CarteaNewsCars UpdatesDodge Charger and Challenger in the UAE: Is the HEMI Roar Coming Back?

Dodge Charger and Challenger in the UAE: Is the HEMI Roar Coming Back?

Ahd Kamal
Ahd Kamal
Published: 2025-11-17
Updated: 2026-01-01
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American muscle enthusiasts in the UAE still recall the deep HEMI sound echoing across the highways, especially with the arrival of the new Dodge Charger. Between nostalgia for the past and excitement for the future, one question rises among fans: where does the HEMI stand today in Dodge’s lineup within the UAE market?

The HEMI Leaves the Stage: How Did the V8 Era End for Dodge?

The year 2023 marked the conclusion of a long running chapter, as Dodge officially ended production of the Charger and Challenger equipped with traditional HEMI engines and launched the “Last Call” series as a farewell to its legendary muscle powertrains.

This series included several special editions featuring the 5.7 liter, 6.4 liter, and 6.2 liter supercharged engines, drawing the curtain on one of the most iconic performance lines in automotive history.

Key HEMI engine highlights in the previous generation:

  • 5.7 liter V8 delivering balanced, sporty daily performance.

  • 6.4 liter V8 built for drivers who want stronger torque in Scat Pack models.

  • 6.2 liter supercharged V8 powering the Hellcat, Redeye, and Demon variants.

  • A deep, mechanical roar that gave these cars an unmistakable presence on any road.

In the UAE, Dodge’s official distributor, Trading Enterprises, continues to support previous generation HEMI models through dedicated service, maintenance, and parts availability, ensuring owners can confidently enjoy their cars for years to come.

The New Charger: Future Power Without a HEMI Engine

The new generation of the Dodge Charger ushers in a different era of performance, as the model now relies on Hurricane twin turbo six cylinder engines, placing it in a more advanced technical category while preserving its muscular character.

New powertrain options:

  • 3.0 liter twin turbo engine producing around 420 hp.

  • Hurricane SIXPACK H.O generating up to 550 hp.

  • Performance figures that surpass some previous HEMI variants on paper.

Dodge also introduces a fully electric version named Charger Daytona, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in the 3 second range, setting a new direction for modern muscle performance built on clean power and relative quietness.

The new Charger emphasizes:

  • Improved weight distribution.

  • Stronger grip in corners.

  • Advanced driver assistance systems suited for fast highways and mountain routes across the UAE.

The End of the Challenger’s Journey… Yet Its Echo Lives On

The Dodge Challenger officially bowed out after the 2023 models, with no successor announced so far. From a showroom staple to a living icon, the Challenger has become a prized pursuit for performance fans within the UAE’s used car market.

Most sought after variants in the UAE:

  • Hellcat

  • Redeye

  • Demon

  • R/T

  • Scat Pack

  • Limited Last Call editions

These versions carry strong collectible value, combining mechanical power, a distinctive exhaust character, and limited production, traits that may elevate them to future classic status.

Sports Coupe Alternatives in the UAE After the Challenger’s Departure

With no new Challenger in sight, younger buyers in the UAE are turning toward other modern sports coupes available in the market, such as:

Meanwhile, the new Charger steps in as Dodge’s primary performance machine, offered globally in both four door and two door configurations.

A Possible Comeback? Future Scenarios for the HEMI Engine


Global reports hint that Dodge may continue using the HEMI in certain models like the Durango through 2026, but the return of V8 power to the next Charger or Challenger remains unconfirmed.

Options for HEMI seekers in the UAE today:

  • Purchasing previous generation models through the official Dodge distributor when limited batches appear.

  • Exploring certified used options through trusted outlets like Al Futtaim Automall.

  • Or transitioning to the new Charger lineup with Hurricane engines or electric variants for those prioritizing higher technical performance.

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Ahd KamalAhd Kamal
Chief editor information:

My passion for cars began long before my journey into automotive journalism in 2015. Even though I'm originally a pharmacist, the thrill of speed, elegant designs, and roaring engines has always had my heart. Today, I channel this passion by exploring the newest cars and sharing my experiences with fellow car enthusiasts across the GCC.

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