Dodge Charger Hustle Stuff Drag Pak Unveiled: HEMI V8 Returns for NHRA Racing (50 Units Only)

Powered Dodge Charger Lives—The HEMI-But There’s a Catch

The word HEMI is practically synonymous with the Dodge Charger, which is why the automaker has brought it back—but only for a select few. Dodge has unveiled the Charger Hustle Stuff Drag Pak, confirming the V8 engine has been reunited with the Charger, but this model is an extremely limited-run, purpose-built NHRA drag car. This limited availability means enthusiasts will need to rely on the potent new Hurricane inline-six or electric powertrains for their road cars, though the return of the HEMI does provide a glimmer of hope for a future V8 Charger in showrooms.

Order Is Restored… Sort Of: The Charger Hustle Stuff Drag Pak

Dodge is reviving the HEMI legacy with an asterisk. The Charger Hustle Stuff Drag Pak, developed by Direct Connection, features a V8 engine under the hood, but it comes with a major catch:

• The Catch: Only 50 examples of the Charger Hustle Stuff Drag Pak will be made.
• Purpose-Built: These cars are engineered specifically for “grassroots NHRA Sportsman drag racers” and are approved for the highly competitive Factory Stock Showdown class.
• Engine Specs: While Dodge hasn’t confirmed the exact HEMI V8 engine capacity or horsepower for this model, the name itself carries significant weight. The drag-spec engine is anticipated to make substantial power, potentially exceeding the outputs of the current street-legal options:
  • Hurricane Inline-Six: Tops out at 550 hp.
  • Electric Charger Daytona: Tops out at 670 hp.

A Glimmer of Hope for a Road-Going V8 Charger

The move to reinstate the HEMI in even a limited-run capacity suggests that Dodge is listening to purist demand.

• Road Car Dilemma: The redesigned Charger for consumers comes “only” with the Hurricane inline-six or pure electric power. While these powertrains are potent, enthusiasts feel a Charger without a V8 is denying a “birthright”.
• Symbolism: The existence of the Charger Hustle Stuff Drag Pak keeps the HEMI legacy active within the Charger lineage, preventing the V8 from completely fading away.
• Future Speculation: This limited model provides a “glimmer of hope for those crossing their fingers for a more ‘pedestrian’ V8 Charger” in the future.

Final Thoughts

The Charger Hustle Stuff Drag Pak is a thrilling nod to Dodge’s muscle car heritage, cementing the V8’s place in the brand’s performance ceiling. While the 50-unit run means it will remain an exclusive track weapon and out of reach for the average buyer, it is a statement that the HEMI is not dead. For road-car enthusiasts, the question remains: will Dodge eventually introduce a higher-volume, V8-powered variant—perhaps under a name like Hellcat—to restore the balance of power and performance in its consumer showrooms?

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