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Auto Blog
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Ford and Chevy Should Be Worried About the Return of SRT
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The no-holds-barred division wants to muscle its way back The recent announcement of the return of the Dodge SRT (Street and Racing Technology) division is big news for muscle car lovers. The sub-brand was once known for infusing its vehicles with nuclear levels of power. Case in point is the drag strip-ready yet still street-legal Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170, which could launch from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 1.66 seconds and housed a supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 engine good for 1,025 horsepower. No other American carmaker was doing anything close. SRT and the legendary HEMI V8 are both making a comeback, and they're just what the ICE doctor ordered. Ford and Chevy should be paying close attention—because Dodge might be about to rewrite the rulebook again. Out-muscling the competition Hennessey Demon 1700 — Source: Stellantis SRT's storied past emerged back in the '90s with the Dodge Viper RT/10. SRT-powered models were given badging indicative of the cylinder count, as well as notifying bystanders that SRT-badged vehicles were meant to dominate both the street and the track. The Dodge Neon SRT-4, Chrysler 300 SRT-8, and the Viper SRT-10 were some of the brand's best examples in the division's earliest years. In 2012, Chrysler sought to turn SRT into a standalone brand. The 2013-2014 SRT Viper was its first model. Its 8.4-liter V10 engine churned out 640 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. 0-60 happened in 3.5 seconds, and the SRT Viper topped out at 206 mph, further cementing SRT's place in performance car history. 2013 SRT Viper GTS — Source: Stellantis More recent models under the SRT name included the 2006 Charger SRT8 (425 hp), the 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat (707 hp), and the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk (707 hp). These vehicles weren't just fast—they were otherworldly. Nobody was doing muscle the way SRT was. When Ford released the 760-hp Mustang GT500 and Chevy made the 650-hp Camaro ZL1, SRT fired back with a 797-hp Challenger Redeye. 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 — Source: Dodge Then, in 2023, came the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170, a car that was powered by a modified 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 engine, producing 1,025 horsepower on E85 fuel and 945 lb-ft of torque. 0-60 mph took a record 1.66 seconds, and the car crushed the quarter-mile in 8.91 seconds at 151.17 mph. All this, and it was street legal, too. SRT was upping its own game and rewriting the rules of the power wars. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Dismal Charger Daytona sales 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona — Source: Dodge Following the demise of SRT, Stellantis showed the world the future of muscle cars with the all-electric Charger Daytona in May of 2025. Not only did the new Charger Daytona look the part of the next-gen Charger, but it also boasted a radical simulated exhaust system known as the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust. It had all the promise of muscle car style along with performance to match. The Charger Daytona arrived in two trims: a Scat Pack boasting 670 horsepower and a Daytona R/T model good for 496 horsepower. Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack — Source: Stellantis Sadly, not many customers went for it. In response, Dodge slashed prices and then decided to kill off the entry-level Daytona R/T for 2026. It turns out muscle car lovers don't really like electric power, regardless of how quick the car might be. Early dealer reports show units sitting on lots, with buyers hesitant to pay $60K–$70K for what feels like a less alive version of the muscle cars they grew up loving. Dodge's fan base has always craved drama: roaring V8s, tire smoke, and straight-line irresponsible speed. So far, the Daytona EV hasn't delivered that in the way Dodge's customers wanted. Whether or not the slowdown of the electrification tsunami played a part might not even be material. More than bad timing, the switch to an electric Dodge muscle car was a bad decision. The return of the HEMI V8 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody — Source: Stellantis When SRT-powered ICE cars disappeared (the current Dodge Durango SRT is the only vehicle remaining), lovers of their products lamented the loss of some of the coolest street rods of the modern era. Everyone was moving toward electrification, and Stellantis did not want to get left behind. It took less than a year for things to go south for Stellantis and their foray into electric muscle. In a surprising turn of events, insider reports and engineering leaks suggest that Stellantis may be reversing course, at least partially. Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock — Source: Stellantis Sources within supplier networks and Mopar tuning circles have revealed that new, gas-powered V8 development is underway, and not just for legacy support or crate engine sales. The focus? A new-generation 6.6-liter and potentially revised 6.4-liter naturally aspirated and supercharged HEMIs, likely to appear in limited-production or retro-inspired Dodge vehicles wearing SRT badges. That's where the return of SRT-tuned gas models and HEMI-powered variants could flip the narrative. It gives Dodge a second swing at keeping its muscle car image alive without fully abandoning internal combustion—and that's something Ford and Chevy might not be prepared for. Ford will have to flex more muscle Ford Mustang Dark Horse — Source: Ford Ford has wisely stayed with gas power for its iconic Mustang. The Mustang GT and Dark Horse are legitimate high performers, and the F-150 Raptor R proves they haven't abandoned V8 power for their off-road beast either. While it may be moving toward electrification, Stellantis' EV move for its Charger Daytona is likely to dampen any electric Mustang the brand was considering in the near future, potentially opening the door to a hybrid Mustang instead. 2025 Ford Mustang GTD Carbon Series — Source: Ford If Dodge relaunches even a limited-run V8-powered SRT lineup, Ford may suddenly look cautious and conservative by comparison. Imagine Dodge dropping a next-gen Challenger with a supercharged HEMI under the hood, a six-speed manual, and a 0–60 time under 3.5 seconds. That could steal headlines—and buyers—from even the most powerful pony cars Ford still has left. And, no, the 850-hp Mustang GTD doesn't count in this battle because it costs an insane $328,000. The good news is that the next-generation Mustang GT500 has already been seen testing, purportedly with a 'Legend' supercharged V8 that will likely exceed the 760-hp output of the last one. Ford will need everything it can muster if SRT makes its return the way we think it will. Chevy has a supercar but no muscle car 2024 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Collector's Edition — Source: Chevrolet Chevy is in a tougher spot than Ford now that the Camaro is no more, and while a rumored electric replacement is in development, there's no official timeline. Again, the Charger Daytona's lackluster sales might be the shot across the bow that Chevy heeds as it thinks about its performance future. It's more likely that the next electric Camaro will be an SUV, copying the path of Ford's successful Mustang Mach-E. That leaves Chevy's only true performance car as the Corvette—and while the Stingray, Z06, and ZR1 are incredible, they're not muscle cars, especially since the Corvette's 8th-generation has a mid-engine layout. 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 — Source: Chevrolet If Dodge revives HEMI V8-powered Chargers and Challengers and puts them in a $55,000–$75,000 street bruiser with SRT DNA, Chevy won't have an immediate answer. In other words, while Dodge may reenter the muscle game with V8 guns blazing, Chevy's performance portfolio has a big 'ol muscle-shaped hole in it. Even if it's not exactly profitable for a gas-powered Camaro to make a return, the statement a next-gen Camaro ZL1 or Z/28 could make would be impactful in the segment. It's about more than horsepower 2015 Dodge Challenger Shaker — Source: Copyright 2016 Brandon Turkus / AOL Yes, horsepower wars are real, but at the end of the day, it's about the visceral sound and feel of a rear-wheel drive monster with a V8 engine rumbling under the hood. Nobody buys a gas-powered, raucous muscle car as a daily commuter car. They buy it because it's infused with history and passion. The real danger in SRT's and the HEMI's return isn't just specs—it's the spirit of what gets muscle car lovers going. In an era where performance is being redefined by batteries and software, SRT and the HEMI V8 represent something raw and very American: unfiltered, mechanical, emotional driving. Stellantis has figured out the hard way that people don't just buy Dodge muscle cars because they're fast—they buy them because they make them feel alive in a way electric propulsion can't. The roar of a HEMI, the smell of burning rubber, the unapologetically angry design language—that's what Dodge customers crave. If Stellantis brings that back, even in small volumes, it'll be resounding in a dying segment. Final thoughts Ford and Chevy should be concerned now that SRT and its HEMI V8 are returning to take back the muscle car crown. While Ford and GM might be hedging their bets on electric futures, Dodge appears to be revisiting its storied street rods in a way the world might not be prepared for. Whether it's a limited-edition HEMI throwback or a new-age Challenger with 800 horsepower and no regard for anyone's eardrums, SRT won't be playing around. Is the electric Challenger Daytona dead? No, but it will certainly have some noisy stablemates to keep it company. About the Author Amos Kwon View Profile
