By Shawn Henry 
The modern revival of the Dodge Charger has been marked by bold experimentation, but for many longtime muscle-car loyalists, something essential has been missing. That absence appears poised to end with the expected arrival of a V-8-powered Charger Hellcat, potentially as early as the 2027 model year.
Since the Charger’s reintroduction, Dodge has taken a staggered approach to powertrains. The first step was the all-electric Charger Daytona EV, a high-performance model designed to signal the brand’s future-facing ambitions. While the electric Charger delivered strong acceleration figures, its lack of internal combustion left traditional enthusiasts unconvinced. The 2026 Charger Sixpack followed, reintroducing gasoline power through a turbocharged inline-six engine, but for many fans, six cylinders still fell short of expectations.
The turning point came when parent company Stellantis reversed course on plans to discontinue the Hemi V-8. That decision reopened the door for Dodge’s most iconic engine to return to its most recognizable nameplate. Although Dodge has not officially confirmed a V-8-powered Charger, industry observers widely view its return as inevitable now that the Hemi remains in production.
V-8 engines have long been central to the Charger’s identity. With the exception of the fifth generation, every iteration of the Charger has offered eight-cylinder power. The engine’s sound, torque and raw character helped define the model as a cornerstone of American muscle. Without it, the Charger’s latest generation has struggled to fully connect with its core audience.
A Hellcat variant powered by a Hemi V-8 would represent more than just another trim level. It would signal a return to form for a model that built its reputation on excess and attitude. The eighth-generation Charger debuted amid a shifting automotive landscape focused on efficiency and electrification, but the renewed availability of the V-8 suggests Dodge is seeking balance rather than replacement.
The potential 2027 Charger Hellcat would also reaffirm Dodge’s willingness to cater to enthusiasts even as regulatory and market pressures push automakers toward smaller engines and electric platforms. For muscle-car fans who felt left behind by the Charger’s early reboot, the return of eight cylinders could restore confidence in the brand’s direction.
As Dodge continues reshaping its lineup, the expected return of the Hemi-powered Charger stands as a reminder that heritage still matters. For a nameplate built on performance and presence, the V-8’s comeback may be exactly what the Charger needs to feel complete again.
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