Dodge V8 Muscle Car Could Return to Reignite Rivalry with Ford Mustang
The roaring V8 muscle car from Dodge might be making a thunderous comeback, according to a new report from Bloomberg. With the previous-generation Dodge Charger and Challenger now gone, and the Chevy Camaro exiting the scene, Ford’s V8-powered Mustangs (the GT and Dark Horse) are currently left without a direct domestic rival. This could change soon, as Stellantis signals a significant shift away from its rapid electrification pace, potentially bringing back the beloved Hemi V8 to battle the Blue Oval once more.
Stellantis Reevaluates Electrification Pace, Hints at V8 Revival
Stellantis appears to be recalibrating its strategy regarding electrification, opening the door for a potential return of the V8 in Dodge muscle cars.
- Significant Investment: Bloomberg reports that Stellantis is preparing to announce a substantial expansion of its manufacturing investment in the U.S., totaling $10 billion over the next few years—double its original planned investment. This funding will support plant reopenings and new hires, benefiting brands like Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep.
- New V8 Muscle Car Potential: For enthusiasts, the most exciting implication of this investment is the potential development of a new Dodge muscle car powered by a V8 engine.
- Shifting Priorities: This potential V8 revival comes shortly after reports that the Charger Daytona SRT Banshee, an all-electric model, has been shelved. This suggests a broader strategic pivot by Stellantis to re-emphasize V8 power amid a slower-than-expected pace of electrification.
- Expanded V8 Availability: Stellantis has already demonstrated this shift by bringing back Hemi-powered 1500 pickups for Ram and transitioning the entire Dodge Durango lineup to V8-only power, a move that has reportedly already boosted sales for the SUV. Conversely, Jeep recently canceled the Gladiator 4xe plug-in hybrid, further underscoring the shift away from rapid electrification.
The Hurricane vs. Hemi: More Than Just Power
While Dodge offers powerful alternatives, many enthusiasts crave the distinct character of a V8.
- Hurricane Inline-Six: For those seeking gasoline power in the new Charger, the Charger SixPack utilizes the Hurricane twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine. This engine, capable of up to 550 horsepower in the Charger Scat Pack, delivers impressive performance, launching to 60 mph in under four seconds and completing the quarter-mile in 12.2 seconds. The electric Charger Daytona is even quicker.
- The Hemi’s Unique Personality: However, neither the potent Hurricane inline-six nor the electric models fully replicate the visceral experience of an old-school Hemi V8. The previous model’s V8, even the 375-hp version, produced a brawny, immensely satisfying exhaust note that was appreciated at all speeds, a crucial element of the muscle car identity.
A Return to Glory for Dodge Muscle?
While Stellantis has yet to officially confirm the return of a V8-powered Dodge muscle car, the indicators are increasingly strong.
- Boosting Sales: Such a move would almost certainly provide a significant boost to the new Charger, which has reportedly experienced poor sales in its initial electric guise.
- Reviving the Rivalry: The return of a V8 Dodge muscle car would rekindle one of America’s most thrilling automotive rivalries, providing a much-needed challenger to Ford’s currently unrivaled Mustang GT and Dark Horse. This “post-electrification pause” could see the muscle car segment return to its roots, much to the delight of purists and performance enthusiasts.
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