Dodge CEO Matt McAlear has offered the strongest trace but that the rumours are appropriate: the new-generation Dodge Charger muscle automobile will comply with the Ram 1500 in returning to Hemi V8 energy.
Changing each the earlier V6- and V8-powered Challenger coupe and Charger sedan, the brand new Charger launched as an electrical automobile (EV) in North America in 2024, when Dodge mentioned it might additionally change into obtainable with the identical 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder ‘Hurricane’ petrol engine that now powers the facelifted MY25 Ram 1500 pickup.
Talking at a current preview occasion for the brand new petrol-powered Charger ‘Sixpack’, Mr McAlear made it clear there have been extra powertrains coming for the born-again Charger.
CarExpert can prevent 1000’s on a brand new automobile. Click on right here to get an important deal.
“At this level, we’re right here to speak in regards to the Sixpack,” he mentioned. “And I’m extraordinarily excited for what the workforce has turned out.
“I imply, I believe hopefully you all agree it sounds unimaginable. Once you get behind the automobile or contained in the automobile, it sounds even higher. That is the following era of efficiency, and these powertrains outperform the V8 they exchange,” he mentioned.
“However long-term, there’s extra to return. We’re simply getting began.”
Mr McAlear additionally contradicted the earlier assertion by a Dodge consultant who advised Jalopnik in 2024 that the Hemi V8 couldn’t bodily match within the new Charger’s engine bay.
“I’ll allow you to come up right here and have a look and get your tape measure out,” he advised journalists. “However don’t be stunned if it might match.
“However, you already know, that’s the great thing about this platform. Some might say we’re fortunate, some can say we’re sensible. We didn’t commit to 1 know-how, one powertrain.
“Quite a bit went into this platform from the start to have the ability to evolve over time and flex with shopper demand and modifications in regulatory [policy].”
Dodge has not revealed any plans to drop the Daytona-badged Charger EV, however slowing gross sales compelled the model to fast-track the introduction of the straight-six powered Charger Sixpack.
It was initially due on sale in 2026 however will now arrive in US showrooms within the fourth quarter of this 12 months, carrying a price ticket that’s about US$10,000 decrease than the EV’s.
The earlier Charger and Challenger have been provided with a naturally aspirated 3.6-litre V6, plus atmo 5.7-litre ‘Hemi’ and 6.4-litre ‘Apache’ V8s and the long-lasting ‘Hellcat’ supercharged 6.2-litre V8.
When Ram introduced in June it might return V8 energy to its 1500 pickup within the US, it confirmed the 5.7-litre Hemi can be a no-cost possibility on variants that come commonplace with the high-output model of the Hurricane six. In others, it’s a US$1200 possibility.
US media shops expect an official announcement by the top of this 12 months, earlier than the Charger V8 goes on sale sooner slightly than later as a way to money in on anticipated demand, given the recognition of the born-again Ram 1500 V8.
Mr McAlear made it clear a revived Hemi-powered Charger, which follows the relief of EPA emissions rules and enforcement below US President Donald Trump, wouldn’t come on the expense of the electrical powertrain.
“With the change within the administration, it’s no secret that we’re completely flexing into ICE [internal combustion engine] manufacturing proper now,” he mentioned.
“However we aren’t strolling away from the facility, the efficiency, and the thrill that battery electrical can present.”
The long-running Hemi V8 appeared destined for extinction below former Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, however together with the resurrected SRT efficiency model it’s now anticipated to return not solely entry-level 5.7-litre type but additionally in 6.4-litre ‘Apache’ and supercharged 6.2-litre ‘Hellcat’ guises.
Sadly, nonetheless, the new-generation Dodge Charger is unlikely to change into obtainable in Australia in both EV, straight-six or Hemi V8 varieties – no less than formally – as a result of it’s not produced in right-hand drive.
It can, nonetheless, be offered in markets exterior North America in each electrical and petrol-powered guises, together with Europe and the Center East.