Is a Challenger Hemi a V6 or V8?
In the Dodge Challenger lineup, the term Hemi almost always signals a V8 engine, not a V6. The Challenger does offer a non-Hemi V6 option, but a "Challenger Hemi" refers to the V8 variants rather than the base six-cylinder model.
What does Hemi mean in the Challenger lineup?
The word Hemi describes the hemispherical combustion chamber design used in Dodge’s V8 engines. It has long been associated with higher performance, and when people refer to a Challenger as a Hemi, they are generally talking about a V8-powered model rather than the standard V6. The V6 Challenger uses a different engine family and does not carry the Hemi badge.
Which Challenger engines carry the Hemi badge?
Below is a snapshot of the Hemi V8 options that have appeared in the Challenger lineup over the years. Note that the V6 is not a Hemi and uses a different engine family.
- 5.7L Hemi V8 — commonly found in base to mid-range performance models (R/T), delivering around 375 hp with about 410 lb-ft of torque in several generations.
- 6.4L Hemi V8 (392) — higher-performance V8 used in performance-oriented trims (R/T Scat Pack, SRT 392), producing roughly 475–485 hp and 470–475 lb-ft of torque.
- 6.2L Supercharged Hemi V8 — the supercharged family used in Hellcat variants (707 hp and up to ~797–807 hp in higher-performance versions), with Demon-era editions offering even higher output in limited runs.
In short, if you see a Challenger marketed with the Hemi designation, you are looking at a V8 engine. The base Challenger with a 3.6L V6 is not a Hemi.
How can you identify a Hemi Challenger?
There are a few reliable signs to verify whether a Challenger is powered by a Hemi V8. The following cues help distinguish V8 Hemi models from the V6 variants.
- Engine badges and nomenclature on the vehicle (e.g., "5.7L Hemi," "6.4L Hemi," or "6.2L Supercharged Hemi") typically appear on the hood, fenders, or decklid.
- Window sticker or VIN decoding will reveal the engine type and displacement; look for V8 engine codes and the Hemi designation.
- Under the hood, the cylinder count and layout indicate a V8; higher-displacement intakes and exhaust configurations are common to Hemi variants.
Understanding these cues helps confirm whether a Challenger is equipped with a Hemi V8 or a non-Hemi V6.
Summary
The Challenger Hemi designation almost always signals a V8 engine. The V6 option exists in the lineup, but it is not a Hemi. The Hemi family encompasses several V8 configurations—from the 5.7L to the 6.4L and the supercharged 6.2L variants used in Hellcat models—while the base V6 uses a different engine family altogether.
Notes on terminology and model variety
The Hemi badge is historically tied to the hemispherical combustion chamber design and has become a shorthand for Dodge’s higher-performance V8s. For buyers and enthusiasts, the badge and engine displacement are the quickest ways to distinguish V8-powered Challengers from the V6 variant.
