Dodge to bring back American muscle with HEMI V8?

Dodge is clearly moving towards electrification with the introduction of the all-electric Charger, but it looks like the brand is still exploring different options to balance performance and efficiency while keeping its brand identity.

Their CEO Matt McAlear had an interview with The Drive and he had some interesting things to say in the possibility of the return of Dodge’s iconic HEMI V8. When asked if the all-new Charger’s platform can fit a V8 and if Dodge is going to do it, the CEO did not directly respond with a no. Instead, here’s what he said:

“If you look back across the last generation, you go through the engines between the Charger and the Challenger and the Magnum. We started out with a 3.5L V6, 6.1L V8, then a 3.6L V6, 5.7L V8, 6.4L, 6.2L, 6.2L Demon, 6.2L Redeye, 6.2L Demon 170. You know, how many different powertrains, RWD and AWD, did we have on those engines? This is a multi-energy platform that can accommodate all of that. This is just the first year, and you’ve got four powertrains that outperform every one that they’re replacing, with standard AWD? We’re just getting started. We’re going to have a lot of fun.”

Dodge’s parent company Stellantis had quite a turbulent year with falling sales. Now with the departure of Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, McAlear even said “with the change in leadership, you know, V8s are no longer a bad word around the company”.

Another thing that makes us optimistic is that according to Mopar Insiders, a reliable source confirmed that Stellantis is looking to relaunch production of the 5.7-liter HEMI. On top of that, the iconic V8 could even move its assembly from Mexico to Dodge’s engine plant in Dundee, Michigan.

However, even if Dodge would officially green light the return of the HEMI V8, that does not exactly mean we’ll immediately see it in the next Charger. Developing a new powertrain or reintroducing an existing one will require extensive engineering, testing, and emissions compliance, as well as the adaptation of the electronic components to use the V8.

One thing is for sure though, says McAlear. Dodge will remain focused on pushing the envelope for performance regardless of powertrain type. With a new political shift impacting long-term strategies for American car manufacturers, this is Dodge’s way of saying they are keeping their options open.