The legendary Hellcat could return with rear wheel drive, more than 700 horsepower, and both coupe and sedan options.

For Mopar enthusiasts who have been waiting for Dodge to bring the HEMI back to the Charger, some exciting news has surfaced. A new report suggests that the 2028 Dodge Charger will officially mark the return of the supercharged 6.2 liter HEMI V8, bringing the legendary Hellcat nameplate back into the spotlight.

According to information originally obtained, internal Stellantis documents outline plans to introduce the supercharged HEMI into the next generation Charger lineup for the 2028 model year.

While Dodge has not officially confirmed all the details, the information provides one of the clearest indications yet that traditional American muscle is preparing for a major comeback.

The Hellcat Returns to Its Roots

One of the most interesting details from the report is that the new Charger Hellcat is expected to be offered in both two door coupe and four door sedan configurations.

Both versions would reportedly feature the supercharged 6.2 liter HEMI V8 paired with the ZF 8HP95 eight speed automatic transmission.

Even better for traditional muscle car enthusiasts, the Hellcat is reportedly being developed with rear wheel drive rather than the all wheel drive configuration found in the current Hurricane powered Charger models.

That decision would bring the Charger closer to its performance roots, delivering the familiar combination of massive horsepower, rear wheel drive, and the unmistakable sound of a supercharged HEMI.

How Much Horsepower Will the New Hellcat Make?

The biggest unanswered question involves horsepower.

The internal documents reportedly confirm the engine configuration but do not provide final performance specifications.

One possibility is that Dodge will bring back the familiar 717 horsepower version of the supercharged 6.2 liter HEMI previously offered in the Charger SRT Hellcat.

Another possibility is that Dodge could use the updated 777 horsepower version found in the 2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX.

Either option would give the new Charger serious performance credentials and position it as the most exciting gasoline powered offering in the next generation lineup.

For enthusiasts who remember the original Hellcat shaking up the muscle car world, the prospect of another supercharged Charger producing more than 700 horsepower is certainly something worth getting excited about.

The Hurricane Six Cylinder Is Not Going Anywhere

Despite the reported return of the HEMI, Dodge does not appear ready to abandon its Hurricane engine family.

The documents suggest that the 2028 Charger lineup will continue offering the twin turbocharged 3.0 liter inline six engine in three configurations.

The Standard Output version is listed at 420 horsepower, while the High Output version produces 550 horsepower. The more powerful Super Bee variant is expected to deliver 600 horsepower.

The electric Charger Daytona models are also expected to remain part of the lineup.

This would give Dodge a much broader selection of performance options, allowing buyers to choose between turbocharged six cylinder power, electric performance, and traditional supercharged V8 muscle.

A Major Moment for Mopar Enthusiasts

The possibility of a new Hellcat represents more than another engine option.

For decades, the HEMI name has been closely associated with Dodge and Plymouth performance. From the legendary 426 HEMI muscle cars of the 1960s and 1970s to the modern Hellcat era, eight cylinder power has remained an important part of Mopar culture.

When Dodge introduced its latest Charger without a V8 option, many longtime enthusiasts questioned whether the brand was moving too far away from the formula that helped make its performance cars famous.

The reported return of the Hellcat suggests Dodge understands there is still a strong audience for traditional muscle cars.

A modern Charger with supercharged HEMI power, rear wheel drive, and aggressive styling could be exactly what many enthusiasts have been waiting for.

What Happens Next?

Although the internal documents provide encouraging information, Dodge has not yet publicly confirmed the complete 2028 Charger Hellcat specifications, pricing, or release schedule.

Car and Driver has contacted Dodge regarding the reported documents and was awaiting an official response at the time of publication.

For now, the prospect of a supercharged HEMI returning to the Charger lineup is enough to generate plenty of excitement throughout the Mopar community.

If these plans move forward, the 2028 Dodge Charger could represent one of the most significant comebacks in modern American muscle car history.

The Hellcat may not be finished roaring just yet.