Could Dodge’s 8/8 Reveal Mark the Hemi V8’s Return to the Charger?

Date:2025-08-08 00:36:37 Category:tech Views:2 Comment:0

Could Dodge’s 8/8 Reveal Mark the Hemi V8’s Return to the Charger? originally appeared on Autoblog.

A Muscle Car Lineup Without a V8

Dodge's muscle car portfolio has been without its most defining feature since the start of 2025. The discontinuation of the last-generation Charger and Challenger brought an end to the brand's Hemi V8 offerings, replaced by the all-electric Charger Daytona and a new combustion-powered Charger Sixpack that falls short of two cylinders.

While the Daytona EV signals Dodge's future ambitions, early sales figures suggest hesitation from traditional buyers. Through the first half of 2025, Dodge has sold just over 4,000 Charger Daytonas – nowhere near enough to fill the void left by the V8-powered models. The Charger Sixpack, available in two high-output inline-six variants, still lacks the visceral appeal of a V8 for Dodge loyalists.

Interestingly, the company has already reversed course in its truck lineup, recently reintroducing the Hemi V8 in the Ram 1500 after a leadership shakeup and a regulatory rollback. It stands to reason the muscle car lineup could be next, and Dodge seems to have chosen a symbolic date for it.

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8/8 Could be More Than Just Another Friday

Dodge is scheduled to reveal “its newest muscle” during the opening day of Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge on Friday, August 8, 2025. The timing—8/8/2025—offers a memorable anchor for what could be a high-profile comeback. Though the company hasn't confirmed what the new car will be, the context of the reveal and the marketing language strongly hint at something aligned with Dodge's performance roots.

Roadkill Nights, now in its 10th year, has become a marquee event in the American performance calendar. Held the weekend before the Woodward Dream Cruise, it draws a national audience of muscle car fans and drag racing enthusiasts. With Dodge at a crossroads and still reeling from a nearly 50% year-on-year sales drop, this event gives the brand a focused, enthusiast-friendly platform to reassert its identity.

Roadkill Nights Stacked with Fan-Favorite Activities

Beyond the potential Hemi-related announcement, Roadkill Nights 2025 is packed with activities that target the brand's core audience. Attendees can expect thrill rides in the next-generation Charger, a Direct Connection Grudge Race, and 12,000-horsepower burnout exhibitions by NHRA stars Matt Hagan and Leah Pruett. Plus, racing legend Tony Stewart will appear alongside Dodge Badassadors – new brand reps who will interact with fans throughout the event.

The main event on August 9 will also feature car shows, simulators, a showcase of Direct Connection parts, and special Dodge and Ram displays. For those who don't have the time to attend physically, the August 8 reveal and August 9 main program will both be streamed online.