Stellantis is doubling down on V8 performance for custom car builders and racing enthusiasts. Making a massive debut at the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Direct Connection, Stellantis’ official factory-backed performance parts division, just announced six brand-new HEMI V8 crate engine packages. Rather than just selling a bare block, these new turnkey packages are fully integrated, pairing legendary HEMI power with matching controller kits to radically simplify complex custom engine swaps.
This aggressive product expansion perfectly aligns with the company’s recent strategic maneuvers. Stellantis recently revived the SRT brand as a dedicated performance division overseeing direct connection and motorsports. It also proves that despite the industry’s rapid shift toward electrification and the introduction of the new twin-turbo inline-six HurriCrate engines, traditional V8 power remains a massive priority. Just like the decision to bring back the Ram HEMI V8 for traditional truck buyers, Stellantis understands that for a massive segment of American enthusiasts, nothing replaces the sound and fury of a supercharged HEMI.
Drew Phillips
A Package for Every Power Level
The new Direct Connection lineup is incredibly diverse, offering builders a clear path to exactly the amount of power they desire. The entry point is the 345 Crate HEMI, available in both Street Strip and Super Stock configurations, delivering a highly reliable 385 horsepower. Stepping up a tier, builders can opt for the naturally aspirated 392 Crate HEMI, which also features Street Strip and Super Stock variants, boasting internal upgrades like Redeye valve springs, an SRT Hellcat oil pump, and an advanced SRT oil cooler for sustained high-RPM driving.
The undisputed kings of the new lineup are the supercharged variants. Direct Connection is offering a Hellcrate Redeye 6.2L Supercharged package, but the true halo product is the monstrous Hellephant C170 6.2L Supercharged Crate HEMI. First introduced a few years ago for less than you might think, the updated Hellephant now delivers a staggering 1,025 horsepower and 945 lb-ft of torque when running on an E85 fuel blend, breathing through a massive 3.0L IHI supercharger.
Stellantis
Stellantis
Stellantis
Stellantis
Plug-and-Play Performance
Every single engine package comes fully bundled with a crate engine wiring harness, a power distribution center, a flashed powertrain control module, and essential O2 sensors. Furthermore, Direct Connection explicitly designed these packages for seamless plug-and-play integration with either the Tremec manual transmission or the highly capable TorqueFlite 8HP90 automatic.
Backed by a factory three-year or 100,000-mile warranty, these comprehensive kits take the painful electrical guesswork out of high-horsepower classic restorations. While official pricing has not yet been announced, Direct Connection confirmed that all six HEMI crate engine packages will be available to purchase through the Mopar dealer network starting in the first quarter of 2027.
Dodge
About the author
Roy Robles
News Editor