Dodge Charger: Hemi V-8 Comeback & Sixpack Boost!

Dodge CEO Matt McAlear has just about validated what we already presumed. The American carmaker is leaning back right into combustion-powered cars, and a Hemi V-8-powered Charger is significantly back on the table.

V-8 Charger’s Return

“That’s the beauty of this platform,” McAlear included. While Dodge has actually not signaled any type of plans to drop the Battery charger Daytona EV, failing sales required the brand name to increase growth of the straight-six-powered Charger Sixpack. It’s uncertain exactly how much a V-8-powered Charger would certainly cost, though considering the V-8 in the 2026 Ram 1500 is just a $1,200 alternative, we’re not anticipating a big delta. As for when a Hemi-powered Charger can show up, we presume sooner instead than later on.

Charger Sixpack Expansion

While Dodge has not signified any strategies to drop the Charger Daytona EV, faltering sales required the brand to speed up growth of the straight-six-powered Charger Sixpack. That auto, which was originally meant to go on sale in 2026, will now hit dealerships beginning in the fourth quarter of this year. It’ll likewise be about 10 grand more affordable than the EV, with a beginning rate of $51,990.

It’s vague just how much a V-8-powered Charger would cost, though considering the V-8 in the 2026 Ram 1500 is just a $1,200 alternative, we’re not expecting a huge delta. When it comes to when a Hemi-powered Battery charger can show up, we suspect quicker as opposed to later on. Stellantis officers have actually seen demand for the Hemi Ram explode, so they’ll likely intend to capitalize on that with various other locations of the business. Expect an official news prior to completion of the year.

EPA Regulations Impact

With the Trump management removing basically all EPA regulation and enforcement, automakers currently have unlimited freedom to go back to gas-guzzling engines without fear of being penalized. Dodge’s sis brand Ram has actually currently taken that action, announcing the Hemi’s return to the 1500 pickup.

Flexibility in Powertrain

“That’s the appeal of this platform,” McAlear included. “Some can state we’re fortunate, some can state we’re wise. We did not commit to one innovation, one powertrain. A great deal entered into this system from the starting to be able to advance in time and flex with customer demand and changes in governing [plan]”.

While McAlear didn’t outright validate rumors of the V-8’s return to the Charger, it was greatly suggested. When asked during a press conference whether a Hellcat V-8 would fit in the engine bay, McAlear merely replied, “Do not be amazed if it would certainly fit.”

“With the adjustment in the management, it’s clear that we’re absolutely flexing into ICE manufacturing now,” McAlear said. “Yet we are not bowing out the power, the efficiency, and the excitement that battery electric offers.”.

The statement stands for a change in messaging from Dodge. A rep for the brand name previously informed Jalopnik in 2024 that the Hemi might not healthy inside the engine bay. As it ends up, that had not been entirely accurate.