Latest news with #McAlear
Perth Now
17 hours ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Hemi V8-powered Charger all but confirmed
Dodge CEO Matt McAlear has provided the strongest hint yet that the rumours are correct: the new-generation Dodge Charger muscle car will follow the Ram 1500 in returning to Hemi V8 power. Replacing both the previous V6- and V8-powered Challenger coupe and Charger sedan, the new Charger launched as an electric vehicle (EV) in North America in 2024, when Dodge said it would also become available with the same 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder 'Hurricane' petrol engine that now powers the facelifted MY25 Ram 1500 pickup. Speaking at a recent preview event for the new petrol-powered Charger 'Sixpack', Mr McAlear made it clear there were more powertrains coming for the born-again Charger. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'At this point, we're here to talk about the Sixpack,' he said. 'And I'm extremely excited for what the team has turned out. 'I mean, I think hopefully you all agree it sounds incredible. When you get behind the vehicle or inside the vehicle, it sounds even better. This is the next generation of performance, and these powertrains outperform the V8 they replace,' he said. 'But long-term, there's more to come. We're just getting started.' Mr McAlear also contradicted the previous assertion by a Dodge representative who told Jalopnik in 2024 that the Hemi V8 could not physically fit in the new Charger's engine bay. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'I'll let you come up here and take a look and get your tape measure out,' he told journalists. 'But don't be surprised if it would fit. 'But, you know, that's the beauty of this platform. Some could say we're lucky, some can say we're smart. We did not commit to one technology, one powertrain. 'A lot went into this platform from the beginning to be able to evolve over time and flex with consumer demand and changes in regulatory [policy].' Dodge has not revealed any plans to drop the Daytona-badged Charger EV, but slowing sales forced the brand to fast-track the introduction of the straight-six powered Charger Sixpack. Supplied Credit: CarExpert It was originally due on sale in 2026 but will now arrive in US showrooms in the fourth quarter of this year, wearing a price tag that's about US$10,000 lower than the EV's. The previous Charger and Challenger were offered with a naturally aspirated 3.6-litre V6, plus atmo 5.7-litre 'Hemi' and 6.4-litre 'Apache' V8s and the iconic 'Hellcat' supercharged 6.2-litre V8. When Ram announced in June it would return V8 power to its 1500 pickup in the US, it confirmed the 5.7-litre Hemi would be a no-cost option on variants that come standard with the high-output version of the Hurricane six. In others, it's a US$1200 option. US media outlets are expecting an official announcement by the end of this year, before the Charger V8 goes on sale sooner rather than later in order to cash in on expected demand, given the popularity of the born-again Ram 1500 V8. Mr McAlear made it clear a revived Hemi-powered Charger, which follows the relaxation of EPA emissions regulations and enforcement under US President Donald Trump, would not come at the expense of the electric powertrain. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'With the change in the administration, it's no secret that we're absolutely flexing into ICE [internal combustion engine] production right now,' he said. 'But we are not walking away from the power, the performance, and the excitement that battery electric can provide.' The long-running Hemi V8 appeared destined for extinction under former Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, but along with the resurrected SRT performance brand it is now expected to return not only entry-level 5.7-litre form but also in 6.4-litre 'Apache' and supercharged 6.2-litre 'Hellcat' guises. Sadly, however, the new-generation Dodge Charger is unlikely to become available in Australia in either EV, straight-six or Hemi V8 forms – at least officially – because it's not produced in right-hand drive. It will, however, be sold in markets outside North America in both electric and petrol-powered guises, including Europe and the Middle East.
