New Dodge Copperhead Sports Car Could Become the Flagship of the Revived SRT Era
Dodge is preparing something much bigger than another Charger trim. The brand has now previewed a new two door performance car called the Copperhead, and it looks like it will sit right at the top of the Dodge and SRT lineup.
The name itself is not new. Dodge first used Copperhead on a concept car back in 1997, but this upcoming model appears to take a very different direction. Instead of a lightweight roadster, the new Copperhead looks like a serious high performance coupe with aggressive aerodynamics, a low stance, and what could be V8 power under the hood.
According to information shared during Stellantis Investor Day 2026, Dodge showed an early styling model of the Copperhead to media outlets, including Car and Driver. While official images are still under wraps, several design details were revealed.
Dodge Copperhead Design Looks Inspired by the Charger and Viper
The upcoming Copperhead reportedly has a long and low body with a wide two door layout. Even though the proportions hint at shared architecture with the current Charger platform, Dodge seems to have pushed the design much further toward hardcore performance territory.
The front end reportedly features:
| Exterior Detail | What It Suggests |
|---|---|
| Slim LED headlights | Modern Dodge performance styling |
| Large vents and grilles | Extra airflow and cooling |
| Massive S duct on hood | Better aerodynamic efficiency |
| Large hood vent | Engine cooling support |
| Wide rear wing | High speed downforce |
One of the most interesting details is the huge rear wing. Reports say it resembles a smaller version of the wing used on the legendary Dodge Viper ACR. That alone tells enthusiasts exactly what Dodge may be targeting here.
The Copperhead also includes large brake cooling vents behind the front wheels and visible exhaust tips at the rear, confirming that this will not be a fully electric performance car.
And yes, there is also a snake badge.
That detail matters because Dodge fans immediately connected it with the Viper lineage. Dodge has not confirmed any Viper connection, but the hints are impossible to ignore.
A New SRT Halo Car for Dodge
Dodge appears ready to bring SRT back into the spotlight in a much bigger way. The Copperhead is expected to become the flagship model of the revived SRT performance lineup.
At the same event, Dodge also previewed an updated Charger SRT model featuring:
- A revised front fascia
- Daytona style tall rear wing
- More aggressive hood vents
- Track focused aerodynamic upgrades
Executives did not officially confirm the engine setup for the new Charger SRT either. However, Dodge reportedly referenced the return of the Hemi V8 in the Ram 1500 during discussions, which many enthusiasts see as a strong hint about future Dodge performance models.
That has naturally started speculation around the Copperhead.
Will the Dodge Copperhead Use a V8 Engine?
Right now, Dodge has not confirmed any engine details. Still, all signs point toward internal combustion power.
The visible exhaust outlets already confirm a gas powered setup, and many expect Dodge to bring back V8 performance for its future halo cars. Some reports also suggest a possible hybrid assisted setup to push performance even further.
Nothing official exists yet, but these are the biggest possibilities being discussed:
- Twin turbo inline six
- Hemi V8 return
- Hybrid performance system paired with a V8
- High output AWD performance setup
Considering the Copperhead sits above the Charger, Dodge will likely need something truly special under the hood. A basic setup simply would not fit the car’s design or positioning.
Expected Dodge Copperhead Launch Timeline
The Copperhead is still in early development. Dodge only showed a styling model rather than a production ready vehicle, which usually means the launch is still a few years away.
Right now, the most realistic expectation points toward a 2029 model year debut.
That timeline could change depending on Stellantis product planning and powertrain development, especially as the company continues balancing EV plans with renewed interest in V8 performance vehicles.
Dodge Seems Ready to Bring Emotion Back
For the last few years, many enthusiasts worried Dodge would slowly move away from loud, gas powered performance cars. The Copperhead suggests the opposite may happen.
Between the revived SRT branding, hints toward V8 power, aggressive aero styling, and the return of snake inspired performance themes, Dodge appears ready to lean back into what made the brand popular in the first place.
And honestly, a low slung coupe with giant vents, a massive wing, and possible V8 power sounds exactly like the kind of madness Dodge fans wanted to hear about.
Sources and References
Dodge Copperhead FAQ
The Dodge Copperhead is a new two door performance car previewed by Dodge as the top model for the revived SRT lineup. It appears to be a low, aggressive coupe rather than a lightweight roadster.
It is expected to become the flagship model for Dodge and the revived SRT performance subbrand. That makes it a halo car, not just another trim level.
Dodge has not confirmed the powertrain yet, but the visible exhaust tips and the overall performance focus strongly suggest a gas powered setup. A V8 is widely expected, though nothing official has been announced.
The car features slim LED headlights, large vents and grilles, a massive S duct on the hood, brake cooling vents behind the front wheels, and a large rear wing. It also carries a snake badge that hints at Dodge performance heritage.
Yes, the name was first used on a Dodge Copperhead concept in 1997. The new version keeps the name but looks much more extreme and track focused.
The earliest expected timeline points to a 2029 model year debut. Dodge is still at the styling model stage, so the production timing could still change.
