What Dodge Charger is a V8?
The V8-powered Dodge Chargers are the R/T, Scat Pack, and the SRT family—Hellcat, Redeye, and Jailbreak; the base SXT and GT use a V6.
Dodge's Charger lineup has evolved over the years, with V8 power reserved for the higher-performance trims. This article explains which Charger models have V8 engines, the engines they use, and how this status stands in today’s market.
V8-powered Charger trims
Below is a concise rundown of the Charger trims that come with a V8 engine and their typical displacement.
- Dodge Charger R/T — 5.7-liter Hemi V8 (approximately 370 hp in recent years)
- Dodge Charger Scat Pack — 6.4-liter Hemi V8 (around 485 hp)
- Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat — 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 (707 hp)
- Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye — 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 (about 797 hp)
- Dodge Charger SRT Jailbreak — 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 (about 807 hp)
These entries reflect the modern-era Chargers offered up through the 2023 model year. The base SXT/GT models continue to use a V6 engine, and no new Chargers with V8 power have been built since Dodge ended U.S. production of the Charger after 2023.
Current status and outlook
As of 2025, Dodge has ceased U.S. production of the Charger, effectively ending new V8 Chargers. The brand is redirecting its lineup toward electrified and other performance-focused models, while the used market remains for V8 Chargers built through 2023.
Notes on engine choices by year
Historically, the 5.7L Hemi V8 powered the R/T in earlier generations and continued into the modern R/T. The 6.4L Hemi in the Scat Pack arrived with newer platforms and routing of power, while the 6.2L supercharged Hemi has powered the Hellcat family, with Redeye and Jailbreak variants pushing the upper limits of performance.
Summary
The V8-powered Dodge Chargers are the R/T, Scat Pack, Hellcat, Redeye, and Jailbreak trims—distinct from the base SXT/GT which use a V6. Production of new V8 Chargers ended after the 2023 model year, making these variants largely a matter of the used-car market for enthusiasts, while Dodge focuses on other powertrains and electrification moving forward.
What Dodge Charger has a V8?
Hellcat Redeye
The Hellcat Redeye comes standard with the 797 hp (594 kW; 808 PS) V8 engine.
Which is better, GT or RT?
Performance and Mechanical Differences
R/T Models: Feature power-house V8 engines, like the Charger's 5.7L HEMI V8. GT Models: Typically equipped with V6 engines that balance power and efficiency, ideal for enjoyable daily driving.
Which charger comes with a V8?
The 2022 Dodge Charger also offers the available 392 HEMI V8 engine. The 392 HEMI V8 comes equipped as standard on the all-new Dodge Charger Scat Pack model. The 392 HEMI V8 is capable of delivering up to 485 horsepower and up to 475 lb-ft of torque.
Which Dodge has a V8 engine?
Dodge's current V8-powered cars are limited to the Durango SUV, as the brand discontinued its V8 muscle cars like the Charger and Challenger after 2023. However, Dodge has also announced that it will release a V8-powered drag race car for the 2026 model year and there is speculation that a V8 muscle car may return in the future.
Current lineup
- Dodge Durango: The only current model available with a V8 engine, the Durango can be equipped with a 5.7L naturally aspirated or a 6.2L supercharged V8.
Discontinued models
- Dodge Challenger: Production of the Challenger ended in 2023, but many V8 models are still available on the used market.
- Dodge Charger: Similar to the Challenger, the Charger was also discontinued after the 2023 model year, but V8 models are available used.
- Dodge Magnum: A discontinued V8-powered wagon.
- Dodge Dart: Some older versions of the Dart were available with V8 engines.
Future and special models
- 2026 Dodge Charger Drag Pak: A purpose-built, non-street-legal drag racing car that features a 5.7L Hemi V8, it demonstrates that a V8 can fit in the new Charger body style.
- Future V8 muscle cars: While the V8 muscle car was discontinued, there is speculation that Dodge may bring back a V8-powered muscle car in the future, but nothing has been confirmed.
