The Dodge Charger Hellcat could return for the 2028 model year, bringing a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 back to Dodge’s latest muscle-car platform.
The interesting detail extends beyond the engine. MoparInsiders reports that an internal Stellantis powertrain document lists a ZF 8HP95 eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive and both two-door and four-door Charger applications.
Dodge has not officially announced the car. Horsepower, pricing and final specifications remain unknown. moparinsiders.com
For enthusiasts who miss the supercharger whine, this is a development worth following. Purchasing decisions should still wait for something more substantial than a document somebody else has seen.
What the Charger Hellcat Report Actually Says
The reported combination would put familiar Hellcat hardware into the current Charger architecture.
| Detail | Reported status |
|---|---|
| Model year | 2028 |
| Engine | Supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 |
| Transmission | ZF 8HP95 eight-speed automatic |
| Driven wheels | Rear-wheel drive |
| Body styles | Two-door and four-door |
| Final horsepower | Not announced |
| Price | Not announced |
Road & Track’s coverage also describes a potential late-2027 production start, citing reporting about the program. That timing remains a reported target rather than a confirmed customer-delivery date.
A planned model year, a production start and the day a buyer receives the keys are three different milestones. Automotive launch schedules have occasionally demonstrated considerable enthusiasm for moving between them.
The Current Charger Already Has Serious Power
A returning Hellcat would join a lineup that already includes substantial performance.
Dodge’s official SIXPACK specifications list two versions of the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six:
| Current gasoline model | Horsepower | Torque |
|---|---|---|
| Charger R/T | 420 hp | 468 lb-ft |
| Charger Scat Pack | 550 hp | 531 lb-ft |
The current Scat Pack also has standard all-wheel drive with a selectable rear-drive mode, according to Dodge’s Charger product page. dodge.com
That creates an interesting potential distinction. The reported Hellcat would offer the larger supercharged engine while relying on rear-wheel drive.
More engine output and more usable launch traction are separate engineering problems. Until Dodge publishes the specifications and independent testing follows, there is no sound basis for assigning the proposed car a quarter-mile time.
Why the ZF 8HP95 Matters
The transmission deserves attention because an engine’s output reaches the pavement through a complete drivetrain.
ZF’s official eight-speed transmission overview describes the 8HP as a family of transmissions serving different vehicle applications. Sharing the 8HP name does not make every version interchangeable. ZF
For a high-output application, transmission selection and calibration must account for torque delivery, shift behavior, cooling and the loads created during repeated acceleration.
An automatic can also coordinate shifts with engine controls. That relationship affects how smoothly the drivetrain transfers torque and how consistently the car accelerates.
These are general engineering considerations. The reported Charger listing does not establish its final gear ratios, converter specification, shift programming or cooling hardware.
For builders researching the broader transmission family, our ZF 8HP Transmission Swap FAQ covers the questions to address before planning a conversion.
A factory application does not make the same gearbox a plug-and-play swap. Mounting, electronics, driveshaft compatibility and control strategy still require work.
Eight gears are useful. Eight unresolved installation problems are considerably less entertaining.
Rear-Wheel Drive Makes the Supporting Hardware Important
If the reported rear-drive configuration reaches production, rear tires and chassis calibration will play a major role in turning engine output into acceleration.
Under hard acceleration, available traction depends on the tire, pavement, temperature and load at the driven wheels. Suspension behavior and torque management influence how effectively the car uses that grip.
A higher horsepower figure alone cannot establish that a car will launch faster, remain easier to control or repeat its performance after several runs.
The same principle applies to street builds. Before increasing output, inspect the tires, brakes and suspension already responsible for controlling the car.
You can browse performance parts at www.prostreetonline.com when planning upgrades, but verify fitment and suitability for your exact vehicle. A part chosen for the job is more useful than one chosen because its product description contains the largest number.
Don’t Assign It a Horsepower Rating Yet
The reported engine family gives enthusiasts a reason to pay attention. It does not provide the finished car’s output.
Different installations can require different intake, exhaust, cooling and calibration choices. A familiar displacement and badge therefore cannot substitute for an official rating.
The same restraint applies to weight, pricing and availability. Those details will determine whether the proposed Hellcat becomes a compelling performance package or simply an expensive way to recover a familiar soundtrack.
The next meaningful milestone is Dodge confirming the program and publishing specifications. Until then, the strongest supported headline remains a reported Charger Hellcat return with a supercharged HEMI and ZF 8HP95 pairing.
That is enough to interest enthusiasts. The dyno sheet can arrive when the car does.
