Leaked internal Stellantis documents suggest the Dodge Charger could be getting its legendary Hellcat V8 back. If the information proves accurate, the supercharged muscle car will return for the 2028 model year, potentially giving Dodge enthusiasts exactly what they’ve been asking for.
The latest report comes from MoparInsiders, which claims to have obtained an internal powertrain document outlining the eighth-generation Charger’s future engine lineup. Among the listed options is the familiar 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8.
Perhaps even better, the documents are said to identify both two-door and four-door versions of the Hellcat-powered Charger. That means enthusiasts could eventually choose between a traditional muscle coupe and a four-door performance sedan.
However, Dodge hasn’t officially confirmed the return of the Charger Hellcat, and internal production plans can change. The reported document offers the strongest evidence yet that Dodge is planning a Hellcat-powered Charger for 2028.
Supercharged V8 Power Could Return In 2028
MoparInsiders say the internal document lists the supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 under engine code ESD, and it would be paired with a ZF 8HP95 eight-speed automatic transmission.
Unlike the current Hurricane-powered Charger, which features standard all-wheel drive, the proposed Hellcat would send power exclusively to the rear wheels. Packaging constraints may prevent Dodge from combining the bulky supercharged V8 with an all-wheel-drive system.
The engine is said to be planned for both the two-door LB29 and four-door LB49 body styles. However, it’s unclear whether both configurations would arrive simultaneously.
How Much Horsepower Could It Make?
The leaked document doesn’t specify a horsepower rating, leaving plenty of room for speculation. Previous Hellcat Chargers produced upwards of 700 horsepower, while the updated supercharged V8 in the 2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX develops a whopping 777 horsepower.
It’s unknown whether Dodge would use that same configuration. Either way, a returning Hellcat would sit above the current gasoline-powered Charger models, which use the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six.
Those engines currently produce 420 horsepower in standard-output form and 550 horsepower in high-output guise. The 2028 lineup will also retain the electric Charger Daytona.
Dodge Enthusiasts Have Been Waiting For This
The previous Charger and Challenger Hellcat models disappeared after the 2023 model year, leaving a noticeable gap in Dodge’s performance lineup. While the new Hurricane-powered Charger offers impressive performance, it hasn’t completely satisfied enthusiasts who miss the sound and character of a supercharged V8.
MoparInsiders previously reported that Dodge was developing a Hellcat-powered Charger for 2028, and the newly surfaced document appears to support that timeline. Nevertheless, pricing, final horsepower figures, and production dates are still unconfirmed.
The 2028 Charger could mark the return of one of America’s most recognizable modern muscle car powertrains. Whether it can recapture the excitement surrounding the original Hellcat models will depend on what Dodge delivers.