The eagerly anticipated Dodge Charger Sixpack, a gasoline-powered marvel, has been unveiled with comprehensive details regarding its performance capabilities and financial accessibility. This new iteration of the iconic muscle car is set to shake up the automotive market, particularly appealing to enthusiasts seeking a potent blend of traditional power and modern engineering without the premium price tag associated with electric variants. With a starting price considerably lower than its electric counterpart, the Sixpack offers a compelling alternative, emphasizing robust mechanical characteristics and an engaging driving experience.
Equipped with advanced powertrain options, including a high-output variant pushing 550 horsepower, the Charger Sixpack promises exhilarating acceleration and dynamic handling. Its standard all-wheel-drive system, coupled with the flexibility of on-demand rear-wheel drive, ensures versatile performance across various driving conditions. Furthermore, the vehicle incorporates a suite of performance-enhancing features, from a specially tuned suspension system to cutting-edge software, all designed to deliver a precise and responsive ride that surpasses previous generations.
Unleashing Raw Power and Value
Dodge has officially revealed the pricing and specifications for the 2026 Charger Sixpack, positioning it as a more budget-friendly option compared to the electric version. Kicking off at $51,990, including destination charges, this gasoline-powered muscle car comes with an array of features designed to excite. Buyers will have the choice between two potent power outputs, both benefiting from standard all-wheel drive that can dynamically shift to rear-wheel drive when desired. The option to select a four-door sedan body style adds $2,000 to the price, while upgrading to the higher-performance Scat Pack model incurs an additional $5,000. This strategic pricing makes the Sixpack an attractive proposition for those prioritizing traditional muscle car performance and a more accessible entry point into the Charger lineup.
The pinnacle of the Sixpack lineup is the Scat Pack variant, which extracts a formidable 550 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque from its twin-turbo 3.0-liter Hurricane straight-six engine. This powerhouse is mated to a meticulously re-engineered eight-speed Torqueflight automatic transmission, enabling a targeted 0-60 mph sprint in just 3.9 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 12.2 seconds. The engine's robust construction, featuring a forged crankshaft, pistons, and rods, underscores its high-performance design. For those seeking a slightly less extreme, but still impressive, experience, the base R/T model offers 420 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque. Both models are equipped with switchable all-wheel drive and the eight-speed automatic transmission, ensuring consistent performance. Standard equipment across the range includes a rear limited-slip differential, line lock software, launch control, an active exhaust system, and Dodge's Performance Pages infotainment integration, enhancing the driving experience with real-time performance metrics.
Engineering for Enhanced Dynamics
Beyond its impressive powertrain, the Dodge Charger Sixpack distinguishes itself with significant advancements in chassis and handling. While sharing aesthetic similarities with its EV counterpart, the Sixpack features a distinct traditional grille, essential for the combustion engine's cooling requirements, and lacks the EV's "R-Wing" front passthrough. Underneath, a newly designed forged multi-link front suspension and an independent four-link rear setup contribute to a significantly improved ride. Dodge promises a 25% enhancement in "steady-state limit handling balance" over the previous generation Scat Pack, with a notable reduction in understeer, resulting in a more neutral and grounded feel through corners.
The Scat Pack variants further elevate the handling prowess with six-piston front Brembo brake calipers and imposing 20-by-10-inch diamond-cut wheels, with an option for even wider 20-by-11-inch wheels fitted with 305 section-width tires for maximum grip. Availability for the two-door Charger Sixpack Scat Pack begins with order books opening on August 11, with deliveries anticipated in the latter half of 2025. Enthusiasts eyeing the more affordable R/T or the four-door models will need to exercise patience, as these are scheduled to arrive at dealerships in the first half of 2026. Looking ahead, Dodge CEO Matt McAlear hinted at the platform's versatility, suggesting that a Hellcat V-8 engine could potentially fit under the Charger's hood, showcasing the adaptability of the vehicle's design to future performance demands and evolving market preferences, thereby emphasizing Dodge's commitment to diverse powertrain options.