Strong Proof The Dodge Charger V8 Is Probably Happening
After a short-lived electrification push under former CEO Carlos Tavares, Stellantis is once again embracing its American brand's gasoline roots, with a new report suggesting a new V8 car could be just around the corner.
Key Points
- Stellantis will double its U.S. manufacturing investment to $10 billion, supporting Dodge, Jeep, and Chrysler.
- The expansion could lead to a new V-8-powered Dodge muscle car, according to Bloomberg.
- Dodge’s shift away from EVs follows the cancellation of the 900-hp Charger Banshee and renewed focus on gas and hybrid performance.
According to Bloomberg, Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa is preparing to announce a massive U.S. manufacturing investment later this week, doubling the automaker’s original $5 billion commitment made earlier this year, to $10 billion.
The new cash injection will be directed toward revitalizing production for the Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep brands, with plans to reopen shuttered plants in Illinois and Michigan, create new jobs, and develop next-generation models—including a new V8-powered Dodge muscle car.
This rumor has been running around for months now—where there's smoke, there's usually fire, right? While Stellantis has yet to confirm any specific model plans, the report, citing people familiar with the situation, notes that the new funding “could result in a new Dodge V8 muscle car.”
The automaker recently shelved the all-electric Charger Banshee, a 900-horsepower EV that was meant to spearhead Dodge’s electric transition and crown the model's performance hierarchy. This now leaves room for Dodge to drop a Hellcat or a plain-jane Hemi V8 into the Charger's engine bay.
When asked in August if a V8 would physically fit under the new Charger’s hood, Dodge CEO Matt McAlear teased, “Don’t be surprised if it would fit.”
On the combustion front, the Charger uses Stellantis’ twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine in two flavors—the Scat Pack, rated at 550 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque, and the R/T offering 420 hp and 468 lb-ft.
With demand for performance cars still strong and electric vehicle sales cooling industry-wide, a return to V8 power could help rekindle Dodge’s performance identity and strengthen Stellantis’ U.S. presence. Dodge doesn't have to look far for a proof of concept; the Durango SUV recently became a V8-only model to much fanfare.
Sister brand, Ram, dropped a Hemi V8 into the full-size 1500 pickup, and early deliveries of the revived Hemi-powered pickup are turning over on dealer lots in just five days on average. Ram retail sales are up 26 percent year-over-year, while 1500 sales alone climbed 10 percent.
For now, the company isn’t commenting on future product details, but it's pretty clear where this is all heading.
Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.
An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
More by Michael Accardi
Comments
Join the conversation
About time....what the hell were they thinking in the first place replacing V6/8 models with an EV that no one wanted. Read your customer base!
Amazing all the about faces going on in the US auto industry after the riddance of the Biden/Harris regime. lol + It's a good thing too.