- The Core Transformation: What’s New Under the Hood
- Dimensions and Design: Past Meets Progress
- Premium & Practical Interior
- Road and Track: Performance Impressions
- Competition Snapshot
- Takeaways and Modern Muscle Lessons
Dodge’s legendary Charger enters a bold new chapter with the 2026 Sixpack—trading in its iconic V8 for a high-output twin-turbo inline-six and a totally reimagined chassis. Amid tightening emissions regulations and an EV wave, the new Charger aims to keep muscle alive, using fresh engineering, surprising refinement, and retro-futuristic style. Can this turbo straight-six “Sixpack” truly replace history’s beloved Hemis? We take a deep drive through its specs, design, daily reality, and what the future holds for American muscle.
The Core Transformation: What’s New Under the Hood
All-new 3.0L "Hurricane" twin-turbocharged inline-six delivers 550 hp and 531 lb-ft (720 Nm) in the Scat Pack—more than any other Dodge vehicle currently on sale.
0–60 mph in 3.9 seconds, quarter-mile in 12.2s—making it quicker than most past V8 Chargers.
Same powerhouse found in the RAM 1500 RHO and Jeep Wagoneer, but tuned for even more output in the Charger.
Lower-powered base versions expected early 2026 for broader market reach.
RWD mode for tail-out fun, drift courses, and burnouts; all-wheel drive for highway stability.
Launch Control, Line Lock, and electronic drive modes emphasize performance cred.
Dimensions and Design: Past Meets Progress
Dimensions (Scat Pack): WB 121.0 in, Length 206.6 in, Width 79.8 in, Height 59.0 in, Curb weight 4,816 lbs.
Wheelbase is nearly identical to the last-gen Charger, but the new model is longer and wider—a genuine grand tourer coupe.
Exterior design blends classic cues (wide lightbar, hidden headlights, Rumble Bee and Fratzog logos) with modern aggression, referencing both Mustang and Nissan GT-R influences.
“Sixpack” wordmark stamped on the hood and retro-themed lighting.
Premium & Practical Interior
Cabin adopts a clean, futuristic dashboard, ambient lighting, and carbon accents for a premium, modern vibe.
Uconnect5 infotainment, fully customizable digital dash, and capacitive touch controls with tactile feedback.
Satisfyingly supportive seats, ample cargo space (37.4 cu ft with seats folded), and practical daily-driver traits—easy rear seat access and plenty of comfort for all sizes.
Some ergonomic quirks (memory buttons, tall rear passengers), but notably improved compared to previous generations.
Road and Track: Performance Impressions
Immediate torque and serious speed—though slight throttle lag exists at low input, likely fixable via software.
Exhaust note divides opinion: growly under load, “gravelly” at light throttle—some may love, others may worry.
Steering is sharp and responsive, though feedback fades when pushed; brakes strong and confidence-inspiring.
Drives “smaller” than its size, handling tight roads and drifting courses with balance and surprising agility.
Competition Snapshot
The Charger outguns ICE rivals in power but faces stiffer handling from the BMW, and outright 0–60 speed from the Tesla.
Takeaways and Modern Muscle Lessons
The Charger Sixpack modernizes muscle—faster, softer, more tech-filled, and still thunderous fun.
Value is strong at the entry price; higher trims challenge German and EV rivals.
RWD mode and “Sixpack” branding keep the car’s legacy alive, even as electrification looms.
The inline-six, if reliable and tunable, could be as legendary as Dodge’s vaunted V8s.
The 2026 Dodge Charger Sixpack isn’t just a powertrain swap—it’s a confident, bold leap into the future of American muscle, where turbocharged technology, daily usability, and iconic road presence aren’t at odds, but perfectly aligned. Old muscle dies hard, but new muscle, done right, roars into legend all its own.
