Here's The Problem With Dodge Bringing Back The HEMI V-8

If you are a MOPAR fan, I am sure you know by now that Dodge made the decision to bring back the beloved HEMI V-8 engine – a decision I fully get behind. For some years, the pushrod V-8 was the reason Dodge received $392 million in government fines due to its large carbon footprint.

Luckily, the American company known for its iconic Muscle cars has found a way to go around that, because the HEMI V-8 is back. However, not all is good, as Stellantis spent a good amount creating a more efficient performance engine, which may now be overshadowed by Chrysler and Dodge's signature pushrod V-8. 

 MOPAR insiders recently reported on Stellantis’ plans to resurrect the 5.7-liter pushrod V-8 along with the entire HEMI family. Yes, this includes the 6.2-liter, supercharged, Hellcat engine. The 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 never went away as it Is offered on the 2025 RAM 2500 and 3500 Heady Duty models, alongside a new 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel.  

Dodge is not done with V-8 Muscle cars 

Currently, Ford is the only one of the big three that offers a V-8 Muscle car. Chevrolet discontinued the Camaro but still features V-8 engines in the Corvette, along with a few other full-size SUV models from GM.

At least some people at Dodge expected MOPAR fans to frown upon the EV Charger, but it seems they are making amends. The HEMI V-8 will make it back to Dodge's Muscle car lineup. Under what form, we still don't know. The 5.7-liter V-8 features a mild-hybrid system in its later iterations, as seen in the Jeep Wagoneer. 

The problem 

If the V-8 is coming back to Dodge Muscle cars, this could create problems for Chrysler's new performance engine, the Hurricane inline-six, which is geared to be the American 2JZ. We know this engine will make it to the new Dodge Charger, which is currently on offer, as a pure EV. That said, over the last year, there has been internet chatter about another Dodge V-8 Muscle car. Could it be a new Challenger or will the current Charger also get V-8 variants?  

There are those among the MOPAR community that embrace the new inline-six while dismissing the pushrod V-8 as an ancient design. That said, the majority of Muscle car enthusiasts welcome Dodge's decision to go back to the tried-and-tested V-8.  

If the Charger gets the HEMI in addition to the Hurricane, I suspect the V-8 will outsell the inline-six by a significant margin. That said, Stellantis has made sure its new performance engine will not become redundant. Models like the RAM 1500 and the Jeep Wagoneer (from 2024 onward) feature the Hurricane engine as the only powertrain option and a variety of power levels. You can also buy the Hurricane as a crate engine from Dodge's Direct Connection program, so at least a few of these engines will be in circulation. 

I am curious to hear your thoughts as well as see how this decision on behalf of Stellantis will influence the future of Dodge Muscle cars. While many welcomed the brand's decision to resurrect the pushrod V-8, was Stellantis wrong to develop the Hurricane inline-six?

I am glad manufacturers are returning to the inline-six layout, but as a Muscle car enthusiast, I would want this to be at the expense of one of the most iconic engine types ever made. At the very least, Stellantis will be able to offer something for everyone. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below. 

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.

Image source: Dodge Charger Daytona gallery