Automotive
The recent headlines revolving Stellantis brands Dodge, Ram, and Jeep holding onto V8 engines have stirred the proverbial pot of the current automotive industry where not many know what the future holds, let alone next month. As major manufacturers like Stellantis attempt to find new ways to dig out of a sinking hole, many are turning to making what’s old, all new again. That newness looks to be the V8 engine for team Stellantis, who has promised to bring V8 power back, or continue it in some vehicles where the V8 hasn’t left just yet. That means vehicles like the Dodge Durango will continue to offer a V8 alongside the Hellcat offerings, Jeep will keep the 392 V8 rocking in the Wrangler and now offer it in the Gladiator for the first time, and the poorly executed new Charger will get a lifeline from potential V8 stuffing in the current versatile platform, hoping to wash the electric vehicle (EV) stink off of its hopeful good looks.
What’s really happening is a slow but deliberate rollout of fan-favorite powertrains into models that many thought would be all-electric by now. Jeep’s Wrangler 392 has secured its future and will remain on sale. Meanwhile, the Gladiator is about to receive its most powerful variant yet with the 392 V8 engine, something enthusiasts have begged for since the model’s debut.
What exactly are we doing here, Stellantis? Fundamentally, we can’t call the V8 a comeback, because it’s been here for years—yes, I just used that line from LL Cool J’s “Mamma Said Knock You Out” song, albeit twisted. It’s actually quite fitting considering the Stellantis brand V8 engines, especially the Hellcat, Redeye, and Demon variations, have been knockouts from conception and stood the test of time to give us that American thunder and tire-burning thrill that we all deserve, at least those of us that have melting-pot American red blood pumping through our veins.
It’s also worth mentioning that Ram isn’t letting the V8 go without a fight either. The TRX, once thought to be buried with the outgoing generation, is officially on its way back. With Stellantis confirming its return, the TRX is set to reclaim its place at the top of the off-road muscle truck food chain. It’s another strong signal that the company isn’t done giving enthusiasts what they want.
What we’re witnessing here is somewhat of a reversal, one that could actually help save the Stellantis brand. It reminds me of when Ralph Gilles conceptualized and helped bring us the poor man’s Bentley (what some said its design looked like) in the form of the new-aged Chrysler 300. That was some time, wasn’t it? We even got to enjoy V8s under the hood of the 300 with its SRT versions that were mimicked in a clever way over to the Dodge Charger (and Challenger) sibling. Good times those were.
Looking ahead, Dodge’s Durango is also embracing the V8 party with style. The Hellcat version will live on in 2026, and it won’t just return quietly. It’s getting a full “Jailbreak” treatment that allows buyers to personalize nearly every detail, from the paint and badges to the seatbelt colors and trim finishes. All this while keeping the same monstrous 710-horsepower supercharged engine under the hood. I suppose all of this ‘Last Call’ stuff will subside, for now.
Stellantis could be destined for a pivot, and a meaningful one at that. This would all depend on whether they’re really willing to listen to their core audience, the ones that bought up V8-powered Chargers, Challengers, like hot cakes. That crowd still wants the size, presence, and punch of vehicles like the Charger, Challenger, and even the long-departed Chrysler 300. They want engines with character, sound, and an optional ‘twist’ of forced induction.
We try to stay far away from politics because, let’s face it, right now such subject matter is toxic. However, in the current landscape of our political world, the V8 engine will naturally have new life. Regulatory rollbacks are opening doors for manufacturers to push bold performance models back into the spotlight. That doesn’t just mean more exhaust emissions, it means more soul. More rumble. More physical sensation in the seatback. More ear-tingling thunder that brings us back to the visceral muscle car experience. An EV can only do so much here but there’s a crowd for that, too. Remember, technology has come a very long way and we can appease more than just one crowd. Yes, you can take that note and smoke it in your pipes, Stellantis. You’re welcome!
We once said that we had a new automotive golden age about 10 to 15 years ago with the selection of vehicles that was available. Now, that golden age has maybe turned into some platinum. Hopefully, it’s being carefully molded into the kind of coolness we once had, while also giving us ‘cool’ options in the EV world. Either way, it’s a fascinating time to sit back and watch the industry light the fuse on a new era of performance. Let’s get wild and maybe burn that fuse with a little gasoline added.
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Malcolm Hogan is the founder and editor of Automotive Addicts, a trusted voice in the automotive media world for over two decades. With 20+ years of hands-on experience covering the industry, Malcolm has built a reputation for delivering honest reviews, sharp insights, and in-depth coverage of everything from new car debuts to high-performance test drives. Passionate about the evolving car culture and staying ahead of the curve, Malcolm continues to lead Automotive Addicts as a go-to destination for enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.
