There is lots of speculation swirling around Dodge’s next Challenger. Some news, like the 5.7 Hemi being dropped, is not welcome but was expected. But then there is other news that sheds light on what Dodge has up its sleeve. One of those good news items is that Dodge is working on a twin-turbo straight-six engine for this lighter, more nimble 2024 Challenger.

How can a straight-six engine match the Hellcat 6.2-liter power?

The good news is that StellPower is reporting this next six-banger will have horsepower comparable to the 5.7 Hemi. The internal Dodge designation for its development is GME-T6. Let’s not forget that this means at least 372 horsepower from an engine speculated to be a 3.0-liter six-cylinder. 

This new straight-six was to have been in the Jeep Grand Cherokee.  With issues around vibration and noise, the engine has now been shifted off to the 2024 Challenger, which should be out in 2023. Factoring in the twin-spinners and some form of hybrid power, the six-cylinder’s output should be around 700 hp in its top model. Can we still call it a Hellcat? 

Now, that’s what we want to hear. The Challenger is becoming the dominant muscle car in a category that is slowly shrinking. But the elan-and press that goes with 700 hp, is as much a part of the allure of the muscle car as is the Challenger itself.

No more Hemi Hellcat after 2023, but what about a straight-six with similar horsepower?

The last Hellcat with 6.2 Hemi power will be the 2023 Challenger. With emissions getting more stringent and the V8 making way for electrification, Dodge has already announced we must bid it adieu. But the Hellcat cast a bright light on both the Challenger specifically, but also Dodge itself. The halo effect, marketing, and press alone were worth the development costs. 

Dodge’s eMuscle Challenger is also part of this equation. As electrification consumes future offerings, it is a natural addition to the Challenger line. The Dodge Charger should see a similar layout and offerings to the Challenger. Both will be based on the Stellantis large car EV platform.

Would you buy an eMuscle Hellcat?

There is speculation that the eMuscle car might be a separate model removed from both the Challenger and Charger. We expect that might not be the case as the word is out that EVs have lots of torque and power. The power that something like a Tesla Plaid puts out is a match for any muscle car specs. The wimpy EV image is evaporating. 

All-wheel drive is on tap for both the electrified Challenger and the straight-six version, too. And these same reports indicate there will be no naturally aspirated version of the GME-T6.