Dodge Charger Hellcat Is Allegedly Already Deep In Development

According to new reports, Dodge has started development work on a Hellcat-powered version of the current-generation Charger.

Unnamed sources told Mopar Insiders that the project is already underway, though still in the nascent stages. If the program stays on track, the high-performance SRT Hellcat model could debut for the 2028 model year with the Charger’s mid-cycle refresh—likely placing its debut sometime in the second half of 2027.

The current Charger lineup relies on Stellantis’ twin-turbocharged Hurricane inline-six engine rather than the V8s that defined just about every Dodge Charger in existence—except for those weird '80s versions no one should ever love.

While the inline-six powertrain produces quality jam—up to 550 horsepower in Sixpack configuration—it hasn’t fully satisfied buyers who will forever associate the Charger name with the character of a large-displacement V8.

Tim Kuniskis, who now serves as Stellantis' Head of American Brands, North America Marketing and Retail Strategy, already suggested that neither the 5.7-liter Hemi nor the 6.4-liter version makes sense for the new Charger. Both engines fall short of the Hurricane's output, and it would cause absolute chaos for dealers from a marketing and inventory standpoint.

For context, the outgoing 5.7-liter Hemi-powered Charger made 370 horsepower, while the mild-hybrid Hemi used in the current Ram 1500 produces 395, and the 6.4-liter V8 offered in the Dodge Durango 392 offers 475 ponies. From a pure numbers standpoint, the Hurricane already clears the old V8s comfortably.

That leaves the Hellcat engine as the only viable candidate. The supercharged 6.2-liter V8 is capable of pushing out almost 800 horsepower. A return of that powertrain—or a revised version of it—would give Dodge a real weapon in the muscle car arms race. A Hellcat SRT Charger's only real rival would be the Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC, which is expected to offer well over 700 horsepower from its 5.2L supercharged V8.

AutoGuide's Take:

SRT Charger Hellcat models will definitely command significant premiums over the $50,000 ask for the 420-horsepower standard output R/T version, and the $5,000 premium required to get the 550-horsepower high output Scat Pack version. A Hellcat application would likely approach six-figure territory depending on equipment and output.

The inline-six Chargers are only offered in all-wheel drive, so adding the Hellcat engine could be a great opportunity to offer a pure rear-wheel-drive version, especially in coupe form. The next question on everyone's mind will be if Dodge plans to reintroduce the Tremec TR-6060 behind the Hellcat. The old LX Challenge Hellcats offered an available manual in the final year of production

For now, the project remains unofficial, with Dodge only winking and nodding when asked if a V8 Charger is in development.

Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.