Dodge Boss Hints At Hemi V8’s Return And Hornet GLH Production
Dodge’s boss said they’re just getting started
February 10, 2025 at 17:26
- Dodge CEO Matt McAlear has said V8 is no longer a dirty word with Carlos Tavares gone.
- A new Hemi-powered lineup is easier said than done due to politics and compliance issues.
- The Hornet GLH concept is going into production, while the 5.7-liter V8 could be built in Michigan.
The Dodge Charger Daytona has landed with a predictable thud as the ‘brotherhood of muscle’ couldn’t care less about an overpriced, electric muscle car. As a result, it’s not uncommon to see brand-new cars being advertised for $10,000 below MSRP.
Help is on the way as a twin-turbo 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six will arrive by this summer, but fans still want Hemi power. This is despite the fact that the six-cylinder outclasses the old 5.7- and 6.4-liter V8s with outputs of 420 hp (313 kW / 426 PS) and 550 hp (410 kW / 558 PS).
More: Hemi V8 May Return In The 2026 Dodge Durango
However, with Carlos Tavares firmly in the rearview mirror, the V8 rumor mill has been running on all cylinders. Dodge CEO Matt McAlear recently addressed it in a conversation with The Drive, telling the publication “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.”
However, the 5.7-, 6.2-, and 6.4-liter V8s are pretty old at this point and McAlear hinted at compliance issues. He also mentioned that while President Trump is keen to relax regulations, he’s only going to be in office for four years. That’s not very long when you consider it takes around two years to develop a new engine.
While this seems to cast doubt on a new Hemi, McAlear noted the Charger Daytona just launched and we haven’t even seen the SRT variant yet. He went on to say, “We’re just getting started. We’re going to have a lot of fun.”
Besides talking about Hemi power, McAlear told The Drive that a production version of the Hornet GLH concept is coming and should arrive later this year. While the concept was pretty forgettable, it featured unique graphics, a dual exhaust system, and 20-inch wheels.
Getting back to Hemi power, Mopar Insiders recently reported a “trusted source” told them Stellantis is preparing to restart production of the 5.7-liter V8. If the report is to be believed, production will move from Mexico to Dundee, Michigan. The publication goes on to say the engine could be installed in the Dodge Durango as well as the Ram 1500.
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