7NEWS
17 hours ago
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Hemi V8-powered Charger all but confirmed
Dodge CEO Matt McAlear has provided the strongest hint yet that the rumours are correct: the new-generation Dodge Charger muscle car will follow the Ram 1500 in returning to Hemi V8 power. Replacing both the previous V6- and V8-powered Challenger coupe and Charger sedan, the new Charger launched as an electric vehicle (EV) in North America in 2024, when Dodge said it would also become available with the same 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder 'Hurricane' petrol engine that now powers the facelifted MY25 Ram 1500 pickup. Speaking at a recent preview event for the new petrol-powered Charger 'Sixpack', Mr McAlear made it clear there were more powertrains coming for the born-again Charger. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. 'At this point, we're here to talk about the Sixpack,' he said. 'And I'm extremely excited for what the team has turned out. 'I mean, I think hopefully you all agree it sounds incredible. When you get behind the vehicle or inside the vehicle, it sounds even better. This is the next generation of performance, and these powertrains outperform the V8 they replace,' he said. 'But long-term, there's more to come. We're just getting started.' Mr McAlear also contradicted the previous assertion by a Dodge representative who told Jalopnik in 2024 that the Hemi V8 could not physically fit in the new Charger's engine bay. 'I'll let you come up here and take a look and get your tape measure out,' he told journalists. 'But don't be surprised if it would fit. 'But, you know, that's the beauty of this platform. Some could say we're lucky, some can say we're smart. We did not commit to one technology, one powertrain. 'A lot went into this platform from the beginning to be able to evolve over time and flex with consumer demand and changes in regulatory [policy].' Dodge has not revealed any plans to drop the Daytona-badged Charger EV, but slowing sales forced the brand to fast-track the introduction of the straight-six powered Charger Sixpack. It was originally due on sale in 2026 but will now arrive in US showrooms in the fourth quarter of this year, wearing a price tag that's about US$10,000 lower than the EV's. The previous Charger and Challenger were offered with a naturally aspirated 3.6-litre V6, plus atmo 5.7-litre 'Hemi' and 6.4-litre 'Apache' V8s and the iconic 'Hellcat' supercharged 6.2-litre V8. When Ram announced in June it would return V8 power to its 1500 pickup in the US, it confirmed the 5.7-litre Hemi would be a no-cost option on variants that come standard with the high-output version of the Hurricane six. In others, it's a US$1200 option. US media outlets are expecting an official announcement by the end of this year, before the Charger V8 goes on sale sooner rather than later in order to cash in on expected demand, given the popularity of the born-again Ram 1500 V8. Mr McAlear made it clear a revived Hemi-powered Charger, which follows the relaxation of EPA emissions regulations and enforcement under US President Donald Trump, would not come at the expense of the electric powertrain. 'With the change in the administration, it's no secret that we're absolutely flexing into ICE [internal combustion engine] production right now,' he said. 'But we are not walking away from the power, the performance, and the excitement that battery electric can provide.' The long-running Hemi V8 appeared destined for extinction under former Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, but along with the resurrected SRT performance brand it is now expected to return not only entry-level 5.7-litre form but also in 6.4-litre 'Apache' and supercharged 6.2-litre 'Hellcat' guises. Sadly, however, the new-generation Dodge Charger is unlikely to become available in Australia in either EV, straight-six or Hemi V8 forms – at least officially – because it's not produced in right-hand drive. It will, however, be sold in markets outside North America
USA Today
2 days ago
- Automotive
- USA Today
2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcats to offer 6 million customization combos
Dodge unveiled the next generation of its ever-popular muscle SUV — and it's jailbroken. At a media preview hosted recently at Detroit's Conner Center — a former automotive plant fashioned into a storage and display center — Dodge unveiled the new Dodge Durango Hellcat and announced the 2026 model year would offer a Jailbreak trim level, meaning customers can mix and match paint jobs, interior features and more. For the Durango, customers can choose from a variety of six custom wheels, four colors for brake calipers, six exterior colors, six badge colors, five stripe designs, five interior seat colors and four seat belt colors. Along with the customization package, Dodge is launching a new color for the 2026 model year: a sage green paint called "Green Machine." All told, the customization opens the door for more than 6 million unique color combinations on Dodge Durango Hellcats. Dodge officials did not release pricing information. "We challenge you to make a one-of-one from the more than 6 million combinations available," Dodge CEO Matt McAlear said at the preview. For customers who want to guarantee they will have a unique Durango, Dodge is offering "select" buyers the opportunity to paint their car "nearly any color imaginable," outside of the six exterior colors offered through the Jailbreak program. 