2025 Dodge Challenger Demon Srt Ute Imagined – Can Muscles Come Back?

The days of the V8-powered Australian ute may be in the past, but it’s not hard to imagine the popularity of the compact segment in the US inspiring a new generation of performance utes.

This rendering by digital artist Al Yasid imagines a new-generation Dodge Challenger Demon SRT, but with a ute body.

Yasid has done a commendable job of melding retro design elements of the Challenger into a futuristic style, while also adding some NASCAR flair thanks to a deep front spoiler, aggressive rear diffuser, wide quarter panels, and a twin-stacked exhaust exiting behind the front wheels.

We’d like to think the Challenger ute would be found with an oversized V8 under the bonnet with a supercharger bolted to it, but the likelihood is the next-generation of high-performance cars from the US will see some kind of electrification, given industry trends.

In recent days, Chevrolet teased its upcoming Blazer SS – an all-electric SUV that revives the ‘SS’ performance moniker – while Ford borrowed the Mustang name for its battery-powered Mach-E SUV.

The chances of Dodge actually producing a Challenger with a tub are slim, but with the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz compact pick-ups gaining traction in the US, we can certainly dream of a day we see muscle ute make a comeback.