Dodge Charger Could Regain Hellcat Power for 2028 Model Year

The range-topping muscle car could arrive in time for the Charger's mid-cycle refresh.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

According to a report from MoparInsiders, Dodge is currently developing a new Charger SRT Hellcat model that is expected to arrive for the 2028 model year. The supercharged V8 Hellcat engine is reportedly being engineered to fit into the Charger's new STLA Large platform, which will require significant work on emissions compliance, cooling, and calibration.

Why it matters

The return of the Hellcat-powered Charger would be a major win for Mopar enthusiasts who have been waiting for the iconic muscle car to regain its most powerful engine option. This move could also help reinvigorate the Charger nameplate and put SRT back on the map as Dodge looks to compete with rivals like the Mustang Dark Horse.

The details

According to the report, Dodge has recently greenlit the development program for a new LB-generation Charger with the Hellcat V8 powertrain. Getting the supercharged engine to work with the new STLA Large platform will require significant engineering efforts on emissions, cooling, and calibration. As such, the Charger SRT Hellcat is targeted to arrive in the 2028 model year, which would coincide with the Charger's first mid-cycle refresh.

  • The Charger SRT Hellcat is targeted to arrive for the 2028 model year.

The players

Dodge

An American automobile manufacturer and a brand of Stellantis.

Tim Kuniskis

Head of the Dodge brand.

Matt McAlear

CEO of Dodge.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If a V-8 comes to the Charger, it won't be the 5.7-liter or 6.4-liter engines from the previous models, as their performance isn't on par with the Hurricane variants.”

— Tim Kuniskis, Head of the Dodge brand (MoparInsiders)

“Don't be surprised if the Hellcat V-8 did fit in the front of the new Charger—flying right in the face of previous comments stating it was impossible.”

— Matt McAlear, CEO of Dodge (MoparInsiders)

What’s next

The development of the Charger SRT Hellcat is still in the early stages, and Dodge has not officially confirmed the model's return. However, if the reports are accurate, enthusiasts can look forward to the iconic muscle car regaining its most powerful engine option in time for the Charger's mid-cycle refresh in the 2028 model year.

The takeaway

The potential return of the Hellcat-powered Dodge Charger is an exciting prospect for Mopar fans who have been eager to see the iconic muscle car reclaim its most powerful engine. While details remain speculative, this move could help reinvigorate the Charger nameplate and put SRT back on the map as Dodge looks to compete with high-performance rivals.