New Dodge Charger: A Return to Hemi on the Horizon?

photo by Dodge

The History of the Dodge Charger

The Dodge Charger is one of the icons of American automotive history, with its roots dating back to 1966. The first generation was a true muscle car, featuring a powerful V8 engine and a classic, aggressive design. The model quickly gained popularity both on the streets and in NASCAR races. Over the years, the following generations of the Charger in the 70s and 80s retained the sporty coupe character, but gradually moved away from its original concept.

Changes in the 90s and the Return in a New Form

In the 90s, Dodge discontinued the Charger, replacing it with other models like the Dodge Intrepid. However, in 2005, the Charger made its comeback in a completely new form. This time, it was a four-door sedan that aimed to combine sportiness with practicality.

Revolution: Transition to a Four-Door Body

In 2006, Dodge made a controversial decision to transform the Charger into a four-door sedan. While the model was initially criticized by purists, it turned out to be a massive success. Thanks to powerful HEMI V8 engines and aggressive design, the new Charger won over many fans, with the SRT and Hellcat versions becoming legends among American muscle car enthusiasts. Offered engines ranged from a 3.5-liter V6 to top variants like the 6.1-liter and later the 6.4-liter V8 HEMI, which made the Charger one of the most powerful sedans on the market.

The SRT and Hellcat versions not only offered jaw-dropping performance but also a unique engine sound, which became their trademark.

The Hellcat, equipped with a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 engine, delivered 717 horsepower, while the Redeye variant took it to 797 horsepower. For the most demanding enthusiasts, Dodge created an even more extreme version, the Jailbreak, which reached an incredible 807 horsepower.

These powerful engines, combined with the distinctive exhaust rumble and brutal acceleration, provided the driver with a real adrenaline rush. Pressing the gas pedal in the Hellcat Charger meant an explosion of power, lightning-fast acceleration, and the ability to cover a quarter mile in under 11 seconds. The excitement of driving these models made the Dodge Charger one of the most desirable muscle cars in the world.

New Generation: Two-Door Body and the End of V8

In 2023, Dodge presented the concept Charger in the Daytona SRT version – the first fully electric muscle car from the brand. This time, the model was shown both as a two-door coupe and a four-door variant, paying homage to its classic predecessors while stepping into the new era of electrification. The new EV Charger was supposed to offer up to 670 horsepower.

For fans of HEMI engines, the introduction of a fully electric model was seen as the end of an era. The rumble of the V8, which had been one of the pillars of muscle car identity, was replaced by a synthetic sound generated by the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust system.

The dissatisfaction among Dodge fans was fueled by the fact that the competitor, the Ford Mustang, still offered a gasoline version. For many, the electric evolution of the Charger was a necessity driven by environmental regulations, but it also meant losing a key element that had shaped the character of the model for decades.

Dodge Charger EV: A Sports Spirit in Electric Form?

Dodge tried to ease the mood, emphasizing that the new Charger would still retain its aggressive, sporty character. They introduced innovative technologies aimed not only at improving performance but also at delivering driving excitement comparable to the one provided by the gasoline models.

The electric versions of the Charger feature 400V technology and are equipped with motors on each axle, providing all-wheel drive. The base version of the Dodge Charger Daytona R/T has 456 horsepower. Moreover, the PowerShot feature allows for a temporary boost of 40 horsepower, bringing the total to 496 horsepower. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 4.7 seconds, and the quarter mile can be completed in 13.1 seconds. The top version, the Charger Daytona Scat Pack, offers 630 horsepower and 850 Nm of maximum torque, with the ability to briefly increase the power to 670 horsepower thanks to the PowerShot function. This allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds and cover the quarter mile in 11.5 seconds.

All versions come equipped with a 100.5 kWh battery (net: 93.9 kWh). According to the manufacturer, the range is up to 510 km. Using a fast charger, the battery can be charged from 20% to 80% in about 28 minutes.

Will the V8 Charger Return? There’s Hope!

In recent weeks, reports have suggested that Dodge has not yet said the final word on V8 engines. In an interview with "The Drive," the brand’s owner, Matt McAlear, revealed that various powertrain options are still being considered. The SRT model of the new Charger has not yet been presented, which could mean that the brand is preparing something special for fans of traditional gasoline power.

Considering that other Stellantis brands like Ram and Jeep still use this technology, the return of the legendary HEMI under the Charger’s hood seems like a real possibility!

So, could the electric versions be not the end of the legend, but merely a new chapter in the Charger’s history?