Offering a V8 will be Dodge’s best option in trying to match the Ford Mustang
9 hours ago
- Dodge could revive the famed Hemi V8 for the Charger after abandoning it previously.
- CEO hints STLA Large platform can accommodate multiple powertrains, including a V8.
- Less strict emissions requirements under the Trump administration are helping Dodge.
Dodge is working hard to get its mojo back after its decision to abandon the popular Hemi V8 backfired spectacularly. After the mistake was realized by the brand’s powers-that-be, the engine already returned to the Ram lineup and, more recently, the Durango. Now, there’s growing speculation that it could find its way into the new Charger in the near future.
Read: Dodge Finally Gives Buyers The Gas Charger They Almost Wanted From $50,000
Rumors have been building that Dodge may bring back a V8-powered Charger, fueled in part by the underwhelming reception to the all-electric Charger Daytona and lukewarm expectations for the upcoming inline-six version.
Late last year, Dodge stated that a V8 wouldn’t fit in the new Charger’s engine bay, but that has done little to stop speculation that engineers are exploring ways to make it happen.
A Hint from the Top
Now, chief executive Matt McAlear has fanned the flames again, hinting at the model’s return. When recently asked if the Hemi V8 would fit into the engine bay of the Charger, he simply stated “Don’t be surprised if it would fit.” According to Motor1 , he credited the flexibility of the new STLA Large architecture.
“That’s the beauty of this platform,” McAlear said. “Some can say we’re lucky, some can say we’re smart. We did not commit to one technology, one powertrain. A lot went into this platform from the beginning to be able to evolve over time and flex with consumer demand and changes in regulatory [policy].”
McAlear added that thanks to Donald Trump returning to the Oval Office, “it’s no secret that we’re absolutely flexing into ICE production right now.”
Which V8 Could Return?
If Dodge does bring back the V8 to the Charger, it’s unclear which of its units would get the go-ahead. Both the 5.7-liter V8 and 6.4-liter Hemis are now available in the Durango, producing 360 hp and 475 hp respectively. The 6.4-liter sounds like the most likely candidate for the Charger given its extra power.
Also: New Charger Sixpack Versus Mustang V8 In A Showdown Of Speed Power And Muscle Pride
Of course, things aren’t that simple. That’s because bringing back the Hemi would create a paradox in the ICE Charger lineup, since the current 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged Hurricane straight-six either surpasses their output or comes very close to it, delivering 420 hp in the R/T and 550 hp in the Scat Pack variant.
Perhaps the ideal solution for Dodge would be to stage the return of the 6.2-liter Hellcat V8. It’s obviously unknown, however, what hurdles engineers would have to surpass as its supercharger could prove too difficult to stuff into the new Charger’s engine bay.
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