Miami Herald
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Ford and Chevy Should Be Worried About the Return of SRT
The recent announcement of the return of the Dodge SRT (Street and Racing Technology) division is big news for muscle car lovers. The sub-brand was once known for infusing its vehicles with nuclear levels of power. Case in point is the drag strip-ready yet still street-legal Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170, which could launch from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 1.66 seconds and housed a supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 engine good for 1,025 horsepower. No other American carmaker was doing anything close. SRT and the legendary HEMI V8 are both making a comeback, and they're just what the ICE doctor ordered. Ford and Chevy should be paying close attention-because Dodge might be about to rewrite the rulebook again. SRT's storied past emerged back in the '90s with the Dodge Viper RT/10. SRT-powered models were given badging indicative of the cylinder count, as well as notifying bystanders that SRT-badged vehicles were meant to dominate both the street and the track. The Dodge Neon SRT-4, Chrysler 300 SRT-8, and the Viper SRT-10 were some of the brand's best examples in the division's earliest years. In 2012, Chrysler sought to turn SRT into a standalone brand. The 2013-2014 SRT Viper was its first model. Its 8.4-liter V10 engine churned out 640 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. 0-60 happened in 3.5 seconds, and the SRT Viper topped out at 206 mph, further cementing SRT's place in performance car history. More recent models under the SRT name included the 2006 Charger SRT8 (425 hp), the 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat (707 hp), and the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk (707 hp). These vehicles weren't just fast-they were otherworldly. Nobody was doing muscle the way SRT was. When Ford released the 760-hp Mustang GT500 and Chevy made the 650-hp Camaro ZL1, SRT fired back with a 797-hp Challenger Redeye. Then, in 2023, came the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170, a car that was powered by a modified 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 engine, producing 1,025 horsepower on E85 fuel and 945 lb-ft of torque. 0-60 mph took a record 1.66 seconds, and the car crushed the quarter-mile in 8.91 seconds at 151.17 mph. All this, and it was street legal, too. SRT was upping its own game and rewriting the rules of the power wars. Following the demise of SRT, Stellantis showed the world the future of muscle cars with the all-electric Charger Daytona in May of 2025. Not only did the new Charger Daytona look the part of the next-gen Charger, but it also boasted a radical simulated exhaust system known as the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust. It had all the promise of muscle car style along with performance to match. The Charger Daytona arrived in two trims: a Scat Pack boasting 670 horsepower and a Daytona R/T model good for 496 horsepower. Sadly, not many customers went for it. In response, Dodge slashed prices and then decided to kill off the entry-level Daytona R/T for 2026. It turns out muscle car lovers don't really like electric power, regardless of how quick the car might be. Early dealer reports show units sitting on lots, with buyers hesitant to pay $60K–$70K for what feels like a less alive version of the muscle cars they grew up loving. Dodge's fan base has always craved drama: roaring V8s, tire smoke, and straight-line irresponsible speed. So far, the Daytona EV hasn't delivered that in the way Dodge's customers wanted. Whether or not the slowdown of the electrification tsunami played a part might not even be material. More than bad timing, the switch to an electric Dodge muscle car was a bad decision. When SRT-powered ICE cars disappeared (the current Dodge Durango SRT is the only vehicle remaining), lovers of their products lamented the loss of some of the coolest street rods of the modern era. Everyone was moving toward electrification, and Stellantis did not want to get left behind. It took less than a year for things to go south for Stellantis and their foray into electric muscle. In a surprising turn of events, insider reports and engineering leaks suggest that Stellantis may be reversing course, at least partially. Sources within supplier networks and Mopar tuning circles have revealed that new, gas-powered V8 development is underway, and not just for legacy support or crate engine sales. The focus? A new-generation 6.6-liter and potentially revised 6.4-liter naturally aspirated and supercharged HEMIs, likely to appear in limited-production or retro-inspired Dodge vehicles wearing SRT badges. That's where the return of SRT-tuned gas models and HEMI-powered variants could flip the narrative. It gives Dodge a second swing at keeping its muscle car image