Dodge hints at HEMI return in Charger

Dodge hints at reviving the HEMI V8 in the Charger as the brand touts a flexible multi powertrain platform.

Dodge Signals HEMI Return in New Charger

At a media preview for the 2026 Charger SIXPACK, Dodge CEO Matt McAlear hinted that a supercharged 6.2 liter HEMI HELLCAT V8 could fit under the Charger hood. Enthusiasts have long said the new platform misses the big V8 of earlier generations. The Charger Daytona released in 2024 used a mix of engines, but McAlear's remarks suggest the platform may be more versatile than fans thought.

HEMI could return because the STLA Large architecture supports electric, hybrid, and internal combustion powertrains. McAlear said the platform was built to evolve with consumer demand and changes in policy. He cited the Ram pickup's HEMI return as an example of Dodge adjusting its move toward power. He stressed that while electrification remains part of the plan, the company will keep options open to deliver performance.

Dodge is balancing a popular claim with a necessary risk. Pushing an ICE option in the same lineup that features a Daytona EV style model can confuse buyers, but it also signals a broader engineering strategy. The STLA Large platform is designed to support multiple powertrain options, which could reduce ramp up costs and keep Dodge flexible as rules shift.

The move will test the brand identity of a company known for muscular gas engines and its push toward electric cars. If fans see the HEMI as essential to the Charger, Dodge bets that enthusiasts will accept a mixed portfolio that still promises performance. The real test will be in how the market and regulators respond to this hybrid approach.

Highlights

The road ahead for Dodge will test whether buyers value adaptability as much as raw speed.