THE BREAKDOWN:
- If a Dodge Charger V8 returns, it could be a Hellcat model.
- A Hellcat-powered Charger 'makes sense' to Tim Kuniskis, the head of Stellantis’ American brands.
- Stellantis has been hinting at a new Charger V8 for months.
Dodge could be on the verge of launching a V8-powered Charger. At least, we hope. If and when it does show up, it might not have the standard 5.7-liter Hemi. Instead, it could return specifically with the Hellcat engine.
According to CEO Tim Kuniskis, that’s the only way the V8’s return "makes sense" for the Charger. The head of Stellantis’ American brands told Motor Trend at the Detroit Auto Show:
'If you were to put a V8 in the car you would probably go to Hellcat instead of 5.7.'
That said, the V8's return in the Charger still isn't a given. In the same interview, Kuniskis said he was concerned that they might overwhelm dealers with too many trims and powertrains, worrying that the number of options would force them to pick and choose which ones to sell.
Stellantis has been hinting at a new Charger V8 for months. In August, Dodge CEO Matt McAlear said, “Don’t be surprised if it [a V8] would fit.” In October, the automaker announced a $13 billion investment in domestic manufacturing, including updated powertrains.
The new Charger currently packs a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine. It produces 420 or 550 horsepower, depending on the tune. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that powered the previous-generation Charger produced 370 hp. The Ram’s Hemi, a mild hybrid, makes 395 hp.
Motor1’s Take: For as much as we would love to have a variety of V8s back in the new Charger, Stellantis has already invested billions into the Hurricane powertrain, and we doubt it’ll dump those. A high-powered and high-priced Hellcat makes the most financial sense if the brand is going to redevelop a V8 for the Charger's new platform.
Source: Motor Trend