alive without fully abandoning internal combustion-and that's something Ford and Chevy might not be prepared for. Ford has wisely stayed with gas power for its iconic Mustang. The Mustang GT and Dark Horse are legitimate high performers, and the F-150 Raptor R proves they haven't abandoned V8 power for their off-road beast either. While it may be moving toward electrification, Stellantis' EV move for its Charger Daytona is likely to dampen any electric Mustang the brand was considering in the near future, potentially opening the door to a hybrid Mustang instead. If Dodge relaunches even a limited-run V8-powered SRT lineup, Ford may suddenly look cautious and conservative by comparison. Imagine Dodge dropping a next-gen Challenger with a supercharged HEMI under the hood, a six-speed manual, and a 0–60 time under 3.5 seconds. That could steal headlines-and buyers-from even the most powerful pony cars Ford still has left. And, no, the 850-hp Mustang GTD doesn't count in this battle because it costs an insane $328,000. The good news is that the next-generation Mustang GT500 has already been seen testing, purportedly with a "Legend" supercharged V8 that will likely exceed the 760-hp output of the last one. Ford will need everything it can muster if SRT makes its return the way we think it will. Chevy is in a tougher spot than Ford now that the Camaro is no more, and while a rumored electric replacement is in development, there's no official timeline. Again, the Charger Daytona's lackluster sales might be the shot across the bow that Chevy heeds as it thinks about its performance future. It's more likely that the next electric Camaro will be an SUV, copying the path of Ford's successful Mustang Mach-E. That leaves Chevy's only true performance car as the Corvette-and while the Stingray, Z06, and ZR1 are incredible, they're not muscle cars, especially since the Corvette's 8th-generation has a mid-engine layout. If Dodge revives HEMI V8-powered Chargers and Challengers and puts them in a $55,000–$75,000 street bruiser with SRT DNA, Chevy won't have an immediate answer. In other words, while Dodge may reenter the muscle game with V8 guns blazing, Chevy's performance portfolio has a big 'ol muscle-shaped hole in it. Even if it's not exactly profitable for a gas-powered Camaro to make a return, the statement a next-gen Camaro ZL1 or Z/28 could make would be impactful in the segment. Yes, horsepower wars are real, but at the end of the day, it's about the visceral sound and feel of a rear-wheel drive monster with a V8 engine rumbling under the hood. Nobody buys a gas-powered, raucous muscle car as a daily commuter car. They buy it because it's infused with history and passion. The real danger in SRT's and the HEMI's return isn't just specs-it's the spirit of what gets muscle car lovers going. In an era where performance is being redefined by batteries and software, SRT and the HEMI V8 represent something raw and very American: unfiltered, mechanical, emotional driving. Stellantis has figured out the hard way that people don't just buy Dodge muscle cars because they're fast-they buy them because they make them feel alive in a way electric propulsion can't. The roar of a HEMI, the smell of burning rubber, the unapologetically angry design language-that's what Dodge customers crave. If Stellantis brings that back, even in small volumes, it'll be resounding in a dying segment. Ford and Chevy should be concerned now that SRT and its HEMI V8 are returning to take back the muscle car crown. While Ford and GM might be hedging their bets on electric futures, Dodge appears to be revisiting its storied street rods in a way the world might not be prepared for. Whether it's a limited-edition HEMI throwback or a new-age Challenger with 800 horsepower and no regard for anyone's eardrums, SRT won't be playing around. Is the electric Challenger Daytona dead? No, but it will certainly have some noisy stablemates to keep it company. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The Citizen
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Chrysler celebrates a century of motoring
Reaching 100 years in the automotive world is no small feat, and Chrysler has officially joined that rare club. Since 1925, the brand has played a significant role in shaping how Americans and much of the world drive. Here are some key milestones… Looking for a new or used Chrysler? Find it here with CARmag! Part of the Stellantis stable, the once locally available Chrysler has been around for more than 100 years after being founded on June 6 in Detroit by Walter Chrysler. To commemorate its anniversary, the American automaker has celebrated some of its past innovations, which include introducing the high-tech Chrysler Six back in the day, developing the legendary HEMI V8 and catalysing the minivan segment. To mark the milestone, the company recently brought together more than 1 500 employees at its Auburn Hills headquarters for a tribute that focused less on sheet metal and more on the people who've