V8 Dodge Charger Comeback: CEO Hints HEMI Could Return to Battle Ford

The V8 Dodge Charger Could Be Making a Comeback — Here’s What We Know So Far

A V8 Dodge Charger seemed like an impossibility just a year ago, but after a lukewarm reception to the all-electric Charger Daytona, Dodge is hinting at a potential return to its HEMI roots. For the past year, Dodge has been on a mission to sell enthusiasts on its electric future, but the battery-powered muscle car hasn’t fully captured the hearts of traditionalists. Now, new leadership at Stellantis appears more open to internal combustion, and Dodge CEO Matt McAlear has fanned the flames, suggesting a V8 Dodge Charger is not just possible, but perhaps even logical.

Why a V8 Comeback Makes Sense

Dodge’s muscle car identity has always been defined by its powerful engines. The brand’s attempt to transition fans to electric power with the Charger Daytona (delivering up to 670 horsepower) has met mixed results, as it lacks the signature rumble and character that made the old Hellcats and Scat Packs special.

Now that Stellantis’ new CEO is reportedly loosening restrictions on its brands, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram have more freedom to shape their own futures. Ram has 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 STLA Large platform, McAlear didn’t mince words: “Don’t be surprised if it would fit.” This comment, coupled with Dodge’s renewed focus on internal combustion, has fans buzzing.

What’s Under the Hood?

The most likely candidate for a new V8 Dodge Charger is the 5.7-liter HEMI V8, which has already been freshly adapted to the STLA Large platform for the Ram 1500.

• Engine: 5.7-liter HEMI V8
• Power (in Ram 1500): 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque

By comparison, the new Charger R/T Sixpack (using the Hurricane inline-six) produces 420 hp. This means a naturally aspirated 5.7-liter V8 Dodge Charger might not be the fastest model in the lineup, but it would almost certainly be the “most visceral.” As for the supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V8, that remains a stretch, but Dodge hasn’t ruled it out.

Cost and Timeline

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.

While there is no official confirmation or timeline for a V8 Dodge Charger, CEO Matt 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.

Final Thoughts

Given the momentum behind Ram’s HEMI revival and Dodge’s growing acknowledgment of customer demand, a V8 Dodge Charger feels almost 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.

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