Dodge V8 Roars Again

Unveiling the Beast

It seems the folks over at Dodge are stirring up some excitement again with the rumored comeback of the Hemi V8 engine. Recently, a prototype of the internal combustion engine (ICE) version of the new Dodge Charger was spotted, and it’s more than just a visual feast. The real kicker? The unmistakable sound of a V8 engine growling from under the hood.

Spotted in the Wild

This new prototype was reportedly seen cruising the roads in Arizona, sporting Michigan manufacturer plates. What caught everyone’s attention wasn’t just the sleek two-door look or the extended exhaust pipes, but rather the engine’s roars. There are videos floating around claiming to capture the startup sound, and it resembles that classic Hemi V8 thunder rather than Dodge’s inline-six counterpart. If this rings true, the Charger family might just welcome back a V8 option.

Under the Hood

Dodge hasn’t been shy about moving forward with strong engine options for the Charger. The confirmed models will feature the Hurricane 6-cylinder engines with twin-turbocharging, delivering robust performance metrics: 420 horsepower for the standard and a whopping 550 horsepower for the top-tier version. These engines are quite powerful, even standing toe-to-toe with their traditional V8 counterparts like the 5.7 and 6.4-liter Hemi engines. However, they still fall short of the Hellcat’s monstrous 6.2-liter supercharged V8.

The V8 Whisper

Despite the advancements in inline-six technology, the charm of a V8 is hard to overlook. Stellantis, Dodge’s parent company, is revitalizing production of the Hemi V8 in anticipation of future demand. Rumor has it, the new V8 could eventually find its way into the Charger, despite the platform originally being designed for the innovative inline-six. This aligns with consumer demand and the nostalgia of muscle car sounds and performance sensations.

Design Tweaks

The prototype sports some noticeable design elements. Instead of the sleek R-Wing on the electric variant, the ICE Charger dons a classic hood design. It also features the ‘Sixpack’ script proudly displayed. The elongated exhaust pipes might appear peculiar at the moment, but these are part of the testing phase, and one can expect them to be more refined for the final production models.

What It’s Like to Drive

The driving experience of this potential V8 Charger is set to be exhilarating. Imagine the rumble beneath your feet as you hit the gas, reminiscent of classic muscle cars. While the Hurricane inline-six provides an impressive ride, there’s an unmatched thrill with the V8’s torque and linear power delivery. Compared to the electric Charger, this might just tug a bit harder on the heartstrings of car enthusiasts who favor the traditional performance feel.

Production and Market Insights

Market dynamics, including tariffs, have caused some hiccups. Production pauses have been noted, potentially affecting the timeline for the Charger’s release. Nevertheless, Dodge’s keen interest in bridging the gap between EV and ICE models shows a strategy to diversify their offerings and meet consumer expectations, especially those clamoring for the mighty V8.

Image credit: Moparian/Facebook