Dodge will have no other choice but to soon replace its 6.2-liter V8 engine with electric power due to emission regulations.
As carmakers start embracing emission-free motoring, it’s obvious that muscle cars’ days are numbered. They will all be either fully-electric or plug-in hybrid, but, in all cases, they’ll end up electric—that’s already a certainty. Thus, Dodge’s V8 Hemi engine is also undergoing the same fate, mainly due to emission regulations and high compliance costs. But Tim Kunisis, CEO of Dodge, and his team are confident that the advancements in technology will ensure that, even though electric, performance will not be compromised.
Dodge’s 6.2L V8 engine powers the Challenger SRTs and Durangos. However, you can also find it in its Stellantis cousins: the Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee. And the V8 was quite a success. Since 2015, the Hemi engine’s supercharged variant, the Hellcat churning out 707hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, sold more than 50,000 units alone.
Kuniskis calls it the “Golden age of muscle cars,” a resurgence of the 1970s when they were in high demand until the oil crisis. For instance, 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat’s orders reached the brim in no time, making it the most sought-after SUV. Besides, the sports SUV won the Vincentric best value in America award for the large SUV/crossover segment.
Even a base price of $80,995 didn’t deter buyers, as the massive power output is totally worth it. But the jitters regarding a potential electric shift affecting the V8’s performance was a concern for many Hellcat lovers. Tim’s statement about no compromise on the V8’s performance during the electric transition serves as a breather. However, I really doubt that muscle car fans will be delighted with the move.
While the brisk demand for V8 engines continues, the new US administration is sure to bring in more stringent emission norms. As a result, complying with regulations will become ever more expensive. When it comes to big internal-combustion engines, it will be virtually impossible to comply.
Fortunately, nothing is set in stone yet, and the Hellcat still hasn’t been axed. However, we can safely assume that it’s on its last leg.
