Chrysler to phase out Hemi and go green?

While the popularity of muscle cars is high, most people realize that we can't keep burning oil like it's 1970 again. Today's muscle is much more refined, and modern technologies have produced some seriously powerful engines that are more efficient than ever.

Chrysler's Hemi engines are a blast from the past, a reminder of the good old days when power was our only concern. But is Chrysler beginning to shy away from the legendary moniker in order to change its image? The Wall Street Journal thinks so.

WSJ is reporting that Chrysler will indeed try to change the way its Hemi brand is perceived, but not necessarily its presence in their vehicles. The mighty V8's Multi-Displacement System is certain to receive more press, and the company will begin pushing its new V6. In other words, you can still get a Hemi, but for how long?

SEMA 2009: HPP Dodge Challenger Daytona

The Daytona/Superbird was built during a time when manufacturers would do anything for a competitive advantage in NASCAR. It wasn't really supposed to even sell, but it's cool race car looks have earned it a place in muscle car lore.

HPP brought out a new version to SEMA, based on the new Challenger. Although it packs a standard no frills 5.7L Hemi, it's the outside that counts. The whole car screams Hot Wheels, and just looks plain awesome.

Blown Hemi powered trike

From the same company that brought us insane creations like Jay Leno's tank car and the Cadillac V12 powered B-702 comes this gem, a blown Hemi powered trike. Designed and built by Blastolene, this over the top three wheeler looks like a great ride for someone with a death wish. Devoid of a cage or any type of visible safety equipment, we're sure that it would be a blast to drive regardless.

Dodge Challenger SRT10 concept

The Challenger SRT10 concept sports not a hemi, but a V-10 sourced from the Viper. The 8.4L pumps out 600hp and 560lb-ft of torque, which is enough to forgive you from the muscle car purists, per say.

In addition to the power, the SRT10 features a carbon fiber front splitter and rear deck lid, a new rear spoiler, BILSTEIN shocks at all four corners, larger wheels, bigger brakes and quad exhaust tips out back. There's also carbon fiber trim inside the cockpit along with new sports seats and a red engine push-button start just like in the Viper.