The contemporary Hemi V8, whether you approve of it or not, stands as one of the symbols of current-era performance. It bestowed a roaring V8 to the masses, regardless of financial standing. Alright, sure, there may be a touch of public disturbance caused by wild Dodge Challengers and Chargers prowling the streets, but those who have experienced driving one can’t resist adoring it. And upon listening to the Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six-powered Challenger Drag Pak being put through its paces at Roadkill Nights in this video, even you might find yourself feeling nostalgic.
Dodge has commemorated the departure of the Hemi V8 after this generation of vehicles with great pomp. It’s almost akin to the Pagani Zonda saga where there always seems to be a model that feels like the final one, only to be followed by an even more exceptional V8-powered creation. The third-gen Hemi engine has been in existence since the early 2000s and has undergone multiple refinements until it eventually became a cultural mainstay by the mid-2010s. Now, the V8 and its distinctive sound have become integrated into mainstream culture, with Hemi evolving into a widely recognized brand.
However, the naturally aspirated or supercharged V8 cannot persist indefinitely in this evolving world. It’s now among the final holdouts alongside the Chevy small block and Ford Coyote. Stringent emissions and fuel economy regulations are only becoming more stringent, prompting every carmaker to devise an exit plan. Dodge has opted for the Hurricane inline-six.
The Hurricane undeniably possesses the capability to generate horsepower, with the High Output Hurricane churning out 500 horsepower–sufficient to outperform the 6.4-liter Hemi. Its shortfall lies in its sound quality. During the testing of the Challenger Drag Pak with the Hurricane at Roadkill Nights, it displayed impressive speed and traction. However, it couldn’t match the thunderous symphony of the V8 engines that surrounded it. It emanated a typical six-cylinder tone with a hint of raspiness and bass, but overall, it lacked depth.
Certainly, there is substantial power potential in the Hurricane. Once equipped with a massive turbocharger and a louder exhaust system, it will likely produce a significantly more thrilling sound. But as it currently stands, it does not come close to matching the Hemi in terms of auditory appeal. Given time, I’m confident that Dodge will address this.
Have a tip? Reach out via email to tips@thedrive.com
