Dodge is active in the muscle car game—but this time, it’s electric. To the delight of nearly no one, parent Stellantis decided to introduce the current-generation model as an electric vehicle, a decision that has resulted in poor sales and a loss of dependable customers. But change is in the wind as a gas-powered version arrives by early summer followed, hopefully, by a V8 variant more than a year later. Read on and we will dissect the current Charger, at least from a performance standpoint.
The all-new Dodge Charger marks a bold turn for the brand. For the first time, the legendary nameplate runs on battery power only. Two- and four-door body styles are available, giving fans options in a world increasingly driven by change. This means the Dodge Challenger coupe is gone, with the Charger nameplate covering two- and four-door body styles.
Hurricane Brewing
Starting this summer, the electric Charger will be joined by gasoline-powered models featuring a new family of turbocharged inline-six engines. Known as the “Hurricane” engine, this twin-turbo setup is poised to deliver big power with fewer cylinders.
It is part of Stellantis’ push to cut emissions—without cutting performance. We have seen this new 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine in other Stellantis models, including Jeep and Ram.
Return of the V8
And for those still holding out for a V8? You are not alone.
Rumors suggest the HEMI may return, but not before the 2027 model year. There is no official word yet, but Dodge knows its fans—and they are listening.
Meanwhile, the Dodge Challenger is gone. The two-door coupe bowed out with the previous generation. That does not sit well with Dodge faithful, but something else might be brewing.
This 1970 Plymouth Barracuda may be the inspiration for a special Dodge model.
Whispers inside Stellantis hint at a possible revival of the ‘Cuda name—a high-performance, two-door model inspired by the Plymouth Barracuda. It would make sense. Dodge owns the naming rights. The moniker carries weight. And with the Challenger gone there is space in the lineup.
Like everyone else, we can only conjecture what a ‘Cuda name would look like fixed to a Dodge product. It is our opinion that ‘Cuda will represent the range-topping versions of the Dodge Charger, much like Hellcat did with the previous gas-only models.
Yes, there is a chance that ‘Cuda would wedge between the current Charger models and a resurrected Hellcat, but we are hearing that only one V8 will be made available, with this one displacing 6.2 liters, which is the same as what was found in the Hellcat.
Reimagined Dodge Charger
For now, the Charger leads the way—electrified, reimagined, but still unmistakably Dodge. At least by its looks. One can rightfully argue that what drives the Charger is a full departure from the legendary gas-powered models that distinguish the nameplate. And six-cylinder models, although likely welcomed, just do not match the grit and persona of the traditional HEMI V8…turbocharged or not.
Stellantis has its work cut out for it, particularly as fewer than 2,000 Charger EVs were sold in the first quarter of 2025. That is the sales number Dodge reached every 10 to 14 days with the previous-generation Charger/Challenger, underscoring the change in customer perception for its classic performance models.
See Also — Dodge Prepares to Go Electric
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