It is indeed a wonderful day for gear heads around the globe, as there is good news! The Dodge Charger is reportedly getting back its Hemi V-8 engine. In February of 2023, Dodge announced that it was killing off the iconic V-8 powerplant that came standard in all Dodge Challengers, Chargers and Demons. The reason for Dodge’s decision to kill the V-8 was mainly because of environmental concerns and to reduce their carbon foot-print. Stellantis, Dodge’s parent automaker, at the time was also committing to electrification of its vehicle line-up across board.
The result of the Stellantis electrification movement, brought about the all-electric Dodge Charger Daytona. Although electric, the Dodge Charger Daytona, has proven that it is just as powerful as its internal combustion engine (ICE)-powered predecessors. The all-electric Charger Daytona also has computerised ‘fake’ gear changes and exhaust sounds which makes driving it a little fun. Nonetheless, the thrill of driving an ICE-powered vehicle with real engine/exhaust sounds is second to none.
According to the reports, Dodge engineers are already working towards reviving the V-8 Charger. However, customers will have to wait until late 2026 for the official launch. The 5.7-liter, 6.4-liter, and supercharged 6.2-liter power plants would all be brought back. More so, Dodge is planning to shove the V-8 into the redesigned electric Charger Daytona, thereby making an ICE-powered variant of the electric car.
The Trump Mobility-focused executive actions are really causing a shift in the electrification movement. This is good news for us gear heads, because it means more ICE-powered vehicles for as long as possible. What are your thoughts on Dodge bringing back the V8 engine? Yay or nay?
