Are Hellcats Still Being Made? | Production Status Now

Yes, Hellcat-powered Durango SUVs are still built, but Challenger and Charger Hellcats ended after the 2023 model year.

Are Hellcats Still Being Made? Timeline At A Glance

When people ask “are hellcats still being made?”, they usually mean the supercharged V8 versions of the Dodge Challenger and Charger. Those headline muscle cars bowed out with the 2023 model year, closing a long run for the HEMI-based Hellcat engine in those platforms.

The name has not vanished completely though. Dodge still bolts the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 into the Durango SRT Hellcat, and the brand has confirmed production running through at least the 2025 and 2026 model years in many states. At the same time, dealer lots still hold unsold 2023 Challenger and Charger Hellcats, so “new” cars remain available even though the factory lines for those coupes and sedans have stopped.

So the short version of “are hellcats still being made?” looks like this: traditional Hellcat cars are done, the Durango Hellcat still rolls out of the plant, and the next generation Charger trades the HEMI for electric and twin-turbo inline-six power.

  • Note the model year — Challenger and Charger Hellcats ended with 2023 builds.
  • Check the badge — the Durango SRT Hellcat still runs a supercharged 6.2-liter V8.
  • Look at inventory — thousands of V8 Chargers and Challengers still sit on dealer lots.

Hellcat Models And Production Status By Year

To answer “Are Hellcats Still Being Made?” cleanly, it helps to split the name across the different bodies that carried it. The Challenger and Charger used the Hellcat engine as part of Dodge’s long-running LX/L platform through 2023. Those cars finished production at the Brampton, Ontario plant in December 2023, with a Demon 170 as the final Challenger off the line.

At the same time, Dodge applied the Hellcat badge to the Durango SUV. That model started as a short-run special and then returned for multiple seasons. Strong demand pushed Dodge to extend Durango SRT Hellcat assembly into the 2025 calendar year and, based on recent reports, into the 2026 model year as well in non-CARB states.

The table below gives a quick snapshot of how each modern Hellcat product stands right now.

Model Hellcat Production Status What That Means For Buyers
Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Ended after 2023 model year New cars only from remaining dealer stock; then used market only
Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Ended after 2023 model year Similar story to Challenger; no Hellcat option on the new Charger
Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Still in limited production into 2025–2026 Orderable in many states; banned in states that follow CARB rules

Dealer inventory adds an extra wrinkle. Even though Challenger and Charger assembly has stopped, reports show thousands of V8 cars still sitting at Dodge dealers, including a slice of Hellcat and Hellcat Redeye models. That gives buyers a narrow window to snag a never-titled example before the remaining cars become collector pieces with higher markups.

Why Dodge Ended Challenger And Charger Hellcats

The Hellcat era sat at the loudest end of Dodge’s muscle range, with up to 807 horsepower in street-legal trims. As emissions and fuel-economy rules tightened, that formula became harder to keep on sale, especially with an older platform underneath. Stellantis formally announced that Challenger, Charger, and Chrysler 300 production would end after the 2023 model year, and with that move came the end of factory Hellcat engines in those cars.

Dodge marked the last year with “Last Call” editions and special paint combinations, giving the lineup a send-off that matched its over-the-top image. The final cars rolled down the Brampton line in December 2023, closing out nearly two decades of rear-drive V8 sedans and coupes built on related underpinnings.

Under the skin, the brand is shifting toward new powertrains on the STLA Large platform. Instead of a big supercharged V8, the next wave of performance models uses twin-turbo inline-six engines and battery-electric setups. That change puts Dodge in line with the broader Stellantis strategy while still giving buyers strong acceleration numbers.

  • Watch emissions rules — tougher standards pushed Dodge away from the HEMI Hellcat.
  • Note platform age — the LX/L bones dated back to the mid-2000s.
  • Track Stellantis plans — the new Charger uses different engines and architecture.

