Hellephant Returns to the Stage

The era of high-performance HEMI crate engines is making a comeback. At the 2025 SEMA Show, Stellantis announced the return of its Direct Connection Hellephant A30 426 crate V8—an engine that churns out an insane 1,000 horsepower and 950 lb-ft of torque.

Originally unveiled in 2018, the supercharged engine is back with key updates, including a reinforced aluminum block, six-bolt mains, forged internals, an upgraded IHI 3.0-liter supercharger, and revised calibration. The 426-cubic-inch powerhouse maintains a 6,800-rpm redline and runs exclusively on premium fuel.

Pricing starts at $34,995, with shipments set to begin in November. Buyers installing the engine in race-only or pre-1976 vehicles can also purchase a new plug-and-play kit. Despite the growing tug-of-war inching toward electrification, this reintroduction underscores that high-performance American crate engines still hold a strong place in the market.

STELLANTIS

Drag Pak Power Expands the Lineup

Joining the Hellephant in the catalog is the updated 354-cubic-inch Drag Pak engine—the same powerplant that will drive Dodge’s upcoming 2026 Charger Hustle Stuff Drag Pak race car. Built on a reinforced Gen III block, it features a billet crankshaft, forged rods, a Whipple 3.0-liter supercharger, Jesel valvetrain, and Diamond pistons. The engine is designed for competitive drag racing, running on VP C16 fuel and paired with American Racing headers for maximum performance.

The Drag Pak crate engine is priced at $63,995 and built to order, with a four-to-six-week production window. Direct Connection also offers optional ECU and electrical/fuel kits to simplify installation. This engine is engineered for track-focused customers seeking top-tier performance from a factory-backed product.

SRT Revival and the Return of the Charger V8

Both engines are launching under the reinstated Street and Racing Technology (SRT) division, which Stellantis has brought back to oversee its performance and motorsport programs. This move reunites Direct Connection with SRT under one performance-focused banner, reaffirming the brand’s long-standing commitment to high-output engineering.


There’s a quiet thunderclap hiding behind the catalog pages, too. Dodge has already confirmed a new HEMI V8 for the upcoming Charger, breaking its silence after the model debuted with six-cylinder and electric powertrains. Yet Stellantis still refuses to say how much power the factory V8 will make. In place of dyno numbers, we get a thousand-horse crate engine, a drag motor you can order like track-day takeout, and a performance arm firing on all cylinders again.

For muscle fans, that silence is starting to sound a lot like confidence.