Return of the ruler
For the past year, Dodge has been on a mission to sell enthusiasts on its electric future. The Charger Daytona EV was supposed to usher in a new muscle car era—loud, fast, and battery-powered. But it hasn’t exactly caught fire with traditionalists. Now, it sounds like Dodge might be listening.
The brand’s new leadership under Stellantis appears more open to internal combustion, and according to Dodge CEO Matt McAlear, we shouldn’t be surprised if a V8 fits in the new Charger. That’s a big deal for anyone who thought the Hemi was gone for good.
Why a V8 comeback makes sense
Dodge’s muscle car lineup has always lived and died by its engines. The brand’s attempt to transition fans to electric power with the Charger Daytona has met mixed results—while it delivers up to 670 horsepower, it lacks the signature rumble and character that made the old Hellcats and Scat Packs special.
Stellantis
Now that Stellantis’ new CEO is reportedly loosening restrictions on Dodge, Jeep, and Ram, each brand has more freedom to shape its own future. Ram already confirmed the return of the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 in the 1500 pickup, and Dodge could follow that lead. When asked earlier this year if a Hellcat engine would fit in the new Charger, McAlear didn’t mince words: “Don’t be surprised if it would fit.” That comment, coupled with Dodge’s renewed focus on internal combustion, has fans buzzing.
What’s under the hood?
The most likely candidate is the 5.7-liter Hemi V8, freshly adapted to Stellantis’ STLA Large platform thanks to work led by former SRT engineer Daryl Smith. In Ram 1500 trim, the engine makes 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque—figures that would slot neatly between the base inline-six and high-output versions of the Charger Sixpack.
Stellantis
By comparison, the Charger R/T Sixpack produces 420 hp and 468 lb-ft of torque, while the EV tops out at 670 hp. That means a naturally aspirated 5.7-liter model might not be the fastest Charger—but it would likely be the most visceral. As for the supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V8? That might be a stretch in the short term, but Dodge hasn’t ruled it out.
How much will it cost?
The current Charger Sixpack R/T coupe starts at $51,990. If Dodge follows Ram’s pricing model, adding a 5.7-liter V8 could tack on roughly $1,200—though it’s likely the engine would be tied to higher trims rather than offered as a base option. That said, if Dodge really wants to turn heads, making the V8 the entry-level powertrain would be a wild and nostalgic move.
When could it arrive?
There’s no official word yet, and Dodge hasn’t confirmed a timeline—or even the existence—of a V8 Charger. But McAlear’s comments suggest the company’s direction is shifting back toward gasoline. “It’s no secret that we’re absolutely flexing into ICE production right now,” he said earlier this year.
Stellantis
Final thoughts
Given the momentum behind Ram’s Hemi revival and Dodge’s growing acknowledgment of customer demand, a V8 Charger feels inevitable. The real question is how wild Dodge decides to make it. Dodge tried to electrify the muscle car world, but fans still want the sound, the smell, and the shake of a big V8. Now, it seems the brand might be ready to give them exactly that.
