It’s fair to say that Mopar’s electric experiment hasn’t exactly gone over well with muscle car enthusiasts, particularly those who believe a proper Plymouth deserves a V8 under its hood. However, at the 2026 SEMA Show, Stellantis offered a response that should put a smile on plenty of HEMI fans’ faces.
Through its Direct Connection performance division, the company unveiled six new HEMI V8 crate engine packages, ranging from 385 to a staggering 1,025 horsepower. There’s something here for everyone, whether they’re working on a relatively straightforward restoration or a thoroughly unreasonable drag-strip project.
The announcement also came with a familiar face: a customized 1967 Plymouth GTX that appeared at SEMA two years ago with an electric powertrain. This time, the car returned with something its former owner had wanted all along.
According to Stellantis, the GTX’s previous owner wasn’t particularly pleased with the original EV conversion. Tim Kuniskis, the company’s head of American Brands and SRT Performance, summed up the change simply: “We heard him. So this year, we fixed it.”
Six Ways to Get Your HEMI Fix
The lineup starts with the naturally aspirated 345-cubic-inch (5.7-liter) HEMI, producing 385 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque. The larger 392 (6.4-liter) delivers 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft.
Both engines come in Street Strip and Super Stock versions. Super Stock brings a new block, Redeye valve springs, a Hellcat oil pump, and an SRT oil cooler, rather than additional horsepower.
When 485 Horsepower Isn’t Enough
For builders seeking serious boost, the supercharged Hellcrate Redeye 6.2-liter V8 produces up to 885 horsepower and 787 lb-ft in High Octane Mode. Its 2.7-liter IHI supercharger puts it in an entirely different league from the naturally aspirated options.
Above it in the lineup sits the Hellephant C170, delivering 1,025 horsepower and 945 lb-ft on an E85 blend. Its 3.0-liter supercharger, upgraded fueling system, and strengthened internals make it the heavyweight of the new lineup.
Less Wiring, More Wrenching
Every package includes a matched engine controller, wiring, sensors, and accelerator pedal, eliminating much of the guesswork involved in modern HEMI swaps. Both manual and automatic applications are supported, with compatible TREMEC Magnum and TorqueFlite 8HP90 transmissions available separately.
The engines also carry a three-year/100,000-mile warranty. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2027, although pricing hasn’t been announced.
The GTX Gets Its V8 Back
The returning Frostbite Blue Plymouth GTX now packs the 885-horsepower Hellcrate Redeye and an eight-speed automatic. Its lowered stance, bronze wheels, and prominent HEMI hood scoop leave little doubt about its new direction.
Kuniskis believes the former owner will appreciate the change. Given the car’s history, it’s hard to imagine a better way to introduce these new engines than putting an 885-horsepower HEMI under the hood of a Plymouth that once ran on batteries.