What if I told you the signs point to a new Hemi Cuda? I have five clear clues. Add them up and the picture forms. It may not wear Cuda as the model name. But a real Cuda appearance package on a Charger? With the right engine? That feels close.
Clue 1: Cuda trademarks are active
Dodge has two plays in motion. One filing covers concept vehicles with the Cuda name. Another live filing allows a Cuda appearance package on production cars. That means the window sticker would show “Cuda” in the options list, not the trim. Think how TRX “Ignition Edition” lived in the options area but not as the name of the vehicle. Same idea here. And yes, I’d take that deal. Call it a Charger on paper. Give me the Cuda package in the box. Badges, stripes, and the right hood. We’re set.
Clue 2: The Charger info portal Easter eggs
Dodge built a portal to push Charger EV specs. They hid hints all over the portal. A Viper shows up. Old Chargers lurk. Most telling is a fish logo on the wall. What Mopar fish do we know? Barracuda. Cuda. That tease was not an accident.
Clue 3: The covered Charger with the hood bulge
We all saw the tarp shot. The square nose says Charger. The big center bulge says something else. Shaker? Tall scoop? Either way, it screams vintage muscle. If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck… it isn’t a mongoose. You get the point.
Clue 4: The Sixpack concept borrows Cuda DNA
Look at the Charger Sixpack concept. The black hood, the stripe layout, the signature scoop, and the tall rear wing. Those cues mirror the 1970 AAR ’Cuda vibe, right down to the stance and color story.
All this sets the table for a Cuda appearance package next year. Lock it to SRT trims to keep it special. Picture an SRT 392 or SRT Hellcat with a Cuda box you can check. I’m in.
Clue 5: The engines to make it real
To wear the name with pride, it needs the right heart. Two paths fit.
Path A: revive the 426 Hemi based on the 392. This project was once in play. Take the current 6.4, stroke it to 426, and keep it naturally aspirated. With today’s tuning and parts, that could be a strong, clean package. It would also sell well as a crate for swaps.
Path B: use the updated 426 Hellephant. Direct Connection just refreshed the 426 Hellephant A30 family with an aluminum block and added stiffness. That tech is ready for prime time. A street‑legal tune near 900 hp on 93 makes the headline. Offer an E85 map for four digits. The bay fits it. The story writes itself.
Bottom line
The trademarks exist. The art teases the fish. The concept borrows the look. The covered car shows the hood. The engines are ready. Add it up. A 426 Hemi Cuda package on a Charger is not a dream. It could be reality by next year and I am here for it! Something new and fresh on the Charger with a big huge engine would be a hit in my opinion. Sure I would love a Cuda as a smaller and separate car but this would be a great way to bring it out and not get in trouble legally. Dodge put out the hints and teasers of a Cuda. The question is, will they actually make it into reality or will a 426 Cuda never return?
