Stellantis has been moving fast, and this time, it’s not toward full electrification.
In a series of surprising moves over the past six months, Stellantis has reversed course on what once seemed like an inevitable march toward an all-electric future. The 5.7-liter HEMI® V8 has made a thunderous return to the 2026 Ram 1500 lineup, the Dodge Durango will be offered exclusively with HEMI power in the U.S. for 2026, and Jeep® not only confirmed the continuation of the 6.4-liter HEMI V8-powered Wrangler Rubicon 392 but also teased that a Gladiator variant is in development. It’s a stark contrast to the company’s earlier strategy, which aimed to replace nearly every engine with a battery pack.
Market Pushback Changes the Narrative –
Previously, Stellantis seemed determined to retire its rumbling, gas-burning HEMI V8s in favor of electrified platforms. However, a mix of strong consumer backlash, softening EV demand, and executive shakeups has clearly reshaped the company’s strategy.
Gone is the all-electric Ram 1500 REV, once positioned as the brand’s direct answer to Ford’s Lightning electric pickup. And just days ago, our friends at TFLTruck reported that Jeep’s Gladiator 4xe plug-in hybrid (PHEV) program has been canceled. Now, MoparInsiders has confirmed through one of our trusted supplier sources that yet another high-profile electric vehicle (EV) has met the same fate.
Charger Daytona Banshee: Reportedly Canceled –
According to internal whispers from supplier channels, the upcoming 800-volt Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Banshee, a range-topping, all-electric halo car for Dodge’s EV strategy, has been axed.
While Stellantis has yet to issue an official statement, the development comes as little surprise to those tracking the EV market closely. Sales of the 400-volt Charger Daytona EV have been sluggish at best, and introducing a more extreme, presumably six-figure Banshee variant might have seemed logical in a more EV-friendly market. Today, however, it looks like a high-stakes gamble that Dodge isn’t prepared to take.
When reached for comment, Dodge neither confirmed nor denied the decision, instead providing the following statement:
“Stellantis continues to reassess its product strategy to align with consumer demand. Our plan ensures we offer customers a range of vehicles with flexible powertrain options that best meet their needs. With the great news announced in July that Stellantis is bringing back its iconic SRT performance division (Street and Racing Technology), it follows that we are also reviewing the plan for future SRT vehicles.”
EVs Still Lack the Soul Enthusiasts Crave –
Make no mistake: EVs can be brutally fast. But for Dodge loyalists, raw speed isn’t enough. Enthusiasts crave sound, character, and that visceral, seat-of-your-pants engagement—qualities EVs have struggled to deliver.
And Dodge understands its audience. Tim Kuniskis, CEO of the Ram brand and the longtime architect of Dodge’s modern muscle revival, now oversees all North American Stellantis brands. With the revival of the SRT division, the return of the HEMI V8, and what feels like a back-to-basics strategy, the quiet demise of the Banshee is starting to make a lot more sense.
What’s Next for Dodge Performance? –
With the Daytona Banshee reportedly off the table, the focus may now shift back to ICE-powered performance vehicles and alternative options. Hybridization could play a role, but it’s clear that full electrification has lost momentum.
Dodge is also in the midst of launching the HURRICANE-powered Dodge Charger SIXPACKs, along with four-door Charger models, so scrapping the top-tier Banshee won’t leave the lineup empty. But it will signal to the Mopar faithful that Dodge is listening, and that hopefully the V8 will return to the Charger in the future.
