Direct Connection is reigniting the spirit of American performance at the 2025 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas. The performance arm of Dodge and Mopar has officially relaunched two of its most revered crate engines—the HELLEPHANT A30 426 Supercharged Crate HEMI® and the 354 Supercharged Drag Pak HEMI® V8.
Both engines return to the lineup with comprehensive engineering updates, delivering improved strength, precision, and performance. They also mark the first major product launches under the newly reestablished Street & Racing Technology (SRT) Performance division, which now oversees Direct Connection’s crate engine program, SRT vehicle development, and Stellantis’ North American motorsports efforts.
A New Chapter for Direct Connection and SRT –
The relaunch of the HELLEPHANT A30 and 354 Drag Pak HEMI crate engines underscores Direct Connection’s renewed commitment to high-performance engineering. Under the revitalized SRT Performance division, these engines not only reaffirm Dodge’s position at the forefront of American performance but also signal the continuation of the HEMI’s unmatched legacy.
“The desire for HEMI engine power is stronger than ever, and Direct Connection is ready to supply gearheads the horsepower they crave,” said Chad Seymour, Head of Direct Connection Crate Engines. “With the reveal of the new Dodge Charger Hustle Stuff Drag Pak and the relaunch of these crate engines, the Direct Connection portfolio continues to evolve and expand.”
Direct Connection Doubles Down on HEMI® Power –
When the HELLEPHANT A30 first debuted at SEMA in 2018, it captured global attention with its factory-rated 1,000 horsepower output. The updated 2025 model builds on that legacy, producing an equally staggering 1,000 horsepower and 950 lb.-ft. of torque—but with a suite of mechanical refinements designed for greater durability and efficiency.
The upgraded HELLEPHANT A30 now features a newly designed Gen3 aluminum HEMI engine block with select six-bolt main metal caps to enhance bottom-end rigidity. Its cylinders are precision CNC torque plate honed, ensuring tighter tolerances and smoother performance under heavy load. A new 4340 forged-steel, eight-counterweight crankshaft with gun-drilled mains and lightened rod journals has been added to reduce rotating mass and internal stress.
Complementing the crankshaft are high-strength 4340 forged-steel H-beam connecting rods with ARP 2000 fasteners, custom Mahle forged aluminum pistons, and an upgraded IHI 3.0-liter twin-screw supercharger. The induction system also benefits from a new Litens billet aluminum supercharger belt tensioner, Injector Dynamics 1050 fuel injectors, and a 92mm throttle body for improved airflow.
Internally, the HELLEPHANT’s 426 cubic-inch (7.0-liter) displacement is achieved through a 4.125-inch bore and 4.000-inch stroke combination, maintaining a 9.5:1 compression ratio. The engine is designed to rev up to 6,800 rpm, with 356 aluminum HEMI spherical combustion chamber cylinder heads maximizing combustion efficiency. Direct Connection recommends premium fuel, but the setup is adaptable for race applications.
Priced at $34,995 (Part #: 5160194AD), the HELLEPHANT A30 Crate HEMI can be installed in race-only or pre-1976 vehicles using Direct Connection’s updated “plug and play” engine kit (Part #: 77072500AE), which includes revised calibration software to optimize power and durability.
The Championship-Proven 354 Drag Pak HEMI® Returns –
Joining the HELLEPHANT’s return is another powerhouse—the 354 Supercharged Drag Pak HEMI® engine. This race-proven, 5.8-liter (354 cubic-inch) supercharged V8 is the same engine powering the all-new 2026 Dodge Charger Hustle Stuff Drag Pak, continuing Dodge’s dominance in NHRA Factory Stock Showdown competition.
The refreshed Drag Pak HEMI has undergone a complete internal overhaul. It utilizes a newly designed Gen3 aluminum HEMI block with select six-bolt main caps for enhanced strength, along with a billet eight-counterweight crankshaft machined from 4330V Timken steel. The crankshaft features gun-drilled mains and reprofiled counterweights to minimize windage losses and improve efficiency.
High-performance forged-steel H-beam connecting rods with ARP L19 fasteners and Diamond forged aluminum race pistons ensure the bottom end can withstand extreme supercharged pressures. Airflow is managed through a Whipple 3.0-liter twin-screw supercharger paired with a massive 109mm billet aluminum throttle body and 3.5-inch pulley.
Additional race-focused components include billet timing gears, a Jesel valvetrain, PAC Racing dual valve springs, billet front drive, and an SFI-approved ATI damper. Exhaust duties are handled by American Racing 304 stainless headers with merge collectors, and lubrication is supported by a Moroso billet aluminum oil pan.
The 354 Drag Pak HEMI comes equipped with factory-installed sensors for cam and crank position, oil pressure, and manifold temperature, allowing for seamless integration with Direct Connection’s ECU Kit (Part #: P5160240AA) and Electrical/Fuel Kit (Part #: P5160239AC). The engine is optimized for VP C16 race fuel and uses Shell Rotella T6 5W-40 synthetic oil.
The Drag Pak HEMI (Part #: P5160354AD) is priced at $63,995 and is built to order, with an estimated delivery window of four to six weeks.
Availability and Ordering –
Orders for both engines open tomorrow, November 4th, 2025, coinciding with the start of the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Attendees will be able to place orders directly at the Direct Connection section of the Mopar display, while broader ordering information and technical documentation are available at DCPerformance.com.
The HELLEPHANT A30 will begin shipping later in November, while Drag Pak engines will be assembled to customer specification.