The Last Hellcats Still Built Today: Durango Srt Hellcat

While the two-door and four-door Hellcats left the order sheet, the Durango SRT Hellcat keeps the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 alive. Dodge originally pitched it as a one-year special, yet demand pulled it back for 2023 and 2024, and a late-2024 announcement confirmed production for the 2025 calendar year as well. More recent coverage points to the 2026 Durango lineup staying V8-only, with the Hellcat model still present outside CARB states.

The Durango SRT Hellcat pairs 710 horsepower with three rows and serious tow ratings, so it fills a different niche than the low, wide Challenger or Charger. For shoppers who want the Hellcat sound and thrust with family space, it is now the sole new vehicle route straight from Dodge.

There are some restrictions. States that follow California Air Resources Board (CARB) rules block sales of the 2026 Durango R/T and Hellcat trims, since their engines do not meet that region’s emissions requirements. Buyers in those areas must travel to a non-CARB state and work with a dealer willing to sell across state lines, or shop the used market instead.

  • Confirm state rules — check whether your state follows CARB regulations before you order.
  • Lock in timing — place orders early in the model year, as allocations can vanish fast.
  • Plan transport — if you buy in another state, factor delivery or a fly-and-drive trip into your budget.

How To Find A New Or Low-Mile Hellcat Now

Shoppers who want a Hellcat today have three realistic paths: new old-stock Challenger or Charger, a new Durango Hellcat, or a lightly used car. Each path has trade-offs around price, warranty coverage, and long-term value.

New old-stock cars sit somewhere between a fresh build and a collector piece. They give you a full factory warranty and the thrill of peeling the plastic off a cabin nobody has driven, yet they may sit on lots that load on fees or market adjustments. A patient shopper with a wide search radius can often spot better pricing at smaller or rural dealers.

  • Search nationwide — use regional inventory tools and call dealers rather than relying only on local stock.
  • Ask about fees — request a detailed out-the-door quote before you travel.
  • Check build dates — some “new” cars may have sat for months; look for tire age and paint condition.

A new Durango SRT Hellcat suits buyers who want the newest hardware, the longest warranty runway, and the best chance at manufacturer incentives. The trade-off is that you give up the coupe or sedan shape in exchange for a large SUV. If straight-line pace with space for kids and cargo matters more than classic muscle-car proportions, it is a strong option.

Lightly used Hellcats broaden the field. Many owners drove their cars on weekends and kept miles low, then listed them once Dodge announced the end of production. Prices tend to reflect that scarcity, yet a deep search can still uncover fairly priced examples, especially in less obvious colors or trims.

What Replaces Hellcat Power In The Next Dodge Lineup

The new Dodge Charger, launching as a 2024 model, shifts away from the old V8 Hellcat template. The first wave arrives as all-electric Daytona models on the STLA Large platform, with dual-motor setups and outputs that top many older Hellcats on paper. A 400-volt battery layout, all-wheel drive, and a simulated exhaust system keep the character loud even without a supercharged V8.

Gas-powered Charger Sixpack models follow, using a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six Hurricane engine. Power ratings land in the territory once held by Scat Pack and entry Hellcat trims, especially in higher-output versions. That gives shoppers strong acceleration while trimming fuel usage compared with the outgoing HEMI lineup.

For drivers who loved the Hellcat sound and feel, these new models deliver speed in a different way. Electric Chargers bring instant torque and all-weather traction, while Sixpack cars offer a smoother revving feel than a large pushrod V8. The decision comes down to whether you value the original Hellcat soundtrack or raw performance numbers more.

  • Compare specs — line up quarter-mile and 0–60 times, not just horsepower figures.
  • Test drive both — drive an EV Daytona and a gas Sixpack to see which suits your habits.
  • Think about use — daily commuting, track days, and family trips each favor different setups.

