarks of track-focused design.

Subtle yet unmistakable Fratzog logos hint at its electric powertrain roots. Still, muscle car purists might find themselves daydreaming about slotting in a supercharged Hemi V8 instead—and honestly, who could blame them?

Sharp Profile, Sculpted Presence

The side profile reinforces the car’s aggressive nature. Muscular fenders flare outward, sharp creases run down the doors, and oversized alloy wheels complete the look. Carioti’s design doesn’t just mimic classic muscle—it evolves it. Its fastback silhouette and tighter proportions recall the Charger Daytona’s spirit while pushing it toward a leaner, meaner EV future.

Out back, the design remains equally dramatic. A bold LED light strip runs beneath an active rear spoiler, creating visual width and aerodynamic function. Ditching a traditional rear window—a design move seen in futuristic EVs from brands like Avatr and Polestar—adds to its modern edge. There’s also an alternative version with a fixed rear wing, paired with an aggressive diffuser that screams track-ready intent.

A Glimpse Into Dodge’s Possible Future

With Dodge navigating the challenging transition from internal combustion to electrification—balancing the launch of the electric Charger Daytona with the upcoming ICE-powered Charger SixPack—Carioti’s concept offers a fresh vision. It strikes a fine balance between heritage and innovation, proposing what an electric muscle car could look like if it leaned fully into performance and design.

Sure, this is purely a student project. There are no production plans, no patents, and no wind tunnel testing (yet). But the passion is real. And with Stellantis publicly acknowledging the work, it’s not hard to imagine Carioti landing a role on a major OEM design team soon.

More Than a Class Project—A Statement

For aspiring automotive designers, getting recognition from someone of Gilles’ caliber is more than a pat on the back—it’s a signal that you’re onto something special. Carioti was quick to share his gratitude for the Instagram shoutout, and it’s clear he’s just getting started.

While the [DODGE] muscle EV remains a concept, it brings something the industry desperately needs: imagination. As legacy brands work to reinvent themselves for an electric future, bold student work like this reminds us that the soul of the muscle car doesn’t have to die—it just has to evolve.