Right now, the most hardcore Challenger is the SRT8 392, which puts out 470 horsepower and happily runs the quarter mile in the mid-twelves--figures comparable with rivals from Ford and Chevrolet.

Take it out on the track, however, and its approximate 4,100-pound curb weight means the Challenger SRT8 392 has no chance in keeping up with more athletic rivals such as the Ford Mustang Boss 302 and the new Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, the latter of which is putting out as much as 500 horsepower.

Speaking with Motor Trend, SRT boss Ralph Gilles said that won’t be the case for long as the Challenger will soon spawn “an answer for the Z/28.”

Gilles didn’t reveal any more details on the topic, though an uprated version of the SRT8 392’s 6.4-liter V-8 is likely, along with a lighter curb weight, stiffer suspension and grippier tires, according to the report.  

A more extreme option would be SRT adding a detuned version of the 8.4-liter V-10 found in the Viper. In the SRT flagship supercar, the engine is tuned to deliver 640 horsepower.

Shoehorning the V-10 into the Challenger’s engine bay wouldn’t be a problem as Chrysler already sells a Dodge Challenger drag car packing this very engine, which is available through its Mopar division. High costs, however, are likely to rule out this option.

Interestingly, Motor Trend is also reporting that the replacement for the Challenger, as well as the long-rumored Barracuda it will spawn, will ride on a shortened version of the rear-wheel-drive platform developed for Maserati’s new Quattroporte and Ghibli sedans as well as a future rear-wheel-drive Alfa Romeo sedan.

If that wasn’t enough, Gilles is said to have also mentioned a Viper GT3 model.

Stay tuned for an update.