--- title: "Dodge Won’t Admit the New Charger Can Fit a Hemi V8, and We Know Why" description: "It's a simple question: Does the old Hemi V8 physically fit in the 2024 Charger? But Dodge's refusal to answer says a lot about its problems." date: "2024-12-18" modified: "2024-12-18" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/dodge-refuses-to-say-if-the-hemi-v8-fits-in-the-new-charger" categories: - "Dodge News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "charger" - "dodge" - "sports car" --- # Dodge Won’t Admit the New Charger Can Fit a Hemi V8, and We Know Why ![The all-new Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack produces 670 horsepower and 627 lb.-ft. of torque.]() *The all-new Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack produces 670 horsepower and 627 lb.-ft. of torque. \Dodge\* Reviews of the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV have been coming out over the last week, and it's fair to say it's a mixed bag. [Objectively, it's a competent coupe]() with a lot of interesting design features and technical choices to appreciate. But it's also a massive departure from its predecessors, the Challenger/Charger pair that stood proudly as old-school V8 muscle cars in an electrifying world, and it's being criticized accordingly. Now a big question is popping up: can the Hemi V8 fit in the new Charger, and if so, would Dodge consider bringing it back? Yesterday, *[Jalopnik]()* published a story citing an anonymous Dodge engineer who said the old V8 literally doesn't fit in the 2024 Charger's engine bay. We were skeptical of that, so we reached out to Dodge and Stellantis PR to ask point blank if it's physically impossible to stuff a Hemi in the new car. Dodge's response: "Dodge is focused on launching the all-new, all-new electric Dodge Charger Daytona models, as well as the Dodge Charger Sixpack ICE-option models next year. We have nothing additional to share in regard to potential future products." That's a heck of a non-answer, and we can guess why it's dodging the question (heyo). First, the engineer's full statement was that the V8 wouldn't fit without cost prohibitive changes to the cradle and firewall, which belies an important point: with enough elbow grease and a can-do attitude, you can stuff a big engine into anything. And I don't just mean backyard wrenchers LS-swapping a Miata—Jeep dropped a 6.4L V8 in the Wrangler from the factory. ![The all-new Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack includes Sport and Track Modes as well as race prep options for track racing or drag racing.]() **Stellantis** It's not a plug-and-play job because the new Charger's front crash structure, firewall, and STLA platform were designed for electric motors or a straight six engine, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. While we haven't yet taken a tape measure to the Charger Daytona EV's engine bay, we also know that the [new model is even bigger than the old Challenger]() in practically every dimension. And that includes the new gas engine! The high-output Hurricane inline-six is approximately 34 inches long, 29 inches wide, and 33 inches tall, not to mention the twin turbo setup. Meanwhile, the naturally-aspirated Gen III Hemi V8 in cars (vs the truck version) measures about 29" x 26" x 31". So, safe to say the "it literally doesn't fit" argument doesn't hold water. But if the Charger can fit a V8 engine, why won't Dodge say so? To be fair, it's stuck in a hard place. If Dodge admits it's possible, that's all it's going to hear about for the rest of the decade, and there'll be a permanent asterisk on the current car. Could've had a V8. If it denies it, it might shut down the conversation for now, but it risks having a YouTuber buy a new Charger to swap in a crate Hemi and publicly prove Dodge was lying or incompetent—or both. ![]() ![]() Looking at the big picture, the real reason Dodge won't answer is because a V8 in the new Charger *is* possible, but highly, highly unlikely. The cost issue is important; [Stellantis isn't exactly in the best position]() to be blowing a bunch of cash to adapt supply and production lines for a different engine, particularly on an enthusiast vehicle that won't help the company reduce fleetwide emissions to avoid future penalties from regulators. Stellantis also no longer buys EV credits from other automakers, a decision made under former CEO Carlos Tavares, which means it can't use those to offset selling inefficient V8s anymore, either. Even if Stellantis was financially healthy, the engineer source in Jalopnik's story signaled one more big philosophical reason why new Dodge Charger can't have a V8—it's supposed to be the muscle car of the future, and the Hemi is an engine of the past. Brand-wise, I don't think a clean message makes up for it being one that the loyal customer base doesn't want to hear. Still, it's no surprise that a major corporation doesn't want to admit it made a bad decision and toss aside years of marketing to say "just kidding!" Who knows, though: there's a sliver of hope in [the man who killed the Hemi getting kicked to the curb](). But I wouldn't hold your breath. *Got tips? Send ’em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()