Rumors and speculation are swirling about the return of the HEMI V-8, but even if it does, the chances of it ending up in the new Dodge Charger are slim to none, according to Jalopnik. Following the resignation of Carlos Tavares, Mopar fans saw a glimmer of hope. According to some reports, the death of the HEMI was supposedly one of Tavares’ main goals as Stellantis’ CEO, and he’s pretty much succeeded. It’s led to a major uproar in the performance car and Mopar communities, as the HEMI V-8 is one of the brand’s most iconic signatures.
But now that Tavares is out of Stellantis’ picture, Mopar fans are crossing their fingers and toes. There is a chance that the HEMI could come back, not only because Tavares is gone, but also because some are hoping that the incoming Trump Administration may roll back future emissions and fuel economy mandates. Such changes in policy could create a more favorable future for more internal combustion engines.
Don’t Get Your Hopes Up For A HEMI-Powered Eight-Gen Charger
Jalopnik’s Andy Kalmowitz spoke with an anonymous senior engineer at Dodge, who sadly disclosed that it would be almost impossible to fit a HEMI into the new Charger. The reason comes down to the fact that the STLA-Large platform underpinning the new model wasn’t simply engineered with the HEMI V-8 in mind. The structure of the car can’t accommodate an engine of its size and would require significant reengineering of the car, specifically at the front cradle and firewall sections.
Additionally, because the automaker is so invested in the STLA platform at this point, it would completely negate all of its efforts at making a “muscle car for the future.” The STLA platform’s mission is to allow for more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly automobiles. Thus, it was designed with smaller engines in mind, such as the company’s latest Hurricane 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six.
This is besides the fact that even if Dodge did make the impossible happen, and made another Hellcat Redeye version out of the new Charger, the Charger Daytona Scat Pack would likely still beat it in a drag race. But while the chance of a HEMI-powered eighth-gen Charger is unlikely, it’s still going to come with internal combustion power in the near future.
“Dodge is focused on launching the all-new, all-new electric Dodge Charger Daytona models, as well as the Dodge Charger SIXPACK ICE-option models coming next year. We have nothing additional to share in regard to potential future product,”
a Dodge spokesperson told Jalopnik.
You Can Still Get A HEMI, But Only In Some Remaining Previous Generation Models
Given that Stellantis ultimately had the goal of ending production of the current HEMI V-8, it’s still available in some lingering models. For instance, one can still get the V-8 in a Dodge Durango and a Ram 1500 TRX or HD model, or a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392. But aside from the Durango, you’ll have to pony up some serious cash for either the Ram 1500 TRX or the Wrangler Rubicon 392.
And while a HEMI in the new Charger is unlikely, the possibility of its return is still on the table. Given the impending political situation, the future and fates of electric and internal combustion propulsion are still completely unknown.
Source: Jalopnik
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