Zac Quinn 
The Hemi V8 engine is a winning formula. It’s cost effective, full of power, and can seemingly take as much forced induction as you’re willing to give it. The people love it. Today’s regulators, on the other hand, hate it. And because Dodge selling cars that customers want, Washington DC is punishing them for it through ever-increasing fines, triggering Malaise Era 2.0. Because if you pay fines, the weather stops being bad, or so we’re told.
Anyway, getting hit in the coin purse is probably why Stellantis has been phasing out the tried-and-true cast-iron V8 Hemi in Jeep and Ram models, as well as discontinuing the Dodge Charger and Challenger muscle cars. Its willing replacement is the Hurricane inline-six turbo. And it’s certainly a match for power, while delivering regulator-appeasing improvements to emissions and fuel economy. However, it hasn’t received the warmest welcome, especially from the Brotherhood of Muscle. After all, the slant-six was a base engine to the Hemi upgrade back in the day. How could a six possibly replace an eight? Well, if the rumors are true, it won’t. At least, not entirely.
Could There Be A Next-Gen Hemi V8?
Yes, Hurricane Inline-6 powered Dodge muscle cars are expected to debut next year, while the Dodge Charger Daytona Banshee promises an all-electric entry. This ‘Banshee’ name will be exclusive to Dodge EVs, as well. However, all of this could be a prelude to something significantly more spectacular, an all-new Hemi V8, which is expected to incorporate some significant modifications that would theoretically improve upon the emissions to make the feds happy.
That means no more superchargers, likely only turbos and hybridization. We’ve seen what a hybrid V8 can do just by looking at the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray, and it’s definitely able to win some hearts and minds. Not only that, but the battery motor whistle gives off a similar sound to a supercharger, which could give some people that beloved audio while accelerating. eFuel, should it become more available, could also be a factor in this upcoming Hemi V8 engine, as Stellantis has already been working on implementing the substance into its vehicles in other markets.
However, because of all of this sophistication, and because it would be a next-generation engine architecture, it’s likely that this rumored future Hemi V8 will come at a significant premium, both in terms of development and manufacturing costs, as well as that getting passed down to the end-user. In other words, don’t expect another $50,000 Scat Pack. Those days are done.
Either way, if the Hemi V8 isn’t dead, this will be huge for the automotive industry, specifically for the Brotherhood of Muscle.
