Dodge Brings Back Gas Power: New 6-Cylinder Charger Roars After EV Sales Slow

The Dodge Charger has always been about unapologetic power and road presence. For 2026, it’s still that—but in a new form. The familiar Hemi V8? Gone. Instead, Dodge has brought out a new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six “Sixpack” engine that’s ready to shake up muscle car tradition.

And here’s the surprise: this new Sixpack doesn’t just keep up with the old V8—it outguns it.

Powertrain Options – Two Flavors of Six-Cylinder Fury

The 2026 Dodge Charger comes in two distinct performance levels:

R/T – Standard Output Sixpack
- 420 horsepower / 468 lb-ft torque
- Estimated 0–60 mph: ~4.5 seconds
- Top speed: 168 mph
- Price: $51,990 (2-door) / $53,990 (4-door)
Scat Pack – High Output Sixpack
- 550 horsepower / 531 lb-ft torque
- 0–60 mph: 3.9 seconds
- Quarter mile: 12.2 seconds
- Top speed: 177 mph
- Price: $56,990 (2-door) / $58,990 (4-door)

Both send power through a refined 8-speed automatic transmission with standard all-wheel drive. But if you want old-school tire smoke, a tap on the touchscreen disconnects the front axle, giving you rear-wheel-drive fun at will.

Muscle Car Spirit – With a Modern Edge

The Scat Pack isn’t shy about performance theatrics. It comes with:

Line Lock for big smoky burnouts
Launch control for perfect starts
Switchable active exhaust with a deep growl and overrun pops
6-piston Brembo brakes
Limited-slip differential

Dodge promises this new Charger is more agile than ever, with less understeer and sharper handling than the last generation.

Design & Dimensions – Big, Bold, and Aggressive

Built on the STLA Large platform, the 2026 Charger is a massive presence:

Length: 206.6 inches
Width: 79.8 inches
Height: 59.2 inches
Wheelbase: 121 inches

It’s nearly six inches longer than a Dodge Durango and tips the scales at over 4,800 lbs. The gas model swaps the electric Daytona’s R-wing front fascia for a taller hood with a SIXPACK-branded air slot and a pair of real exhaust tips out back.

Interior – Retro Touches Meet Tech Luxury

Inside, the Charger blends muscle car heritage with modern convenience:

12.3-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment
Digital instrument cluster (10.3” or 16.0”)
Pistol-grip shifter
Spacious seating in both 2- and 4-door models

The Scat Pack Plus trim adds:

360° camera system
Head-up display
Rain-sensing wipers
Power-opening hatch
Wireless charging
Optional fixed glass roof & 18-speaker Alpine audio

Will the V8 Return?

Dodge CEO Matt McAlear isn’t ruling it out. While the new Sixpack is the focus now, he’s hinted the Charger’s engine bay could still fit a V8. Given Dodge’s love for high-horsepower badges, a future SRT or Hellcat comeback wouldn’t be a shock.