2026 Dodge Charger returns: Ditching its EV-only strategy, the high-output version has a top speed of 177 mph Stellantis, Dodge's parent company, in recent times limited the production of the Hellcat engine and removed it from two of its most popular body styles: the Challenger and Charger. In 2024, Dodge unveiled a completely redone version of the Charger, powered by an electric motor — not the high-powered V8s that many Dodge aficionados had grown to love. Soon, Dodge will unveil a six-cylinder internal combustion engine for the new Charger body style. Other Stellantis brands previously restricted familiar V8 engines. In 2024, citing a push toward electrification and stricter emissions standards, Ram ended production of the HEMI V8 in its pickup trucks. In June, though, Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis announced that the HEMI V8 would be returning to dealership floors for the 2026 model year, calling the decision to discontinue the engine a mistake. But the supercharged HEMI V8 Hellcat engine (though production has slowed) lives on in the Durango body style, boasting 710 horsepower and three rows of seating. At the preview, McAlear cited statistics pointing to the popularity — and profitability — of the Durango. He said U.S. sales for the car jumped 51% in the second quarter of 2025 over the first quarter. In response to a Free Press question (part of the USA TODAY Network) about the future of the Durango Hellcat, McAlear said the brand is "committed to the Durango now and in the future. It is a staple." McAlear said the Durango is one of the last V8s standing in a crowded SUV market. Its high performance satisfies adrenaline junkies, while the conveniences afforded by three rows of seating, towing and storage capabilities can appeal to family-oriented buyers. Dodge opened orders for the 2026 Durango Hellcat on Aug. 13, and vehicles are scheduled to start arriving at dealerships in late 2025. The Jailbroken Hellcat will be produced at Stellantis' Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit. Liam Rappleye covers Stellantis and the UAW for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him: LRappleye@
Malaysian Reserve
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Malaysian Reserve
Debuts of All-new SIXPACK Charger Scat Pack and HEMI®-powered Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak Highlight Decade of MotorTrend Presents Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Tenth year of MotorTrend Presents Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge returned street-legal drag racing to Woodward Avenue in downtown Pontiac, Michigan Dodge debuted all-new 550-horsepower SIXPACK-powered 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack and HEMI®-powered 2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak at Roadkill Nights press preview on August 8 Fans lined up for Dodge Thrill Rides in new SIXPACK-powered Charger Scat Pack, which opens for orders on August 13 Morgan Evans repeats as Direct Connection Grudge Race champ in her Direct Connection HurriCrate engine-powered 1987 Dodge D150 truck Jimmer Kline earns Big Tire prize, Jeffery Kalo takes Small Tire win, while Peter Bokedon and Antonio D' Angelo earn Quickest Dodge prizes Mopar fan and blues rock guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd performed one-of-a-kind national anthem Ram brand display, burnouts on Woodward by NHRA drivers and debut of Dodge Badassadors also highlight Roadkill Nights weekend The most watched Roadkill Nights ever, a Livestream replay of all the action is available at and Dodge lit up downtown Pontiac, Michigan, on August 9, with tens of thousands of horsepower fanatics turning out to see new SIXPACK and HEMI®-powered additions to the Dodge brand lineup and to celebrate a milestone 10 years of MotorTrend Presents Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge. The most viewed Roadkill Nights ever, fans can watch a Livestream replay of all the action from Roadkill Nights at and Action began popping the day before MotorTrend Presents Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge with a press preview on August 8. Dodge CEO Matt McAlear led the debut of the all-new 550-horsepower SIXPACK-powered 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack, delivering the most powerful car under $55,000, and announced the Charger R/T model will be available to order before the end of the year with a 420-horsepower SIXPACK starting at an MSRP of $49,995. McAlear also revealed the HEMI-powered 2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak, which unlocks more than six million potential customization combinations. Dodge also announced that for the first time, every Dodge Durango — from the well-equipped entry GT model to the 710-horsepower SRT Hellcat — will come standard with a legendary HEMI V-8 engine, starting with orders placed August 13. Also for the first time, fans were able to hop in and take a Dodge Thrill Ride in the new SIXPACK-powered Charger Scat Pack, which opens for orders on August 13. 