kept the brand moving forward. A time capsule, designed to resemble founder Walter P. Chrysler's machinist toolbox, was packed with mementoes, including old vehicle badges and original design sketches. It's a snapshot of how far the brand has come. Related: Buying Used: Chrysler 300C (2005 – 2015) The brand is stretching the festivities with community events that speak to the loyalty of its fan base. The Carlisle Chrysler Nationals in Pennsylvania and the famous Woodward Cruise in Detroit will showcase some of the brand's standout moments. Meanwhile, Chrysler is rolling out a seven-part video series online, highlighting the vehicles and tech that helped define its legacy. While much of Chrysler's story is rooted in the United States, the brand's footprint in South Africa is worth remembering, too. Chrysler began selling cars here in the early 20th century and went local in 1941 with an assembly plant in Cape Town. Durban followed in 1947, and by 1960, the American automaker had officially launched Chrysler South Africa. The Valiant, in particular, became a familiar name on local roads, helping the brand gain a solid following. Even though its direct presence in the country has shifted over the years, the influence it had on South Africa's motoring history remains clear. Now, the brand is looking ahead. Like most automakers, the company is grappling with how to honour its heritage while embracing the shift to electrification. Whether through muscle cars or electric drivetrains, the brand continues to navigate the industry with the kind of boldness that's defined its past 100 years. Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! The post Chrysler Celebrates a Century of Motoring appeared first on CAR Magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Dodge Is Reportedly Bringing Back The Hemi V8 And It Might Go In The New Charger, Despite Dodge Telling Me It Wouldn't
If a new report is to be believed, we have been hoodwinked, bamboozled, led astray, run amok and flat-out deceived by Dodge. There are now rumors from inside the company that engineers are actively working on bringing the HEMI V8 back to the Charger by 2026, despite the fact they told me a while ago it wasn't possible and they weren't interested. Still, the twin-turbo I6-powered Charger Sixpack is scheduled to come first. Production on the Sixpack is scheduled to start in May, and deliveries will begin this Summer, according to Mopar Insiders. While any internal-combustion-powered version of the Charger is welcome for its most loyal fans, real ones still want a V8 under its long hood. I mean, I get it. The new Charger Daytona is a good electric vehicle, but a V8 would probably take everything up a notch — even if performance suffers. The outlet also reported that, regardless of the Charger, Hemi production is ramping back up for vehicles like the Ram 1500 and Dodge Durango. In a recent interview with Mopar Insiders, Dodge CEO Matt McAlear had this to say: "If you look back across the last generation, you go through the engines between the Charger and the Challenger and the Magnum. We started out with a 3.5L V6, 6.1L V8, then a 3.6L V6, 5.7L V8, 6.4L, 6.2L, 6.2L Demon, 6.2L Redeye, 6.2L Demon 170. Do you know how many different powertrains, RWD and AWD, we had on those engines? This is a multi-energy platform that can accommodate all of that. This is just the first year, and you've got four powertrains that outperform every one that they're replacing, with standard AWD? We're just getting started. We're going to have a lot of fun." "We haven't disclosed that," McAlear said, when asked directly about a V8's return. "But one of the things that's encouraging is that with the change in leadership, you know, V8s are no longer a bad word around the company. But with anything, we still have to be compliant." Read more: Dodge Will Pay You $10 Per Horsepower To Buy A New Charger, Challenger, Or Durango It certainly sounds like Dodge is no stranger to adding powertrain options as vehicles get older. Now, it's sort of open season as car companies deal with a slower-than-expected EV adoption rate and the fact the U.S. President wants to do away with most of the environmental regulations that called time on those massive V8s in the first place. From a financial standpoint, I certainly get why Dodge would cram a Hemi V8 under the hood of the Charger, even if it violates the next-generation muscle car ethos it was trying to convey. The simple fact is Charger Daytonas aren't selling. They're piling up on dealer lots and getting huge discounts just to get them out the door. When I asked Dodge engineers about putting a V8 under the hood of a Charger, I was reassured multiple times that it simply wouldn't fit on Stellantis' STLA Large architecture. I suppose where there's a will there's a way, if this report from Mopar Insiders is to be believed. Jalopnik has reached out to Dodge for comment, and we will update this story when and if we get one. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
