The Hemi V8’s death is greatly exaggerated

For those fretting over the loss of Hemi-powered Dodges, fear not. Dodge announced Friday that it is extending production of the Hemi V8 into 2025, not December 31^st as previously stated, “due in part to market demand and customer feedback.”

Really?

With the loss of the Charger and Challenger and their replacement, the Charger Daytona, which is not yet in showrooms, the brand may need some sizzle. After all, the Dodge Hornet has all the performance appeal of week-old pizza.

Lackluster Dodge showrooms are a result of former Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, who pushed the company toward a greener future. But with Tavares' resignation on December 1, the key impediment to further Hemi production was removed. 

Related: Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares resigns

The Durango is the SRT Hellcat's final fury

Of course, today’s announcement only reiterates what the brand said last month, namely that the three-row Durango SUV will receive a simplified lineup consisting of the GT, R/T, and SRT Hellcat. And for now, it appears to be the only vehicle to receive the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI Hellcat V8 engine, which produces 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque.

It will pop off a 3.5-second 0-60 mph run and do an NHRA-certified quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 180 mph. Not bad for a grocery-getter that sports both snow and track driving modes and can hold up to 85 cubic feet of lifestyle debris.

Of course, the R/T is no slouch either, thanks to its 5.7-liter HEMI V8 generating 360 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. And lest you forget, there’s the GT, with the ubiquitous 3.6-liter V6 producing 295 horsepower.

Now, for something really special

Of course, what would a Durango SRT Hellcat be without a special edition or four?

First comes the Durango R/T 20th Anniversary, honoring two decades of Hemi-equipped Durangos. The 5.7-liter is standard, along with unique graphics and badging, Brass Monkey 20-inch wheels, embroidered Alcantara performance seats, and Tow N Go Package, which increases towing capacity by 8,700 pounds, along with a number of towing accessories. 

Then there’s the Durango SRT Silver Bullet, which dresses the old girl up with Triple Nickel exterior paint, Satin Black hood, gray metallic SRT Hellcat badging, Lights Out finished 20-inch wheels, and Ebony Red Nappa leather SRT seats.

Or, there’s the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Hammerhead, which is all about its Hammerhead Grey leather interior along with embroidered SRT Hellcat logos, a satin black hood, and satin carbon 20-inch wheels.

Finally, there's the Durango SRT Hellcat Brass Monkey. It wears dark bronze 20-by-10-inch Brass Monkey wheels, Brass Monkey exterior badging, Red Oxide paint, and a satin black painted hood.

Final thoughts

Sound tempting? Of course it does. You can order them, but Dodge dealers are still working through piles of inventory created by the misguided whims of former Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. According to Cox Automotive, Dodge dealers are stuck with a 129-day supply of vehicles when a 60-day supply is considered average.

Related: Dodge will reportedly rush production of the Sixpack Charger Daytona due to demand

While Dodge is planning to release gas-powered versions of the Dodge Charger later in 2025, it remains to be seen if any sport a Hemi. It seems doubtful, given the only model announced so far is the Dodge Charger SIXPACK H.O., powered by the High-Output 3.0-liter Twin-Turbo Hurricane inline-six rated at 550 horsepower.

But with CEO Tavares gone and former execs like Tim Kuniskis returning to Stellantis, the Hemi may still have some miles left in Dodge showrooms.