Designer Imagines 2026 Dodge Charger SRT8 Featuring a Stunning Hemi | Carscoops

      If Dodge aims to capture the enthusiasm of fans with the new Charger, it should carefully examine these renderings.

      9 hours ago

      by Brad Anderson

      The new Charger sports hidden headlights and flared wheel arches, giving it a more aggressive appearance.

      Multiple versions of the new muscle car are anticipated, but none will be equipped with a V8 engine.

      Currently, the new Charger is offered in two electric variants, with a gasoline option expected to be available by summer.

      Creating a vehicle that embodies modernity while honoring its heritage is a delicate endeavor. Over-relying on nostalgia could result in a car that feels like a mere imitation of the past; however, straying too far into the future risks losing that heritage. Dodge appears to have found a commendable balance with the new Charger.

      It clearly reflects the brand's muscle car heritage while integrating various modern design elements, paving the way for a model that could remain relevant for years to come. While the new electric Charger hasn't left critics impressed in terms of driving performance, it certainly looks the part.

      However, one designer believes the new Charger lacks sufficient aggression. David Baylis recently envisioned what a gasoline-powered, SRT8-badged iteration of the new Charger might look like, and his design is striking, indicating how Dodge could make the formidable muscle car even more extravagant with upcoming variants.

      The entire front end has undergone a significant redesign. It draws inspiration from the legendary 1969 Dodge Charger as well as the early Challengers. Similar to its classic forerunners, it features discreet headlights hidden behind dark grilles, yielding a menacing, almost hidden-eyed glare. The lower bumper and air intakes have been enlarged, enhancing the car's ability to take in plenty of air (or perhaps even a bird or two).

      Illustrations by David Baylis Design

      The new hood adds even more character to the design. Influenced by the previous-generation Charger Hellcat, it boasts a large central air intake flanked by two air extraction vents. The skilled designer has also envisioned the Charger with flared wheel arches, lending it a wide, sturdy stance akin to the old Hellcat Widebody. Changes at the rear are more subtle, but a new diffuser and larger tailpipes contribute to the car's aggressive look.

      Since the new-generation Charger was recently introduced, Dodge has showcased it in a variety of two- and four-door configurations, both in internal combustion and electric forms. However, as the model continues to develop, it's nearly certain that more performance-oriented variants will emerge.

      A successor to the previous Hellcat is certainly a possibility, yet any future high-performance variant will not feature a supercharged V8 engine. Instead, it would utilize an enhanced version of Dodge’s new 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder (unless Stellantis' next CEO suddenly changes direction). Whether this setup can match the legacy of the Hellcat remains to be seen.