'MotorTrend Presents Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge is marking a decade for one reason — the fans and Dodge enthusiasts who've supported us since the beginning,' said McAlear. 'Seeing the smiles and pure excitement from our fans after taking thrill rides in the Dodge Charger Scat Packs and Durango SRT Hellcats keeps us pushing to deliver affordable performance and grow this incredible brand.' 'For the past 10 years, MotorTrend Presents Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge has been the ultimate celebration of car culture, and our 10th anniversary was nothing short of legendary,' said Eric Schwab, MotorTrend Group's group SVP, head of revenue, operations and partnerships. 'From the debut of the ICE-powered Dodge Charger and Morgan Evans' repeat win in the Direct Connection Grudge Race to world-class racing on Woodward Avenue, nitro burnouts by Leah Pruett and Matt Hagan, and fan-favorite stunts, this milestone year proved once again why Roadkill Nights is the premier festival for horsepower, performance and community. Our amazing partnership with Dodge helps make it all possible. After 10 years, we're already looking forward to the next decade of pushing the limits together.' The Friday press preview was just the kickoff to one of the biggest weekends in Dodge brand history. On Saturday, Dodge once again transformed legendary Woodward Avenue into a street-legal drag strip, headlined by the adrenaline-pumping Direct Connection Grudge Race. For the fifth consecutive year, online automotive builders put their skills to the test, crafting high-performance race cars powered by Direct Connection — Dodge's official performance parts brand — to compete for ultimate bragging rights. After Mopar fan and famed blues rock guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd staged a powerful one-of-a-kind performance of the national anthem to kick off the race finals, Morgan Evans took the Direct Connection Grudge Race crown for the second consecutive year in her Direct Connection HurriCrate engine-powered 1987 Dodge D150 truck, outrunning the Hooligan Brothers' 1991 Fox Body Mustang to the finish. 'This is definitely a first, to win my own trophy back,' said Evans, who became the second female racer to claim back-to-back Direct Connection Grudge Race titles, following 2021-2022 champ Alex Taylor. Evans also helped design the unique Grudge Race trophy. 'Let's do it again (next year).' The Woodward strip was busy on Saturday, with more than 125 competitors in classes, including Big Tire (over 275mm width) and Small Tire (275mm width and under), fighting not just each other but extreme heat in their quest for the big prize of $5,000 per class winner. Jimmer Kline claimed the Big Tire prize, while Jeffery Kalo triumphed in the Small Tire class. The quickest Dodge cars in each class also earned $5,000 each, with Peter Bokedon and Antonio D' Angelo taking top honors. Including those viewing online, 70,000 fans turned out and tuned in to watch the 10th edition of MotorTrend Presents Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge. Action included racing legend and Dodge NHRA Top Fuel driver Tony Stewart joining his wife and fellow NHRA star Leah Pruett, Tony Stewart Racing driver and four-time NHRA champion Matt Hagan and NHRA racer Ida Zetterstrom for a fan autograph session, while Pruett and Hagan treated attendees to a rare sight —12,000-horsepower NHRA nitro drag cars performing burnouts on Woodward. Ram brand also joined the fun with fans crowding to see the Ram 1500 NASCAR concept, Raminator Monster Truck and Bucking HEMI Experience. Dodge Badassadors also made their debut at Roadkill Nights, sharing their passion for all things Dodge. By The Numbers: A Decade of MotorTrend Presents Roadkill Nights Powered by DodgeMotorTrend Presents Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge is an iconic, can't-miss event for horsepower enthusiasts, and the combined stats over 10 years tell the story of the growth and popularity of Roadkill Nights: Nearly 400,000 in-person attendees More than 40,000 Dodge thrill/drift/simulator rides Nearly $50,000 raised for United Way of Southeastern Michigan More than 1,425 Roadkill Nights racers More than 3,350 vehicles showcased in the event car show More than 80 million video views (and counting) MotorTrendMotorTrend has chronicled the auto industry's past, present, and future since 1949, catering to in-market shoppers and enthusiasts through authoritative, entertaining storytelling, world-class photography, and engaging video presentations. In addition to in-depth coverage of the latest in automotive technology, reporting on breaking news, and features on the biggest