The justification for Dodge V8s is surprisingly flimsy, whether you want to believe it or not.

      Byron Hurd

      Over 30 years ago, Dodge unveiled a concept for a new two-seat sports car that mirrored the wheelbase of a Mazda Miata, featured a design inspired by the Corvette, and was equipped with a ten-cylinder engine that was unrelated to any existing models. Although many think the Dodge Viper’s engine was taken from a pickup, such claims are not true. While the basic design and dimensions were indeed borrowed from that side of the factory, it was the engineers from Lamborghini who significantly influenced the Viper’s engine, rather than those associated with the Dodge Ram.

      However, that was in the era of traditional performance, where cars could outperform trucks. It was also a challenging period for Chrysler, a company that has faced numerous such moments. Now, under the Stellantis corporate umbrella, this situation is recurring. Dodge is experiencing what can be described as an identity crisis. Just a year ago, it was recognized as the V8 performance brand. This image was primarily built around one engine type: the Hemi, which was originally created to market pickups rather than cars.

      Do you remember when Jon Reep first became famous for his signature question?

      The image of a Hemi-equipped Ram truck towing an old Charger symbolizes the sales strategy Chrysler has adopted over the years. With this shift towards trucks came a series of performance engines focused on the truck market. The engineers at the company concentrated on developing engines that would satisfy truck owners, resulting in a robust iron block that became the standard for all versions seen, be it the 5.7-, 6.1-, or 6.2-liter engines (including the Hellcat). The reasoning? The profit lies in trucks.

      In this context, what does the outlook for a Dodge V8 look like in 2025? When we spoke with Dodge CEO Matt McAlear about the situation, he acknowledged that V8 enthusiasts might feel abandoned by the company’s new electrification plans, but there’s more complexity to the situation than what is often assumed by the enthusiast community. As McAlear pointed out, “V8” is no longer a negative term at Stellantis, but that doesn't indicate that there's sufficient market demand for it.

      Reflecting on the vehicles Chrysler’s Street and Racing Technology division has developed from 1992 to now, you'll find the list lacks significant large-displacement power. While the Viper enhanced Chrysler’s image, most of its more enjoyable cars were based on much lesser models. We saw sporty Neons, Calibers, and Crossfires, which, similar to the Viper, utilized lightweight aluminum engines. However, V8s were primarily reserved for trucks and SUVs, and besides a few sporty versions (like the 5.9 R/T), they didn’t make much of an impact on the fun-car scene until 2005, with the arrival of the newly revamped Charger.

      “We’re not urging anyone to stop loving internal combustion engines or horsepower or V8s. You have your V8 enthusiasts, V8 fans, and EV critics. Fortunately, we’ve just finished selling them a V8; there are still some available,” he stated. “Go buy one of those.”

      While this may seem dismissive, McAlear has a valid point. There are many unsold Hemi Chargers and Challengers sitting on dealership lots currently. Don’t just take our word for it—check for yourself. Numerous Last Calls are languishing without price markups—or buyers. If demand were as high as claimed online, these powerful vehicles would already have been sold.

      This situation may reflect broader market trends. Over the past thirty years, the automotive industry has evolved significantly. Low-profile sedans and coupes are no longer dominant in sales; they’ve become afterthoughts. Nowadays, trucks and SUVs lead the market, driven by regulatory changes that promote larger vehicles while penalizing manufacturers for inefficient engines. Remember, the profits lie in trucks. Should there be a viable business case for Dodge V8s, it will likely arise from demand within Ram. Meanwhile, consumers grappling with record commute times are seeking more comfortable and spacious interiors, further widening the gap between the demands for size and efficiency.

      Something has to change; but for now, Lord, I crave another V8.