Just when we thought the days of rumbling HEMI V8s were gone for good & trying to settle down from the sadness of it, Dodge has decided to bring them back for the 2026 Charger. A company which is all serious towards the electrification of its line-up, this move will have a smile on the faces and exhilaration in the hearts of those who long for the rumbling sound and feel of a true V8.
Why Dodge is Resurrecting the V8
For the last few years, Dodge has been steering hard into electrification with the launch of the Charger Daytona EVs, silent but powerful, offering up to 670 horsepower. Despite the impressive specs, the electric Chargers haven’t truly captured the hearts of die-hard muscle car fans or at least it feels that way. As the Reports suggest dealerships have struggled to move the Daytona models, with unsold cars piling up.
Bringing back the HEMI V8 isn’t just about nostalgia, though, it’s a response to the market. The shift to EVs in the U.S. has been slower than expected, and with some environmental regulations loosening, there’s now room for Dodge to keep its core fans happy. Add to that a leadership shake-up at Stellantis, Dodge’s parent company, and suddenly the idea of a roaring V8 doesn’t seem so out of place. In a recent interview with ‘The Drive’ Dodge CEO Matt McAlear even noted that V8s are no longer a “bad word” at the company, a sentiment that would’ve sounded out of touch just a couple of years ago (source).
The V8 Lives Again
Production of the 5.7-liter, 6.4-liter, and the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8s is set to kick off in August 2025 at the Dundee Engine Plant in Michigan. This is a big deal because the plant had been repurposed to make the Hurricane I6 engines, twin-turbocharged, efficient, and capable of up to 550 horsepower. Impressive, sure, but there’s just something special about a HEMI V8’s raw, unapologetic sound.
Dodge plans to drop these revived V8s into a redesigned Charger lineup slated for late 2026, and fans are already buzzing. While the Hurricane I6-powered Charger Sixpack will be the first to arrive in the summer of 2025, as reported by the ‘Mopar Insiders’ the return of a HEMI-powered Charger is what’s really fanning the curiosity.
HEMI V8 is set to Return, Why It Matters
This decision to bring back the HEMI V8 feels like Dodge is embracing a dual identity. Dodge, very well knows electrification is the future, but it also recognizes that a big part of its audience isn’t ready to let go of what makes a Dodge a Dodge, raw, loud, tire-shredding power. It’s a promise to those who love the visceral experience of driving a car that makes itself known before you even see it.
How Long Can a Dodge Charger V8 Really Last?
Now for those of you not much in the know of Dodge Charger V8’s, they aren’t just built for sound or speed, they built to last. Several reports and customer feedback online suggested these cars can easily hit 100,000 miles with regular maintenance, and some dedicated owners have pushed them past 250,000 miles without any major problems. Those HEMI V8 engines—whether it’s the 5.7L, 6.4L, or the supercharged 6.2L Hellcat, are tough and made to handle serious power.
Of course, it’s not just about what’s under the hood. Routine oil changes, proper maintenance, and not treating every drive like a race can help your Charger V8 last for years. It’s pretty impressive that a car known for burning rubber can also stick around for the long haul if you show it some care.
What’s Next?
Bringing back the V8 might be a gamble, but it’s a calculated one. Dodge knows its fan base, and it knows that the HEMI V8 isn’t just an engine, it’s a part of its identity. As the 2026 Chargers start rolling out, it will be interesting to see how the market reacts, however, i can feel that it is going to be in favor with fervor.
For now, it’s nice to know that the unmistakable rumble of a V8 will still echo on the streets, reminding us that not all muscle cars have to be silent.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most accurate, latest updates or specific model configurations. Always consult official website/sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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