6.2 SC Hemi

New Motor Trend interview with Ralph Gilles:

"Here’s some news for you: during a special edition taping of Wide Open Throttle live at the New York Auto Show, our special guest, SRT boss Ralph Gilles, said that SRT will soon have “an answer for the Z/28.” Sadly, the conversation moved so quickly that we were unable to press Mr. Gilles for details. Basically, what we surmise is that Chrysler feels the big Challenger isn’t as competitive against the Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro as it should be. One way to rectify that situation is a more hardcore, track-focused car. Remember that Ford had the Boss 302 (no longer on sale) and Chevrolet makes both the Camaro 1LE and now the new hardcore Z/28 — and it sounds like Ralph wants to make his upcoming car much more raw."

 

Here's the latest from a credible allpar source:

Allpar sources are claiming that the “Hellcat” Hemi coming up in the next year or two, the supercharged 6.2 V-8 engine to be built alongside the 5.7 and SRT 6.4, will boast a serious power boost, with 550-640 horsepower expected.

There has been no word yet on what technologies the new engine will bring, other than a supercharger, which will also help high-altitude acceleration for those thrilling mountain chases. Its first use is expected to be in a relaunched 2015 Dodge Challenger, on the new LA platform (which was originally to spawn an SRT Barracuda), released sometime next year — Chrysler’s usually optimistic schedule has an unveiling in March 2014, with reliable source oh2o marking down July 2014 as the production start date. The SRT Barracuda might still end up with the 6.2, but Barracuda will not be based on the “L” cars.

One of the primary goals of the LA platform is to allow Challenger to finally use the hot eight-speed automatic already in the Grand Cherokee, Durango, 300, and Charger; the company’s most sporty mainstream car currently remains somewhat hindered by a five-speed automatic. Ralph Gilles has been quoted as saying that the Challenger would get major changes inside and out, which may annoy prospective buyers who love the car’s exterior looks, but want something more inside (and that eight-speed). It will almost certainly get the next-generation electronics — UConnect 2, Cross Path detection, enhanced parking assistance, UConnect via Mobile, automatic tweets from various car parts to other parts (@FrontCamera: get a load of that bumper sticker!), and whatever else can be shoved in without making the car uncontrollable.

 

Here's more news from Fox:

Chrysler working supercharged Hellcat Hemi V8 | Fox News

 

This information was posted in Allpar and Car & Driver in May:

Allpar

Dodge Challenger moves to its new LA platform, nearly the same size but with numerous updates to allow for production flexibility and new automatics and electronics. Chrysler considers this a “refresh,” but in many ways it’s a new car. The front and rear will be revised; the interior will be overhauled; and of course the HellCat 6.2 supercharged Hemi and eight-speed transmission will be included. The SRT 392 will be differentiated from the 6.2 by wheels, badges, and perhaps a different hood. Introduction is slated for March and April 2014 (first to enthusiasts, then to the media), with production starting around July 2014 (we figure it'll be delayed to August or September).

Original is at 2015 Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, and Jeep Cars, Trucks, and Minivans 2015 Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, and Jeep Cars, Trucks, and Minivans

Car & Driver

Dodge and SRT fans who have been grinding their teeth over the lack of a weapon to fight off the likes of Ford’s Mustang Shelby GT500 or Chevy’s Camaro ZL1 can breathe a little easier. According to a report in Automotive News, Chrysler is preparing a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V-8 that will propel next-generation high-performance Challengers and Barracudas.

Expected horsepower ranges from 580 to 640, but we anticipate seeing numbers just north of the 600-hp marker; torque is expected to peak at roughly 575 lb-ft. Chrysler’s so-called Hellcat—its first-ever supercharged production engine—reportedly would back up to a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic. The Hellcat likely wouldn’t see production until summer of next year, which would coincide with the timeline for a major overhaul of the Challenger, as well as the introduction of the SRT Barracuda.

Comparison Test: 2010 Chevy Camaro SS vs. 2010 Ford Mustang GT, 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T
Short Take Road Test: 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392
Comparison Test: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 vs. 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
There is one potential downside to this news: Staring down the barrel of ever-tightening fuel-economy standards, we’re in the midst of watching displacement figures drop from generation to generation, so we could be witnessing the end of the big-displacement V-8s. We’d say get ‘em while they’re hot—and if big-cube V-8s are your thing, then we’ll say that anyway—but if this generation of downsized and force-fed high-performance mills has taught us anything, it’s that while such emissions regulations may cut down on displacement, the fun factors are as high as ever.