I have a serious question for the Brotherhood of Muscle. Specifically, are you willing to pay $60,000 for a base model 2027 Dodge Charger 392 Hemi? By this time next year, that question will likely become a reality. Recently, we saw the pricing for the 2027 model year Dodge Charger Daytona skyrocket. In fact, the price jumped by $12,000 in just one model year. Consequently, everyone is wondering why Dodge would increase the price on a car that people are not buying. However, I have found the answer. This massive price hike is not just corporate greed. Instead, it is a strategic move to prepare for the return of the Hemi V8.
Currently, the factory is building the 2026 models right now in December. Meanwhile, the 2027 model year pricing indicates a major shift. Specifically, the $12,000 increase creates necessary “breathing room” in the lineup. Without this increase, the pricing structure for a combustion engine would make no sense. Therefore, Dodge is manipulating the EV pricing to slot in the car you actually want. That car is the 2027 Dodge Charger 392 Hemi all-wheel drive.
The Sales Data Demands a V8 Return
Dealers are desperate for a win. Currently, I do not see the Dodge Charger Six-Pack selling well. Previously, I have driven the Daytona Scat Pack and the 550-horsepower Six-Pack inline-six. Although those are decent cars, the majority of buyers simply do not want those engine options. Above all, they want a Hemi, and they want it fast. For example, Tim Kuniskis always talked about Hellcats, Redeyes, and Demons. However, those top-tier engines sold the lower-end cars like the SXT and GT. Effectively, the Hemi created a halo effect for the entire brand.
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Unfortunately, that halo is gone. Since the Charger Six-Pack went on sale in August, we have seen zero articles about record sales. In contrast, Ram achieved record sales this year. Plainly, nothing with a Hurricane engine is breaking records. As a result, dealers need a “gold mine” to get back into the profit game. Consequently, they will likely mark up the incoming Hemi cars by tens of thousands of dollars. Eventually, these dealers will view the 2027 Dodge Charger 392 Hemi as their savior.
Evidence from the “Hustle Stuff” Drag Pack
Furthermore, we have physical proof that Dodge planned this pivot. Originally, Dodge announced that the Drag Pack would be a Hurricane inline-six car. In fact, they even brought an inline-six version to Roadkill Nights previously. Sadly, that car sounded ridiculous, and enthusiasts widely mocked it. Then, they surprised everyone this year by putting a 354 Supercharged Hemi V8 back into the car. Logically, buyers spending over $200,000 for a race car do not want an inline-six. Therefore, Dodge had to pivot.
Significantly, Dodge spent real development money to engineer that Hemi into the new chassis. They did not spend that cash just to sell 50 race cars. Instead, it proves they have already completed the necessary hardware development. Essentially, they have everything they need to put the Hemi V8 back into the street-legal Dodge Charger. Additionally, the government is rolling back emissions regulations. As a result, Dodge now has the time to get these engines certified for the 2027 model year.
The “Breathing Room” Pricing Strategy
Now, let’s look at the math behind the $60,000 price tag. Previously, rumors suggested the Charger First Edition would cost $82,000. Naturally, that price point failed to attract buyers. Subsequently, Dodge slashed the price to around $59,000. Yet, just four months later, they increased it back up by $12,000. This fluctuation seems chaotic, but it serves a purpose. Specifically, raising the Daytona’s price makes room for a 392 Hemi below it.
Currently, a base model Charger Six-Pack Scat Pack costs about $55,000. Typically, customers will pay a premium for the V8 option. Therefore, you can expect a slight markup over the inline-six price. For instance, a 2026 version might land around $58,000. Then, for the 2027 model year, Dodge will likely add another $1,000 for inflation. Ultimately, this leads us to a base price of exactly $60,000 for a two-door Scat Pack 392. If you want the four-door version, you should expect to pay around $62,000. This pricing places the Scat Pack in serious performance territory.
Predicting the Full Hemi Lineup Costs
Beyond the Scat Pack, we can predict the rest of the lineup. First, there is the 5.7L Hemi. Historically, the 5.7L engine is cheaper to produce than the complex Hurricane inline-six. Consequently, I predict we will see a 5.7L Hemi Charger in the mid-$50,000 range. This entry-level V8 will satisfy the high-volume buyers. Meanwhile, the 392 occupies the $60,000 slot. Finally, we must address the king of the hill.
Would you pay $80,000 for a Hellcat? If the Daytona EV costs $72,000, the Hellcat must cost more. Therefore, I predict the all-wheel-drive Dodge Charger Hellcat will cost between $75,000 and $80,000. Surprisingly, this is similar to what the Redeye cost just a few years ago. Essentially, the expensive Daytona EV exists to make these high prices look normal. Dodge is using the EV to justify the cost of the combustion cars.
Timeline for the V8 Return
So, when will we see these cars? I am predicting an official reveal at Roadkill Nights in 2026. Historically, this event is crucial for Dodge performance announcements. For example, they have used it for major reveals in the past. Consequently, I plan to be there in person. I believe Dodge will introduce the Hemi cars right there on Woodward Avenue. Following that reveal, production would likely begin late in the year for the 2027 model rollout.
Personally, I would pay the $80,000 for the Hellcat. To me, the Six-Pack with 550 horsepower feels incomplete. Frankly, it feels like it needs more soul. Once they add the horsepower and the sound of a V8, this could be the best Mopar ever made. Ultimately, Dodge is going to throw everything at the wall. We will likely see a 5.7, a 392, and a Hellcat. Perhaps, in the future, we might even see a 426 Hemi Demon. Until then, we have to start saving our money for that $60,000 sticker price.
