Everyone keeps asking the same burning question regarding the future of muscle cars. Specifically, enthusiasts want to know if the V8 is coming to the Dodge Charger. Furthermore, they want to know when it will be out. I am not the guy who deals in speculation or “what-ifs.” Instead, I am the business guy. I prefer to look at simple common sense mathematics. Consequently, I try to put together a realistic expectation based on data.
My perspective ties directly to many one-on-one conversations held recently. For example, I have spoken with Matt McAlear and Tim Kuniskis. In addition, I have engaged with the team at the Tale of the Dragon event and Roadkill Nights. When I put all those conversations together, I come up with only one realization. They are going to bring the Hemi to the Charger. In fact, that has to happen.
The Physical Evidence For The V8 Return
We have heard reports that there are mules currently running around with V8 Hemis. However, I haven’t seen one with my own eyes yet. If I had a picture, I would certainly show it to you. Despite this, I do not doubt that it is happening. Moreover, we have heard that engineers have fitted the V8 into the new platform. We heard that rumor long before Butter even measured the engine compartment.
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Recently, we saw a V8 race car come out just last month. This proves definitively that the V8 will go in there. This stands in stark contrast to previous attempts. For instance, they tried to shove a drag racing Dodge Charger with a twin-turbo I6 onto the track. The crowd laughed that car off the track. These are all signs that the V8 is coming back. Therefore, common sense dictates that we are going to get that engine.
The Timeline For The Hemi Announcement
When will this happen? For example, Butter’s “Insiders” video predicts they will announce the news by late 2026. I would expect that they would need to have something to announce at Roadkill Nights in 2026. They simply cannot show up and say, “We have the same stuff, please buy it.”
On the contrary, they need to get up there and make a statement. They need to say, “Hey, look, Mopar family, we are back with the V8.” As a result, they can make a massive splash. Previously, they teased bringing the V8 back to the Ram 1500s. Eventually, it came back. We were in the darkness for a while waiting, and then it happened. Now, the financials prove why this was the right move.
The Ram 1500 Financial Turnaround
If you read recent automotive articles, the financial results for 2025 are telling. It is clear that we will have to see a V8 in that Charger. I think the executives would be crazy not to. If I am sitting on the board, I am looking at the numbers closely. For instance, you just saw the crystal ball. You know exactly what happens if you launch a V8 in the Dodge Charger.
According to a report from MotorBiscuit, Stellantis actually managed to turn Jeep and Ram around. The article details how former CEO Carlos Tavares messed things up. However, the turnaround is not a miracle. It is simple business execution. Tavares caused five quarters of decline with horrible sales. Then, Antonio Filosa came in. He shifted the focus away from this EV garbage.
Here is the critical data point. Filosa ended a five-quarter sales decline for Ram trucks. In the spring, deliveries of the Ram 1500 increased by 10%. Experts attribute the increase mainly to the return of the 5.7L V8 Hemi. Consequently, when you see Stellantis have this huge bounce in sales, the cause is obvious. While discounts helped, launching the Hemi in the Ram was the key factor. That is probably their biggest success story right now.
Market Realities For The Six-Pack Charger
Based on my last video, I visited a dealership to see the new inventory. I showed you the Six-Pack Charger delivered to the dealership. The price point was around $58,000 for that specific spec. Surprisingly, there were no markups or anything of that nature. It is going to be interesting to see what the demand is like for that car.
If demand is weak, that will push Stellantis to release the V8 faster. Conversely, if demand is strong, they will still bring the V8 out to double down on success. Personally, I expect demand will be mediocre initially. This will last until people start to drive the car. They will realize they are not buying a muscle car. Instead, they are buying a nice all-wheel-drive grand tourer.
I believe discounts will likely come. There will be incentives just like they did with the Daytonas. Probably not as steep, but you are going to see things to get those cars moving. Ultimately, they are going to want to bring us a V8. They are going to want to bring us a Hellcat. They need to bring us good news by late next year.
Why The Hemi Must Return To Dodge and Chrysler
They brought back Tim Kuniskis to get him involved. They brought back the 1500 with the V8. Wham, they end up with a complete and utter turnaround of that company. They are going to want to capitalize on that success. That is why I believe we will see the Hemi back. It is really simple. If it brought Ram back from a sales decline, guess what else it will do? It will bring back Dodge.
Furthermore, it could bring back Chrysler. Should they bring back a 300 or something similar and toss a Hemi in it? If you want to revive Chrysler, come back with a 300. Make it a modern-looking, exciting vehicle. You can put all the screens and technology into it. Launch us a 300. People will get past the changes if it has a V8 in it.
If they want to fix Chrysler, the Hemi is like the magic bullet. Dump a Hemi in something and people will go buy the thing. It is astonishing how simple this concept is. We have been telling them that forever. For years now, they stopped listening. However, now Filosa is listening. Kuniskis is listening. In fact, he championed it before it cost him his job, and now he is back. Things are finally headed in the right direction.
The climate is perfect for this move within the current political universe. There is nothing stopping them. As I mentioned in a recent video, Filosa’s hands are uncuffed. He gets to run the company and do whatever the hell he wants to get sales. He needs to get units moving. With that reality in mind, the return of the Hemi is inevitable.
