The performance golden age centered around the Hemi V8 and its supercharged Hellcat derivatives is ending. In its wake, we will see a more regulatory-friendly performance focus on electrification. But while we know the Dodge Charger Daytona electric performance vehicle is coming mid-next year. We could still see the next-generation Dodge Charger and Challenger (not with the Daytona name) with gas engines, specifically the twin-turbo Hurricane. An example of what this might look and sound like was running laps during the Roadkill Nights event in Pontiac, Michigan, last weekend, and now you can see it in action for yourselves. What it precedes is likely the next-generation Dodge Charger and/or Challenger muscle cars, so pay close attention.
While we were able to witness the car in person, the best video online we could find that showcased the Hurricane Challenger Drag Pack in action comes from a video uploaded to YouTube by The Mopar Junkie. Fans in the bleachers flanking both sides of the drag strip on Woodward Avenue were treated to a few passes, presumably with the driver taking it easy. Likely because the powertrain is still under development, and there’s no need to risk mechanical failure or a “thermal event” in front of 42,000 people. Nevertheless, it gives us a sense of what a future Hurricane-powered Dodge Charger and/or Challenger would sound like. No, it’s not quite a 392 Hemi or a Hellcat, but it’s not exactly the unpleasant wail of an angry kazoo, either (we’re looking at you, F-150 Raptor).
It’s rumored that the specifics of the Dodge Challenger Hurricane Drag Pak is that the “CAT 3” crate engine under the hood produces 550 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque at just 3,500 rpm. That’s significantly more than an Apache 392 V8 engine.
Screenshot via Stellantis.
While it remains unconfirmed, Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis eluded to “interesting” products on the way to keep the brand on top of the muscle car segment, lest they yield to the Ford Mustang, or even the Chevrolet Corvette. This can be interpreted as there will be ICE-powered future products from Dodge, and the Hurricane Challenger Drag Pak will likely prove to be extremely strong foreshadowing. And with Stellantis recently trademarking names like ‘Cuda and “Six Pack” with the USPTO, we might see new additions to the Charger and/or Challenger families, as well.
Additional hints to what Dodge has coming goes back to Stellantis EV Day back in 2021. Pictured above, the mysterious muscle car under a cover appears not to be an electric vehicle and does not resemble the all-electric Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Banshee concept car. So, when Dodge launches the Charger Daytona mid-next year, the twin-turbo Hurricane 6 engined cars may soon follow, or even come first.
As the evidence mounts, it becomes increasingly clear that 2023 isn’t the end of gas-powered muscle cars from Dodge.
Image via Stellantis
