The Dodge Hellcat models are among the most ludicrous vehicles on sale today. With anywhere from 707 to 797 horsepower coming from a supercharged 6.2-liter V8, few cars offer as much bang for the buck. But the Hellcat's future is hazy in a world where fuel economy and emissions regulations exist, which is why Dodge is working tirelessly to make sure its badass flagships cans stick around.

Several sources from FCA have hinted the Hellcats could adopt a mild hybrid drivetrain like the one found in the Jeep Wrangler. Not only would a hybrid system make the cars faster, but it would also help them meet government compliance. The Hellcats' future is still a bit murky but a recent agreement with ZF could clear it up.

Speaking with The Detroit Bureau, FCA's Global Powertrain Chief Micky Bly said the company will reposition itself as an industry leader in electrification "over the next 12 to 18 months. We're not leaders now, but we will be soon." Even though Bly didn't mention any specific future product plans, FCA just signed a major deal with Germany company ZF to supply its 8HP transmission for rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles with a front-longitudinal drive configuration.

"We are pleased with being nominated as global transmission supplier by FCA. This is our second major order for the new 8HP and it confirms our strategy to focus on plug-in hybrids as an every-day solution and to develop attractive products in these areas", said ZF CEO Wolf-Henning Scheider. The ZF transmission will also be used by BMW in its future hybrid and plug-in hybrid models.

Both the Charger and Challenger Hellcat already use a ZF eight-speed automatic so if hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions are coming, this new transmission is the one they will use. The new transmission will begin production at ZF's plant in Saarbruecken in 2022 and will later be produced in the US and China.