Zac Quinn 
Dodge recently unveiled the next-generation Charger, which features electrified performance or inline-six power for those less interested in EVs. Initially, Dodge claimed that there wouldn’t be an internal combustion engine in the future of Dodge’s muscle following the end of production for the 2023 Challenger and Charger. Now, we have an ICE option available. With government regulations backing down on the push towards full EV adoption, along with Ford touting that it makes the only “affordable” V8 sports car in the world with the Mustang, many are wondering if Dodge might consider bringing the Hemi V8 back for the new Charger at some point in the future.
Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis disclosed to invited media during the Charger’s backgrounder event that if the Hemi V8 would return within the new Dodge Charger, and the response was very straightforward.
“We don’t have a V8 in the plan,” he said. This answer was given without hesitation, meaning that the Hemi V8 Dodge muscle cars are officially no longer in the picture. But, if we’re keeping track of things, Kuniskis also told us that the Dodge Demon wasn’t returning back in 2019, only to be pleasantly surprised by the almighty Demon 170 in 2023. So, clearly, things can change. Especially if there’s regulatory rollback. And if those “new Hemi V8” rumors turn out to be true.
Officially, you can still buy a Hemi V8 crate engine for your project vehicles. If you have your sights set on the new Dodge Charger but have zero interest in purchasing the Daytona EV, your only option will be the new Charger Sixpack.
The new Dodge Charger Sixpack will arrive within the first quarter of 2025. It was given its name due to the engine being a 3.0-liter Hurricane six-cylinder engine: six cylinders, six pack (even though the original Six Pack was a V8 with three two-barrel carburetors).
Customers will receive different power figures depending on whether you intend to purchase the car’s two-door or four-door version. The four-door model uses the standard output engine configuration, which produces 420 horsepower. By comparison, the two-door version produces 550 horsepower with the high-output engine, which is a significant increase over the Ford Mustang Dark Horse, which has 500 ponies on offer. That means that, even without a V8, Dodge remains very competitive with the Mustang in terms of power figures. And we’re sure the four-door version will eventually get the High Output Hurricane down the road.
Unfortunately, that means that Dodge could face serious challenges in the coming months by offering a muscle car without a V8 under the hood. However, the new Charger is tailored more for younger consumers and could very well find success.
Just another sordid example of a corporation telling the consumers market what they want ! Witness the cratering of EV sales !After the initial surge of sales by the “gotta have the latest new offering crowd”, I expect Dodge and RAM sales to crater as well ! Chrysler got rich by selling V8 vehicles that roar. Maybe the Hemi can’t be cleaned up to meet emission standards BUT, GM is bringing out a new V8 and FORD is keeping its V8 . With the new Dodge entries pricing approaching Corvette pricing, look out. The S650 Mustang is a serious upgrade, and IF Ford can get a handle on its nagging quality problems, well the future looks bright for the Mustang !
Watch as more car manufactures start bringing out Hydrogen powered engines, which is a simple switch over. Once the refueling process is solved, the EV stepping stone vehicles will die a well deserved death !
While Ford was right to only improve on the Mustang’s winning formula, it also comes with the pricing reality that reflects something I can only describe as horsepower shrinkflation. For what they’re charging for 500 hp in the Dark Horse would have once gotten you a Shelby GT350, or a 650 hp Camaro ZL1. For not much more, a Hellcat. I believe this will squeeze the segment even further. What do you think?
As always in the marketplace the consumers will make their choices ! The buyers will of course buy what appeals to them, not what some seller tries to force upon them. Power plants aside the new Dodge offering styling in one word, sucks !
As a Chrysler or what ever it is named these days, buy out retiree, I fear for my pension. At least Daimler was a real car company offering many different cars from the Smart to the AM high performance lines for years. PSA bought many car companies, quite a difference. The French know the EU market and economy vehicles period. They pushed the fast selling RAM and DODGE lines for fast profits without looking forward, putting as they say putting all their eggs in one basket. FORD and GM avoided this trap by offering economy cars to keep their CAFE averages down.
For years Chrysler didn’t sell and still don’t have any entry level vehicles, ask any salesmen ! I witnessed the same mistake in1979 -80 when Chrysler went bankrupt. My plant the Mound Road engine plant closed. It had been running 7 days a week since opening in 1955 building the 318 and 360 V8 engines. The plant was permanently closed and razed to the ground for tax purposes, becoming just vacant land.