Dodge’s 764kW Hellephant comes in a crate — with a warranty

Need a little more grunt for that project car? Dodge’s performance parts operation has unveiled a crate-engine package delivering 764kW and 1281Nm, complete with matched electronics and a factory-backed warranty. 

The supercharged Hellephant C170 heads a six-package Hemi V8 range revealed by Direct Connection at the 2026 SEMA show in Las Vegas. Outputs start at 287kW, with availability scheduled from the first quarter of 2027. Prices are still to come. 

Direct Connection, part of Stellantis’ SRT Performance division, is bundling each engine with its matching controller kit. The aim is to simplify engine swaps by supplying the electronics together, reducing the work involved in getting a modern V8 running in a custom build. 

Each package includes engine wiring, a power distribution centre, a programmed engine controller, oxygen sensors and an accelerator pedal. Automatic versions also receive a shifter and brake switch. 

Builders can choose packages configured for a TorqueFlite 8HP90 eight-speed automatic or a Tremec manual. The transmission itself is a separate purchase. 

The headline act is the Hellephant C170 (pictured at the top), a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 producing its full 764kW and 1281Nm on an E85 ethanol blend.  

Its hardware includes a 3.0-litre IHI supercharger, a 105mm throttle body, upgraded fuel rail and injectors, and an ethanol sensor to support its flex-fuel operation. Strengthened internals include upgraded pistons and billet-steel main bearing caps.  

One rung below sits the Hellcrate Redeye, another supercharged 6.2-litre V8. It delivers up to 660kW and 1067Nm in High Octane Mode, making the correct fuel supply part of the planning here too. 

For projects requiring something less extreme, the naturally aspirated 345 Hemi offers 5.7 litres, 287kW and 565Nm. The larger 392 increases capacity to 6.4 litres and output to 362kW and 644Nm. 

Both come in Street Strip and Super Stock forms. Street Strip engines use remanufactured blocks, while Super Stock versions get new blocks, Redeye valve springs and upgraded oiling hardware. Their advertised outputs remain the same.  

All six engine packages are advertised with a three-year/100,000-mile limited warranty, equivalent to approximately 161,000km, under the US programme. 

The matching automatic transmissions have separate coverage of 12 months/12,000 miles, or approximately 19,300km. Their calibrations are specific to the corresponding engine package, so an existing 8HP90 isn’t automatically a suitable substitute.