Direct Connection Shows Off Hurricane-Powered Drag Pak At Roadkill Nights

Over the past decade, Dodge has dominated the North American V8 performance market, showcasing a range of HEMI® V8 engines with power outputs spanning from 370 to a remarkable 1,025 horsepower. This has solidified Dodge’s position as a front-runner in the muscle car realm. However, breaking away from tradition, Dodge recently announced a shift towards electrification for its upcoming generation of muscle cars. Interestingly, insiders from MoparInsiders.com have hinted that internal combustion engines won’t be completely phased out from Dodge’s muscle car lineup. Instead, the cutting-edge twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter “Hurricane6” inline-six-cylinder engine family will succeed the iconic HEMI lineup.

At the SEMA show in November, Dodge//Mopar Direct Connection revealed an upcoming “CAT X” engine built upon the Hurricane platform. This powerhouse is intended to replace the current supercharged 354 cubic-inch HEMI V8, specifically tailored for the drag racing-focused Challenger Drag Pak. Engineers from Chrysler Group have their sights set on achieving output levels akin to the 354 HEMI, reaching the impressive mid-1,000 horsepower range.

Adding an element of surprise, the Direct Connection team unveiled a prototype Drag Pak vehicle at the recent Roadkill Nights event in Pontiac, Michigan. This groundbreaking car featured the new Hurricane6 “CAT 3” crate engine, boasting a remarkable 550 horsepower and 531 lb.-ft. of torque at a mere 3,500 rpm.

The CAT 3-equipped 2021 Dodge Challenger Drag Pak made several runs down the Woodward Ave. track. Despite its potential, the runs seemed somewhat reserved, leaving the crowd perplexed. The high-pitched growl of the inline-six engine was a stark departure from the expected deep-throated HEMI roar, prompting some surprise and curiosity among the spectators.

Although the Roadkill Nights event was anticipated to be a showcase for the innovative Hurricane6 engine, Dodge subsequently altered its plans. The CAT 3 engines, initially intended for the Grudge Match competitors, were replaced with the HEMI HELLCrate Redeye engine. While Dodge didn’t provide an official explanation, sources close to MoparInsiders.com suggested that Chrysler Group engineers are ironing out certain challenges related to the Hurricane6’s performance in racing applications.

While the introduction of the Hurricane6 was eagerly awaited, the event did not seem to garner significant favor for the new inline-six engine. It remains hopeful that Chrysler engineers will fine-tune and refine the Hurricane6, transforming it into a truly exceptional powerplant. Nonetheless, like many enthusiasts, the wish remains that the HEMI, or an evolved iteration, would have continued to hold the spotlight.

Hurricane-Powered 2021 Dodge Challenger Drag Pak Image Gallery:

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