4 Minutes
Digital artist imagines a drag-ready Charger halo car
The next-generation Dodge Charger has had a rocky start, but a new set of renders imagines a comeback built around raw performance. Digital artist Andrei Avarvarii teamed up with MotorTrend for an unofficial vision of an SRT Demon version of the STLA Large-based Charger, blending classic Hemi-era cues with modern aerodynamic detailing.
Stellantis recently confirmed plans to revive the Street and Racing Technology brand under the leadership of Tim Kuniskis, and the timing could not be better. Fans want headline-grabbing powertrains, and the rumor mill is already buzzing about a possible return of the iconic Hemi V8 to the Charger lineup alongside hybrid and electric options.
Design cues: old school aggression, new school execution
Avarvarii's render takes the 2026 Charger Sixpack as a starting point and fuses signature SRT DNA from past Hellcat and Demon models. Key visual elements include:
- Hood nostrils and aggressive scoop profiles
- Prominent SRT and Demon badging
- Wider fender flares and a planted stance
- Subtle aerodynamic kit and race-inspired wheels
The result is a sedan that reads like a factory-built drag car, but with the silhouette and practicality buyers expect from a modern four-door performance car. The artist's choices are a clear nod to heritage while respecting cooling and downforce requirements of high-horsepower applications.
Powertrain possibilities and performance rumors
Speculation around drivetrain options is the real headline. Stellantis has already offered the Daytona Scat Pack with up to 670 horsepower and introduced Sixpack variants with the twin-turbo 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six making around 550 hp. But many enthusiasts want a true halo model.
Industry whispers include:
- A potential ICE-powered Charger with a resurrected Hemi V8
- A hybrid or electrified performance model positioned above the 670-hp Daytona
- Bold rumors of a 900-hp Daytona SRT Banshee and even higher-output ICE variants
Remember the 2023 Challenger SRT Demon 170, which produced up to 1,025 hp on E85. That precedent shows Stellantis could push numbers very high if it chooses to prioritize straight-line supremacy.
Market positioning and why this matters
Dodge needs a halo. The current electric Daytona lineup has not connected with all buyers or critics, and the brand's muscle-car identity depends on headline performance models to sustain interest. An SRT Demon Charger could serve multiple purposes: restore credibility among traditional enthusiasts, showcase hybrid or ICE engineering mastery, and act as a clear competitor to other high-power sedans in the market.
For buyers, the key questions will be drivability, emissions compliance, and whether such a model targets the drag strip or a broader performance market. Pricing will also determine whether a Charger SRT Demon becomes an exclusive collector's piece or a more widely sought-after performance sedan.
Final thoughts
Avarvarii's render is speculative, but it captures what enthusiasts hope to see: a Charger that combines classic muscle-car aggression with modern engineering and potential SRT-level horsepower. Whether Stellantis pursues an ICE-only monster, a hybrid halo, or multiple variants remains unknown. What is clear is that the SRT revival has opened the door for bold performance statements, and a Charger Demon would be the perfect vehicle to make one.
Highlights:
- Artist: Andrei Avarvarii in collaboration with MotorTrend
- Base inspiration: 2026 Dodge Charger Sixpack and Hellcat heritage
- Potential powertrains: Hemi V8, hybrid, or high-output EV+ICE combos
Source: autoevolution
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