personalities, MotorTrend reviews hundreds of new cars every year, leveraging objective testing and the team's extensive expertise. Its renowned MotorTrend Car of the Year, SUV of the Year, and Truck of the Year awards are also internationally recognized as among the most prestigious in the industry. Follow MotorTrend on X, Instagram and Facebook. DodgeFor 111 years, the Dodge brand has carried on the spirit of brothers John and Horace Dodge. Their influence continues today as Dodge, America's performance brand, shifts into high gear with a lineup that delivers unrivaled performance in each of its segments. The new, next-generation Dodge Charger muliti-energy lineup is led by the 670-horsepower Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack – the world's quickest and most powerful muscle car. For 2026, the all-new 550-horsepower Dodge Charger Scat Pack, powered by the 3.0L Twin Turbo SIXPACK H.O. engine, expands the Charger lineup, powered by the most powerful Hurricane engine in production. Dodge also keeps its foot on the pedal as a pure performance brand with the 710-horsepower Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, the most powerful gas engine SUV ever, and best-in-class standard performance in the compact-utility vehicle segment with the Dodge Hornet. Dodge is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit Follow Dodge//SRT and company news and video on:Company blog: website: brand: Connection: and @StellantisNAYouTube:
CNBC
08-08-2025
- Automotive
- CNBC
Dodge unveils additions to 2026 muscle car lineup: 'It's about choice'
Stellantis subsidiary Dodge announced two new muscle cars on Friday, flexing its 2026 model year lineup and touting customization options for its customers. The 2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak is a new three-row muscle SUV featuring a 710-horsepower Hemi V-8 engine. According to Dodge, it provides more than 6 million potential combinations for customization through multiple wheel choices, interior seat colors, seat belt colors, and exterior colors and designs. It can also be customized to include seating for five, six or seven passengers. The second new vehicle is the 2026 Charger Scat Pack, featuring a Sixpack twin-turbo inline-six engine. The Charger will be available in a high-output, 550-horsepower option, as well as a standard-output, 420-horsepower variant — called the Charger R/T. It will also be available as a two-door coupe or four-door sedan. "This next generation Charger lineup delivers the most horsepower and most torque of any muscle car in its class, the widest body of any car in the industry, an award-winning interior, and, perhaps most important, what our customers have told us they want: the power to choose what fuels them," said Dodge CEO Matt McAlear in a statement. The launches come as Stellantis has been trying to recover from financial issues. New CEO Antonio Filosa last week on the automaker's earnings call teased that the company would be bringing back popular nameplates that had been discontinued in the U.S. and launching new products in an effort to reconnect with customers. The announcement adds the Jailbreak customization feature to Dodge's previously announced 2026 model year Durango lineup. It also builds on the existing Charger lineup, which includes all-electric offerings through the Charger Daytona. The new muscle cars join Dodge's offerings one day before the 10th anniversary of the automaker's "Roadkill Nights" drag racing event, which attracts tens of thousands of people in Pontiac, Michigan. McAlear said during the media event that U.S. sales for the existing Durango rose more than 50% from the first quarter of 2025 to the second quarter. Retail sales for the Durango were up 47% over the first half of 2024, he added. McAlear told reporters last week that the 2026 lineup is meant to meet customers where they are and meet the demands of the market at large. "It's all about options and giving every customer what they need and a configuration they want. It's about choice," McAlear said at a media event last week. Dodge's lineup build-out comes as automakers are grappling with changing policies surrounding electric vehicles under the Trump administration. McAlear said several months ago, he believed there would be about a 30% industry-wide EV mix. But now, given changing EV policies, he said he doesn't see that number being higher than 20% for a while. "While regulatory standards will always move and attitudes around EVs will continue to evolve, we know one thing that doesn't change: people's desire for performance," McAlear said during the media event. In terms of pricing, the 420-horsepower Charger R/T will be available starting at $49,995. The 550-horsepower Charger Scat Pack will cost $54,995, while the all-electric two-door Charger Scat Pack has a price tag of $59,995. Dodge is putting together pricing for the SRT Hellcat and the Jailbreak customization access, McAlear said. Ordering will open this month for some options, but Dodge said other customizations will become available in the first half of 2026.
