Hemi vs Hurricane: Discussing The Future of Mopar Engines
In an era where efficiency is supposed to be driving the narrative, there’s still one irreconcilable factor that refuses to go away: sound.
For many buyers, the visceral response from the sound of a large displacement V8 engine is a huge part of the story. More power and better fuel economy don’t always win in the buyer's mind if the experience behind the wheel is muted. It's the same reason people keep clamoring for manual transmissions even if they're technically 'slower' than automatics and DCTs.
That’s probably why the Hemi conversation keeps resurfacing, as it did recently on the AutoGuide Show Podcast.
On paper, there may be little justification for Dodge to bring it back, except the character of a big-displacement V8—like the automaker's 5.7L and 6.4L Hemi engines—still carries weight with enthusiasts in a way that spec sheets can’t fully replace, even if other engines or propulsion sources make more horsepower.
With the Hellcat all but confirmed for a return under the hood of the Dodge Charger, speculation naturally turns to whether the 392 might follow. Dodge already offers both the 5.7 and the 6.4 under the hood of the Durango; granted, the Durango doesn't offer Stellantis' new twin-turbo Hurricane inline-6 as the Charger does.
While the inline-six powertrain makes 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.
From a business standpoint, adding new [old] V8 options might not make sense.
With multiple body styles, trims, and powertrains already in play, adding another drivetrain could complicate ordering and inventory for dealers, who would then have to decide which combinations to stock and which to pass on. For a brand trying to amortize the cost of an all-new engine problem, that's a bit of a problem.
So where do you land? If given the choice, would you take a heavier, less efficient V8 for the experience, or stick with a modern powertrain that does everything better on paper, but subjectively sounds worse?
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The Germans know how to make it happen. Stellantis doesn’t!
Couple of thoughts. I would love to try the hurricane turbo in my 2002 Jeep TJ although I would be happier if it wasn't a turbo.
I would really like a Hemi V8 that does not have all the bells and whistles that are supposed to give better mileage and then wipe out the savings by breaking down all the time. I just want a Hemi, and yes, it's for the noise!