V-8 Roars Again: Dodge to Restart Hemi Engine Production in Michigan

Dodge, an American brand of automobiles and a division of Stellantis North America, has announced plans to resurrect its legendary Hemi V-8 engine lineup in August 2025.

The revival includes the full Hemi V-8 family: the 5.7-liter, the 6.4-liter “Apache” (also known as the 392), and the supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat. These engines have powered en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodge, including the Challenger, Charger, and Durango SRT Hellcat, and are celebrated for their deep growls and raw performance.

Production is expected to resume at the Dundee Engine Plant in Michigan. The decision follows recent leadership changes, including the departure of Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares and the return of Tim Kuniskis, known internally as the “godfather of the Hellcat.” Kuniskis’ reappointment has triggered speculation about Dodge’s renewed commitment to high-performance combustion engines amid an industry-wide pivot to electrification.

The move contrasts sharply with Stellantis’ earlier direction, which emphasized cleaner, more efficient twin-turbo “Hurricane” inline-six engines. But pressure from performance enthusiasts and internal champions of the brand’s muscle heritage appears to have shifted the narrative.

However, the decision is not without controversy. Owners of the 2021 Dodge Durango Hellcat are involved in ongoing legal action against the automaker, alleging that Dodge misled them by initially labeling the model as a limited-run production. The reintroduction of Hemi-powered models could further complicate the legal battle and stir frustration among collectors who paid a premium for exclusivity.

Stellantis has yet to confirm the reports or issue a formal statement, but insiders and supply chain sources suggest preparations for engine production are already underway. If true, the move could ignite a new era for Dodge’s loyal fanbase; one where combustion engines still have a seat at the table, even as electric vehicles gain traction.

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