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Mopar announcing V8 crate engine at SEMA

Mopar announcing V8 crate engine at SEMA

Mopar promises that something big is coming.

Chrysler's Mopar division will announce a crate engine during the 2018 SEMA show taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada. The firm is keeping details under wraps but its teaser videos suggest its latest V8 crushes Hellcats.

The first video shows flaming Hellcat footprints being stomped out by what looks like elephant prints. The second video (shown below) shows an elephant approaching a first-generation Dodge Charger surrounded by the smoke it creates as it performs a burnout. This scene sounds like a 1980s album cover brought to life but it's actually an important part of the puzzle.

Auto history buffs will remember the 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) V8 Chrysler introduced in 1964 earned the nickname Elephant. The Charger roasting its rear tires in the video is presumably equipped with a modern version of the Elephant. Additional details remain under wraps so we don't know whether it's naturally-aspirated or supercharged or how much power it makes. We'll find out more on Monday, October 30.

What the future holds for the modern-day Elephant engine isn't clear at this point. The version that Mopar will introduce at the SEMA show will be a crate engine aimed at enthusiasts looking to upgrade a classic muscle car or build something from scratch. However, earlier rumors claim Ram's Ford Raptor-fighting pickup truck will use a 7.0-liter V8. That engine is tentatively called Banshee, but it might be related to the Elephant.