Are Hellcats A Good Bet As Long-Term Classics

With production of Challenger and Charger Hellcats over, plenty of shoppers wonder whether they should grab one as a long-term keeper. These cars blend retro styling with extreme power, a combination that already draws strong interest in the used market. Limited-run trims such as Demon 170 and special “Last Call” versions sit at the top of that scale.

Collectability always depends on condition, originality, and documentation. A garaged, low-mile Hellcat in a rare color with factory parts still on the car will usually stand out. On the other hand, a high-mile example with heavy modifications and little paperwork may stay closer to regular used-car values.

Ongoing running costs also matter. Insurance, high-performance tires, and premium fuel add up, especially if you drive the car often. Before buying with a long horizon in mind, it pays to run the numbers for maintenance and storage, not only the purchase price.

  • Prioritize condition — rust-free, clean-title cars with full service records hold value better.
  • Check originality — factory wheels, exhaust, and interior help a car stand out later.
  • Budget ownership — set money aside for tires, brakes, and regular fluid changes.

Key Takeaways: Are Hellcats Still Being Made?

➤ Challenger and Charger Hellcats ended with the 2023 model year.

➤ Durango SRT Hellcat production continues into 2025–2026 in many areas.

➤ Dealer lots still hold new V8 Challengers and Chargers for now.

➤ New Charger swaps Hellcat power for electric and twin-turbo setups.

➤ Long-term Hellcat value depends on condition, rarity, and records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Still Order A New Challenger Or Charger Hellcat From The Factory?

No. Factory orders for Challenger and Charger Hellcats closed with the 2023 model year, and the Brampton plant no longer builds those cars. Any “new” examples now come from unsold dealer inventory.

You can search nationwide dealer listings and call stores directly to see what remains. Expect limited color and option choice, since you are picking from the final mix that dealers ordered.

Is The Durango Srt Hellcat The Same Engine As The Old Hellcat Cars?

The Durango SRT Hellcat uses a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 rated at around 710 horsepower, very close to the tune seen in higher-spec Charger and Challenger Hellcats. The core block and blower layout stay familiar.

Calibration, cooling hardware, and exhaust routing differ to suit SUV packaging and towing use. That means the driving feel remains wild, even though the body shape and mission changed.

Why Can’t I Buy A Durango Hellcat In Some States?

States that follow California Air Resources Board rules apply stricter emissions standards than federal law in some categories. The Durango Hellcat does not meet those regional limits in its current form.

Dodge still sells the Hellcat Durango in non-CARB states. Buyers who live in a CARB state sometimes purchase across the border, yet registration rules can vary, so check local regulations first.

Will The New Charger Ever Get A Hellcat Badge Again?

Dodge has not confirmed a Hellcat-branded version of the new Charger. Current plans center on Daytona electric trims and Sixpack gasoline models with twin-turbo inline-six power.

The company could revive the name later, yet for now the Hellcat label stays tied to the Durango and to existing cars already on the road or in dealer stock.

Is It Smarter To Buy A Hellcat Now Or Wait For Prices To Drop?

Pricing for special models rarely follows a straight line. Some trims may soften as interest moves to the new Charger, while rare versions can climb as collectors hunt for clean examples.

If you care most about driving the car, shop for a well-priced, well-kept Hellcat that fits your budget today. If you focus only on resale gains, you may need patience and careful research on trim rarity.

Wrapping It Up – Are Hellcats Still Being Made?

The short answer is that traditional Hellcat cars are no longer built, but the badge still lives on. Challenger and Charger Hellcats finished their run after 2023, and the new Charger moves to electric and twin-turbo six-cylinder power instead of a supercharged V8. Those changes close one chapter of Dodge muscle while opening another built around different hardware.

At the same time, the Durango SRT Hellcat keeps the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 in production into the mid-2020s, and dealer lots still carry the last crop of V8 Challengers and Chargers. Whether you want a last-call coupe, a family SUV with drag-strip numbers, or a next-gen Charger, you now have a clear picture of where the Hellcat name stands and how to shop with confidence.