The Next Charger SRT: Banshee, Demon or Something Wild in Between
They say the loudest muscle car is gone. Dodge disagrees.
Stellantis has revived its SRT (Street & Racing Technology) division, and all signs point toward the 2029 Dodge Charger being the kind of beast that questions everything we thought we knew about muscle cars. Whether it ends up called the Banshee, Demon, Hellcat, or Redeye, insiders—and what we see in the teasers—suggest Dodge is aiming high: surpassing the now-established 670-hp Charger Daytona EV and matching or eclipsing the outrageously powerful Demon that pushed past 1,000 hp.
Here’s what’s on the radar.
What We Do Know
- In a recent MotorTrend write-up, the revived SRT division is expected to deliver “outrageous power, crazy marketing stunts, and smoky donuts.
- The current Charger Daytona EV in Scat Pack spec already makes 670 horsepower (with Power Shot boost) and 627 pound-feet of torque.
- A new Charger that would be “worth making” would need to beat that. Rumors suggest the “Banshee” could get close to 900 hp if electric, or even more if hybridized or with gas options.
- The platform underneath will be STLA Large, which is Stellantis’s flexible, multi-energy architecture. It supports battery electric, hybrid, or internal combustion powertrains.
What the Platform Means
The STLA Large platform is a huge part of the story. It’s designed to allow the same basic chassis to host:
- Pure EV powertrains (single motor, dual motor, or more)
- Hybrid setups (electric + ICE)
- Traditional internal combustion engines (ICE)
That means Dodge can build multiple versions of the next Charger: maybe a fully electric “Banshee,” a hybrid Demon-level V-8 setup, or even a “SixPack” style inline-six. STLA Large’s flexibility gives Dodge room to play.
Also, the STLA Large platform is claimed to deliver up to ~500 miles of range in certain EV applications, plus accept 400- or 800-volt battery architecture depending on the build. That’s likely relevant if there’s a high-end EV version of the Charger in 2029.
What Might Be Under the Hood
Because the Charger heritage has often meant V-8s, there is speculation that Dodge will bring back a big Hemi V-8 (or similar) in some versions of the upcoming SRT Charger. On the other hand, the EV Banshee or even hybrid versions could attempt to match/exceed Demon-style power with electric motors.
Some guesses / possible scenarios:
- An electric “Banshee” Charger with over 800–900 hp. Some rumors say “close to 900 hp” is being looked at.
- A V-8 (maybe a version of the Hemi) or a big hybrid (V-8 + electric assist) for those who want engine roar and exhaust.
- A “SixPack” inline-six version still possible, for those wanting less cost or better fuel efficiency.
- There’s also speculation about direct connection tuners and performance catalogs adding finishes / power options.
Potential Performance & Trade-Offs
If Dodge is serious about building something that outpowers the Demon and Daytona, here are the likely attributes—and the costs:
Likely advantages:
- Mind-blowing 0-60 times (below 3 seconds for sure, maybe closer to 2-second territory if electric or hybrid + electric motors are properly tuned)
- Massive torque across the rev band (especially with EVs / hybrid assist)
- Capable of smoky burnout / drag strip / show-stopping visuals
- High attention to aerodynamics, wider stance, aggressive styling (wheel flares, wider tires, lowered ride height in EV versions maybe)
Trade-offs:
- Weight will go up, especially for EV or hybrid versions with big battery packs or hybrid hardware. That can hurt handling unless chassis and suspension are reworked.
- Price will likely be high. Early speculation puts MSRP around $110,000 or more for top versions.
- Electric infrastructure, charging, heat management will be challenges for such high-output EVs.
- Maintaining sound / character while electrifying will be tricky—but the rumors (e.g. Fratzonic exhaust for EVs, etc.) suggest Dodge is aware.
Why This Matters
This potential Charger could redefine muscle cars for the next decade. Not just because it mixes EV and ICE, but because it may force competitors to redefine what “muscle” means. If Dodge can pull off high output, electrification, and retain the soul and image of the Charger/Hellcat/Demon line, that could cement Dodge’s status in the changing performance landscape.
It’s also interesting from a business/brand perspective: Dodge is betting that there’s still a large audience for raw, loud, visceral performance—even as automakers shift toward electrification. The STLA Large platform gives Dodge flexibility to offer multiple versions, so buyers can pick the flavor they want: EV power, V-8 nostalgia, or a hybrid mix.
Verdict: What’s Likely—and What’s Wishful
Here’s what I think is most probable:
- The next Charger SRT will have at least one EV variant (the Banshee) with horsepower well above 800, possibly near 900.
- There’ll also be an ICE or hybrid version for purists, possibly with a V-8.
- Price for mid to high trims will probably hover around $100,000-$130,000, depending on options, powertrain, and tech.
- Showrooms likely fall 2028 or early 2029. Early leaks suggest timelines around then.
