The New Charger Hellcat Keeps The American Muscle Car V8 Alive

Evander Long
June 1, 2026

On April 1, 2025, we broke the news than a new Hellcat-powered Dodge Charger was coming, probably for the 2027 model year. This seems to be getting a lot of play now. A new Charger Hellcat packing more than 700 horsepower will soon rumble into U.S. showrooms. Stellantis executives are currently preparing a massive product rollout, planning to launch 60 fresh vehicles while giving another 50 models major hardware updates.

Refusing to let the V8 engine fade quietly, Dodge officially confirmed that a supercharged HEMI will once again fit perfectly under the hood of its flagship muscle car. Dropping this massive powerplant into the engine bay gives American performance fans exactly what they want.

New Charger Hellcat
2026 Dodge Charger R/T

Reporters from the Detroit Free Press recently spotted the aggressive machine sitting inside the Stellantis design dome. Sporting a massive rear wing and an oversized hood scoop, the heavily modified car proudly wore an SRT badge on its grille. During a recent investor day presentation, company leaders also teased a sheet-covered vehicle showing off a similarly large aero package under the Dodge banner. While executives kept the exact specifications under wraps, enthusiasts expect this new Charger Hellcat to borrow heavily from its corporate siblings.

New Charger Hellcat

Engineers will likely drop in the exact same supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that currently powers the Ram TRX and the fresh Rumble Bee pickups. Producing 777 horsepower in those heavy truck applications, that specific powerplant should easily push the upcoming coupe past the 700-horsepower mark. Looking back at the previous generation, the outgoing Redeye Jailbreak configuration generated an insane 807 horsepower right off the factory floor. Dodge teased the return of the loud HEMI engine for several months leading up to this official confirmation, proving that high-octane builds remain a top priority. Automotive insiders noted that dozens of existing vehicles will receive “significant updates” alongside the completely original releases over the next few years.

New Charger Hellcat Sideview
2026 Dodge Charger R/T

Keeping a supercharged V8 alive proves traditional American muscle cars still command massive respect on the street. The current Stellantis roadmap runs straight through the early ’30s, giving builders plenty of time to refine this high-horsepower platform before its official debut. With Dodge bringing the heavy-hitting HEMI back to the dealership lots, do you think the upcoming new Charger Hellcat will manage to beat the legendary Redeye Jailbreak on the dragstrip?