My voice is gone, and I have been fighting the flu for days. However, the current automotive news is simply too important to ignore. Specifically, a recent Car and Driver report set the community on fire regarding the 2027 Dodge Charger Hellcat. My DM inbox is currently exploding with messages from you guys. Everyone is asking if this is real. Therefore, I am powering through to explain exactly what is happening with Dodge. We need to discuss the V8 engine and the future of muscle cars.
The headline that grabbed everyone’s attention is undeniable. Car and Driver released an article titled “The 2027 Dodge Charger Hellcat V8 Is a Return to Form Worth Waiting For.” Consequently, many enthusiasts immediately assumed the car is official. In addition, fellow YouTuber TK released a video claiming the car is leaked. He states it will arrive with 777 horsepower. TK usually relies on solid inside sources, so I trust his information. However, the real story involves Car and Driver. Why would a major publication run this story at all?
Why Car and Driver’s Report Matters
Big publications operate differently than independent creators. For example, manufacturers often hold Car and Driver to strict embargos. They get access to information early. However, they must sign agreements promising silence until a specific date. In contrast, YouTubers like myself, TK, and Butter often lack these restrictions. We are only restricted if we attend specific events. For instance, organizers held us to an embargo at the Tail of the Dragon event. We could not launch videos until Friday, despite arriving earlier in the week. That was fair. It gave everyone a chance to release content simultaneously.
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However, when we do not sign agreements, we can report on leaks freely. Car and Driver does not have that luxury. Perhaps they know the 2027 Dodge Charger Hellcat is coming via official briefings. If so, they cannot legally confirm it yet. As a result, they publish a “What If” or “Hypothetical” article. This allows them to maintain credibility without breaking contracts. In my opinion, they would not get this deep into details without facts. They worry about their reputation. Therefore, publishing a story with zero truth is a huge risk. They specifically named the 2027 model, which screams confidence.
Sorting Fact from Fiction
We have to be careful with rumors, of course. Recently, a completely fake image circulated online. It claimed a Charger V8 launch was happening on January 9th. TK, Butter, and I all received this image. However, we immediately knew it was false. Someone had manipulated the background dates from the TRX launch to trick people. Consequently, we did not take the bait. TK even made a video debunking it. Thus, we must filter what is real and what is nonsense.
In this case, however, the Car and Driver report aligns with insider talk. The publication suggests the new Charger will feature familiar engines. This makes perfect sense. Stellantis is already manufacturing these engines in large numbers. For example, they are making the 392 engine for the Durango. Also, they are producing the 5.7L Hemi for Ram trucks. Furthermore, they are putting the 777-horsepower Hellcat engine into the new Ram TRX. As a result, the hardware is already available at the assembly plants.
It is illogical to assume they would keep these engines exclusive to trucks and SUVs. The supply chain is active. Therefore, putting them into the new Charger platform is the next logical step. TK’s video reinforced this. He believes we are absolutely going to see these engines transfer over. Overall, this is a fantastic sign for the muscle car community. We will likely hear an official announcement soon.
Horsepower and Pricing Estimates
The report gets very specific regarding pricing and trims. Indeed, this is another indicator that they have real information. Car and Driver estimates the pricing structure as follows:
- Dodge Charger R/T (5.7L V8): Starting around $53,000.
- Dodge Charger Scat Pack (6.4L V8): Starting around $60,000.
- Dodge Charger Hellcat (Supercharged 6.2L V8): Starting around $80,000.
Personally, I think these prices are low. Car and Driver is being very generous with those estimates. In reality, the price will likely climb significantly after adding essential options. However, consider the lower pricing on the Durango this year. Maybe Dodge is getting aggressive. If they launch these cars at reasonable prices, they will dominate the market. Furthermore, it fits the current strategy we are seeing from leadership.
Regarding power, TK mentions 777 horsepower. I believe we could see multiple output levels. Perhaps we will get an 807-horsepower version. Eventually, we might even see a version with over 1,000 horsepower. TK also discussed the possibility of stage kits. These kits allow owners to upgrade cars directly from the factory. This would be an interesting strategy. However, they must clear emissions regulations in all 50 states first.
The New Mandate: Sell Cars Now
This potential return of the V8 aligns with recent internal shifts at Stellantis. Previously, I shared news about Antonio Filosa having his “handcuffs removed.” The leadership directive is clear: Go sell cars. Executives told the team to set aside strict financial guidance for now. Instead, they must focus purely on moving metal. Consequently, this change in attitude is palpable.
The company is coming off a strong fourth quarter. Mopar Insiders and other channels have covered those numbers in detail. Currently, the team at Dodge is feeling confident. They are excited about the future under this new leadership style. As a result, we might see products coming to market faster than expected. They want to regain their footing. Therefore, bringing back the 2027 Dodge Charger Hellcat is the perfect solution.
Finally, the question turns to you. If this car arrives in late 2026 as a 2027 model, will you buy one? Perhaps you are currently sitting on a Hellcat or a Redeye with 797 horsepower. Would you trade it in? A new model with all-wheel drive and over 800 horsepower is a compelling package. It is getting crazy out there, but in the best way possible.
