Stellantis plans new V8 Charger production at Windsor Assembly

Stellantis is reportedly planning to produce a new 6.2L Dodge Hellcat V8 Charger at its Windsor Assembly Plant, according to Automotive News, offering potential relief for workers amid stalled contract negotiations between the company and Unifor. The new muscle car would add approximately 12,000 units of annual production, though Automotive News Canada editor Greg Layson noted this volume alone is insufficient to justify restoring a third shift at the facility. Production is expected to begin in 2027, with vehicles potentially reaching dealerships by spring 2028. The move follows U.S. fuel regulation rollbacks that enable higher-profit V8 engines, and comes as the current all-electric Charger Daytona has seen sales plummet 90 percent this year. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre visited Windsor on Tuesday, promising to fight for tariff-free trade and auto jobs amid ongoing trade tensions.