The new Dodge Charger Drag Pak is equipped with a V8. So, where is the Hemi road car?

      Dodge

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      What you see here is a new Dodge Charger equipped with a V8 engine. Although this is not a production model, it certainly hints at future possibilities. I'm not suggesting that a standard Charger will hit the streets with an enormous 3.0-liter Whipple supercharger like this drag racer possesses, but Dodge does offer high-performance Hurricane I6 crate engines that could suffice. In fact, the last Challenger Drag Pak used one of those twin-turbo six-cylinder engines. Interesting, isn’t it?

      We could speculate endlessly about what this vehicle signifies for the brand, but first, let’s go over the facts and specifications. It is powered by a 358-cubic-inch V8 that is NHRA-approved for competition, and it’s undoubtedly a powerful engine that contributed to Dodge's victories in the last two NHRA Factory Stock Showdown championships.

      Dodge

      Along with the 3.0-liter Whipple, the engine features a cast aluminum block with six-bolt main caps, a forged steel crankshaft with eight counterweights, forged H-beam connecting rods, and diamond aluminum pistons. Jesel provides the roller lifters and rocker arms, while a Holley EFI lightweight Dominator ECU oversees its operations. You can be assured it produces a fantastic sound, thanks to stainless steel long-tube headers.

      Dodge also ensured that the rest of the drivetrain was equipped to handle the power. It utilizes a three-speed Coan Racing XLT automatic transmission paired with a 9.65-inch torque converter from the same manufacturer, channeling power to a Mark Williams Enterprises modular 9-inch rear axle with a 4.30 final drive ratio. The standard driveshaft is a lightweight 4-inch tube made from 7075 aluminum, with a carbon fiber option available. To me, the components downstream of the engine are where factory builds distinguish themselves from many (but not all) high-power customer vehicles. That, and the suspension too.

      Dodge

      Regarding the suspension, the Charger Drag Pak incorporates an adjustable four-link rear suspension with coilover shocks. Crews have the ability to fine-tune the vehicle by adjusting the anti-roll bar, camber shims, and toe links. The front suspension has also been meticulously engineered, featuring aluminum upper and lower control arms, along with a lightweight K-member that includes cleverly integrated engine mounts.

      All of this holds significance for drag racers. While I won’t claim to be the ultimate authority on this matter, I will say that Dodge excels in crafting these specialized machines like few others. What intrigues me the most is whether this indicates forthcoming developments, especially since the manufacturer chose not to pursue the 1,000-hp "CatX" crate engine it hinted at last year. So, what’s the reason behind that?

      I think I may have a good guess.

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