The most recent Dodge Charger courted controversy in offering only electric power at launch, and though a twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine and significant acclaim has followed, there are still enthusiasts clamouring for V8 power.
Mopar Insiders reports their prayers are being answered, with sources telling the well-connected US media outlet the Charger will once more offer V8 power, with development underway.
Not only that, but Dodge will reportedly skip the 5.7-litre and 6.4-litre V8s offered within the previous Charger sedan and Challenger coupe, and as an alternative offer only the supercharged 6.2-litre Hellcat V8.
CarExpert can prevent 1000’s on a brand new automotive. Click here to get an ideal deal.
This engine was offered within the previous Challenger coupe and Charger sedan, in addition to the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk and Ram 1500 TRX. Only the latter two were sold in Australia.
Company executives have been keeping the door open for the return of V8 power to the Charger, which is obtainable as either a three-door hatchback coupe or a five-door liftback sedan. The Hellcat V8 will reportedly be released first within the coupe for model 12 months 2028.
When it was launched in 2024, the brand new eighth (‘LB’) generation was the primary Charger because the controversial 1982-87 front-wheel drive hatchback to not offer V8 power.
Its STLA Large underpinnings were all the time designed to handle multiple powertrain types, though under former CEO Carlos Tavares, parent company Stellantis was phasing out V8s across its menagerie of brands.
That included Ram, where the 1500 pickup lost its V8 engines as a part of a mid-life refresh for the present DT series… just for the 5.7-litre Hemi V8 to come back roaring back after Mr Tavares’ departure and amid an outcry from American buyers for the return of a bent eight.
Due to this fact, while the Charger was all the time designed to handle the Hurricane twin-turbo inline six, it’s unlikely it was originally designed to support the Hellcat V8. Which means the work to re-engineer it for this powertrain is prone to take longer than it did for the Ram 1500.
The ageing Durango SRT Hellcat, a big three-row SUV, is left to fly the V8 flag at Dodge within the meantime.
Dodge has yet to officially confirm the return of V8 power to the Charger, but company executives appear to have been hinting at it for several months.
“The one way it is smart to charge for [an optional Hemi] now’s I actually have to go all the way in which as much as a Hellcat,” Tim Kuniskis told Motor Trend in January. The previous Dodge CEO wears many hats, and is currently CEO of Ram and the re-established SRT performance division, in addition to Stellantis’ head of American brands amongst other titles.
“In case you were to place a V8 within the automotive you’ll probably go to Hellcat as an alternative of 5.7.”
“Don’t be surprised if it could fit,” said Dodge CEO Matt McAlear concerning the Hellcat V8 last August.
“That’s the fantastic thing about this platform. Some could say we’re lucky, some can say we’re smart. We didn’t commit to 1 technology, one powertrain.
“So much went into this platform from the start to find a way to evolve over time and flex with consumer demand and changes in regulatory [policy].”
There have been various changes in US policy which have helped fuel the resurgence of the V8, from the removal of federal electric vehicle (EV) tax incentives to the weakening of emissions regulations.
Should the Hellcat return, it’s possible Dodge engineers may attempt to eke much more power and torque out of the blown V8.
Within the previous Charger SRT Hellcat, it pumped out a minimum of 527kW of power and 880Nm of torque.
The present Charger’s petrol (Sixpack) and electric (Daytona) variants can be found in several tunes.
The Hurricane six produces either 313kW or 635Nm in standard-output tune or 410kW and 720Nm in high-output guise. Only all-wheel drive is offered.
The Charger’s dual-motor all-wheel drive electric powertrain produces between 340kW/548Nm and 470kW/850Nm, depending on the variant.
All of those powertrains out-punch the previous Charger’s 280kW/536Nm 5.7-litre Hemi V8, while some even best the old 6.4-litre Apache V8 which produced 362kW/644Nm.
This Article First Appeared At www.carexpert.com.au
