Dodge’s CEO, Tim Kuniskis, has reaffirmed that the Hellcat legacy will forever be linked with robust, supercharged V8 engines.
In an interview with Road & Track, the spirited CEO emphasized that the iconic moniker won’t resurface on battery-electric or Hurricane-powered muscle cars. His reasoning? Enthusiasts have a deep reverence for the Hellcat name.
“For the last ten years, we’ve been trying to distill this brand down to, you know, we don’t sell Journeys, we don’t sell Darts, we’re only selling American performance cars,” Kuniskis explained. “The most extreme performance level becomes our marketing, and then we sell from there down.”
In a subtle jab at electric vehicles like the Porsche Taycan Turbo, Kuniskis noted, “So if you […] call it a turbo, and it’s a BEV, it doesn’t fit, right?”
“If I called it a Hellcat, […] I’d be killed because that’s not what it is,” he added.
Hellcat’s Legacy Reserved for V8 Powertrains
Perhaps as a critique against automakers focused on unique trims and cosmetic variations, Kuniskis emphasized, “We sell hardware; we don’t sell finishes and leathers and colors. We sell the actual hardware, and therefore, names are very, very important.”
Regrettably, the return of the Hellcat name seems improbable. Dodge has announced the discontinuation of V8-powered vehicles, although the V8 will linger in the Durango for a while longer.
Nonetheless, enthusiasts can anticipate Hurricane-powered inline-six engines. Moreover, the retirement of the Hellcat name doesn’t preclude the possibility of high-performance versions of the new Charger, recently revealed.
It’s worth noting Dodge initially labeled the Durango Hellcat as a one-year-only special edition before reintroducing it, suggesting a slim chance of the Hellcat’s revival someday.
Electric Power to Challenge V8 Hellcats
The electric Charger Daytona debuted in R/T form with 496 horsepower and 404 lb-ft of torque—respectable figures for a muscle car. However, the Scat Pack elevates the performance with up to 670 electric horses and 627 lb-ft.
Direct Connection upgrade packages, leveraging 400-volt architecture, will be available for these models. Those seeking Hellcat-level performance will anticipate the 800V Banshee variant, anticipated to match the outgoing Challenger SRT Hellcat’s output.
To compensate for the absence of V8 rumble and supercharger whine, Dodge is developing a special Fratzonic exhaust system to enhance the electric motor’s sounds.
ICE aficionados will be pleased with the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six models. A ‘High Output’ SIXPACK HO variant will offer 550 hp, while a SIXPACK SO ‘Standard Output’ will deliver 420 horses.
Also read: Dodge Targets Political Sensibilities in Awkward Charger EV Commercial