Remember back when the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon was being hyped up through numerous teaser clips and dragged-out hints that left nobody wanting for information by the time the cars actually appeared? It seems that someone within Mopar has learned their lesson, because this is the only thing we’ve heard about what they are planning on unveiling at SEMA 2018 on October 30th at 4:26 p.m. And judging from what little we are seeing in the thirty-two seconds this video runs, we have some suspicious and some hopes.
Let’s start with the obvious: a Hellcat’s paw prints getting smashed down by an elephant stomp. Hmm…subtle. But here’s the thing: right now, the only thing in Mopar’s CrateHemi.com lineup are the Gen III Hemi engines, from the 5.7L to the 6.4L, and even the Hellcat’s blown 6.2L version. Other than the same tease for something new coming, that’s all the website says. But do we already know what’s coming? Maybe…
It’s been long-rumored that the spicier version of the Ram Rebel will appear with two different engine options. One is the Rebel TRX, with the Hellcat Hemi, though there’s some questions about whether or not it will have the full 707 horsepower complement or if it will have to be de-tuned in the name of drivetrain survival. The other is currently known as the “Rebel TR”, and is rumored to have a 7.0L, naturally-aspirated engine that is rumored to be about 520 horsepower and over 520 ft/lbs of torque. This mill, code-named “Banshee”, is the only logical answer. Nothing against the trusty 5.7L units, they were hot stuff when they appeared on the scene in the mid-2000s, but we are living in the age where 500 horsepower is the baseline, where V6s tread upon 300 and 400 horsepower V8s.
Hmm…426ci Chrysler 300C. Yep, I’m having visions. And yep, I’ll be at the Mopar booth, waiting.
It’s going to be another crate 426 gen 2 hemi.
If I were to guess, it will be another Hemi-based engine. I have heard the Hemi referred to as a “elephant engine” due to it’s physical size and weight. I would put my money on a Hellcat Redeye Engine, or a Demon engine. Let’s also remember that the Viper is being re-worked, and this may be beginning of the reveal of the Viper following the footsteps of the Demon reveal.
I’m guessing this is a Gen 2 Hemi based crate motor that makes around 900 hp naturally aspirated, or with a small supercharger / EFI setup. The Elephant name generally went with the Gen 2 Hemi, and the Charger they show in the video has a scooped hood but one that’s too shallow for an intake with carbs on top a Rootes blower.
Whatever it is, the symbolism of it stepping on the Hellcat paw prints eluded to it being the new king of the jungle.
Judging by the hood of the car in the video, I\’d guess a new Barracuda. But how that relates to an elephant… ¯\\_(ツ)_/¯
Birdman no, that’s the outline from the top of a ’68-’69 Charger.