Updated July 29, 2026
Dodge hasn’t officially unveiled the Copperhead yet, but between an investor day preview, a leaked patent, and a wave of reporting from automotive outlets, a pretty clear picture is starting to form.
Here’s what’s actually known so far, separated from the speculation.
What Is the Dodge Copperhead?
It’s Dodge’s upcoming halo sports car, a low, two-door coupe positioned above the Charger as the brand’s new flagship.
Dodge has been careful with its wording here. The company says the Copperhead isn’t officially a Viper successor, but as the brand itself put it, “it is a snake.” That’s about as close to a wink as a car company gets. Select media, including a few outlets that got an early private look, described a coupe that’s roughly Charger-sized but noticeably lower, sitting somewhere between the current Charger and the final-generation Viper in feel.
The name itself isn’t new. Dodge showed a Copperhead concept roadster back in 1997, built on the original Viper’s platform as a smaller, more affordable alternative. This new one borrows the name but is very much its own thing, built for the current era of Dodge’s lineup alongside the reborn Charger, the upcoming GLH hatchback, and the next Durango.
How Powerful Will the Copperhead Be?
Expect a choice of the twin-turbo Hurricane inline-six or a supercharged 6.2-liter V8, both tuned well past 700 horsepower.
Dodge has confirmed the Copperhead will run on a combustion engine, ruling out a pure EV version, at least for this model. The Hurricane six already makes up to 550 horsepower in its highest state of tune on other Dodge models, and executives have hinted at more powerful versions still in development. For a car meant to sit above the Charger and wear an SRT badge, most reporting expects Dodge to push considerably past that, potentially into 700-plus horsepower territory to seriously compete with cars like the Corvette Z06 and Mustang GTD.
The supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 is the other rumored option, and it’s the one that would make traditional Dodge fans happiest. It’s not confirmed either way yet.
Case For the Hurricane Six
- Already a modern, twin-turbo design with room to grow
- Lighter than a big V8, which helps handling
- Aligns with Stellantis’ current powertrain direction
Case For the V8
- Keeps the traditional Dodge muscle car sound and character
- What most of the existing fan base is hoping for
- Risk of feeling outdated without meaningful updates
Could the Copperhead Go Racing?
A newly surfaced Stellantis patent for a multi-driver racing seat hints at a possible GT3 endurance racing program.
The patent, filed by FCA US, covers a seat built for cars “operated by more than one driver,” a phrase that points directly at endurance racing, where teams swap drivers during long stints. The seat can slide, tilt into a reclined position, and lock in place for different-sized drivers without needing to be swapped out entirely.
Nothing else in Dodge’s current US lineup fits that description, which has led automotive reporters to connect the patent to the Copperhead. A product lineup photo shown during a recent Stellantis investor day presentation reportedly included a version with a large GT3-style wing. If Dodge does take the Copperhead racing, it would be the brand’s first real return to endurance-style competition since the Viper, which once set a Nürburgring lap record for rear-drive, manual-transmission American cars, a record Ford’s Mustang GTD has since beaten.
It’s worth being clear that patent filings don’t guarantee a car ever reaches production or the track. Companies file them to protect ideas, not to confirm final plans.
When Is the Copperhead Coming Out, and What Will It Cost?
A launch is expected before 2030, most likely as a 2029 model, with pricing starting around $100,000.
| Detail | What’s Expected |
|---|---|
| Body style | Low, sleek two-door coupe |
| Engine options | Twin-turbo Hurricane I6 or supercharged 6.2L V8 |
| Power output | Likely 700+ horsepower in top SRT trim |
| Starting price | Around $100,000 or more |
| Expected launch | 2029 model year, possibly late 2028 |
| Positioned against | Corvette Z06, Ford Mustang GTD |
Pricing could climb well past that $100,000 starting point depending on the final powertrain and how far Dodge pushes the performance options. Nothing here is locked in yet, and Dodge hasn’t released official specs, images, or a confirmed on-sale date.
Looking for more upcoming car news and pricing breakdowns before you shop?
Browse Autos & Vehicles DealsWatch Out for Fake Copperhead “Reservation” Sites
- Dodge has not opened any official pre-order or reservation page for the Copperhead
- Be wary of third-party sites asking for a deposit on an unreleased, unconfirmed car
- CGI renderings shared on social media are fan art, not official Dodge images
- Only trust announcements from Dodge’s own newsroom or verified dealer channels
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dodge Copperhead a Viper successor?
Dodge says it isn’t officially a Viper successor, though the company has described it as still being “a snake,” carrying the spirit forward without the name.
Will the Dodge Copperhead be electric?
No. Dodge has confirmed it will use a combustion engine, most likely a choice between a twin-turbo inline-six and a supercharged V8.
How much will the Dodge Copperhead cost?
Pricing hasn’t been officially announced, but reports expect a starting price of at least $100,000, likely more depending on the powertrain and options.
When will the Dodge Copperhead be released?
It’s expected to arrive as a 2029 model year vehicle, with some reports suggesting it could go on sale as early as late 2028.
Bottom Line
The Copperhead looks like Dodge’s most serious attempt at a proper sports car since the Viper went out of production. Between the styling previewed to select media, the ongoing engine debate, and now a patent that hints at real endurance racing ambitions, this is shaping up to be more than just a marketing tease. The details are still fluid, and a lot can change before it reaches showrooms, but for now, Dodge fans finally have something concrete to get excited about.
Stay ahead of the next big car reveal before it hits every headline.
See More Trending Auto NewsSources: Car and Driver, CarBuzz, and AutoEvolution, with additional reporting from AutoGuide, as of July 20-28, 2026.