Is a Challenger Hemi a V-6 or V8?
The Challenger Hemi designation refers to the eight-cylinder engines in the Dodge Challenger, not a six-cylinder configuration. So, a Challenger with Hemi under the hood is a V8, while the base models use a non-Hemi V6.
In Dodge’s nomenclature, “Hemi” points to hemispherical combustion chamber technology applied to V8 engines. The V6 Challenger models do not carry the Hemi badge, and those buyers typically look to the Pentastar V6 for fuel efficiency and everyday usability. This article explains how the Hemi label translates to real-world Challenger powertrains and which models you’ll find it on.
Understanding the Hemi designation in Challengers
Hemi is a historical and branding term used by Chrysler to denote hemispherical combustion chamber engines, traditionally V8s. In the Challenger lineup, the Hemi badge appears on V8-powered variants, signaling higher performance than the base V6 models. There is no Hemi V6 in the Challenger family; the V6 variants use a different engine family and carry different styling and performance characteristics.
Challenger models that use Hemi V8 engines
The following list highlights the main Hemi V8 options that have powered Challenger models across generations. Each entry represents a separate tier of performance within the lineup.
- 5.7L Hemi V8 — a longstanding, popular V8 option used in many mid-2000s to 2010s Challengers.
- 6.4L Hemi V8 (392) — a higher-output variant used in performance-focused trims and special editions.
- 6.2L Supercharged Hemi V8 — the Hellcat family, delivering high horsepower and aggressive performance tuning.
- Demon-era 6.2L Supercharged Hemi — a limited-run extreme-performance variant designed for drag-strip speed.
Across these variants, the defining point is clear: if a Challenger bears the Hemi badge, it is powered by a V8. The V6 lineup, by contrast, uses a non-Hemi engine and does not carry the Hemi branding.
How to identify a Hemi under the hood
Practical indicators include checking the engine cover for a Hemi badge, consulting the vehicle’s window sticker or official brochure, and reviewing the VIN-to-engine-code. In general, a Challenger with a Hemi badge is an eight-cylinder model, while V6 Challengers do not wear the Hemi designation. The exhaust note, power delivery, and performance figures also align with V8 characteristics.
Summary
In short, a Challenger labeled as Hemi is a V8. The Hemi designation marks eight-cylinder engines in the Challenger lineup, while the base and many mid-range models use a V6 that does not carry the Hemi badge. For enthusiasts seeking maximum straight-line and track-ready performance, the Hemi-powered Challengers span several displacement and tuning levels—from the 5.7L and 6.4L V8s to the supercharged 6.2L Hellcat and Demon variants—each delivering distinct levels of power and character. Always verify the specific model year and trim to know exactly which engine sits under the hood.
