For decades, the Dodge Charger has been more than just a car. It’s been an American icon, further popularized in the Fast and Furious movies. It’s been a machine of raw power, its thunderous exhaust note echoing across drag strips and city streets alike.
And just when everyone thought Dodge had traded its gas-guzzling heart for an electric one, the Charger is roaring back for 2026 with gasoline still pumping through its veins.
Yes, you read that right: the 2026 Dodge Charger SIXPACK is coming, and it’s set to remind us why the muscle car era never truly dies, it just evolves.
A Return to Gas Power—But with a Twist
After months of speculation, Dodge confirmed what muscle car purists had been hoping for: a gas-powered Dodge Charger will join the all-electric “Charger Daytona” lineup. While the EV variant, the Dodge Charger 2025, will cater to the brand’s electrified future, the 2026 Charger SIXPACK will proudly continue the brand’s combustion legacy.
But here’s the twist—there’s no V8 under the hood.
Instead, Dodge is turning to innovation without betrayal. The new Charger SIXPACK will be powered by a twin-turbo inline-six engine, part of Stellantis’s advanced Dodge Charger Hurricane engine family.
That means you’ll get more power, better fuel efficiency, and significantly lower emissions, all while keeping the soul of the muscle car alive.
A Look Inside the Beast: What’s the Hurricane Engine All About?
If you think the 2026 SIXPACK with its Dodge Charger Hurricane engine is a downsized compromise, think again! This inline-six has already proven itself in models like the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Cherokee, where it replaced traditional V8s with surprising finesse.
In the 2026 Charger SIXPACK, it’s expected to come in two versions:
- SIXPACK S.O. (Standard Output) – around 420 horsepower
- SIXPACK H.O. (High Output) – rumored to push beyond 550 horsepower
That means the 2026 Charger could rival or even outperform the outgoing V8-powered Charger Scat Pack and do so with better balance and handling, with its more compact and lighter inline-six setup.
Early leaks from Dodge insiders suggest the Charger H.O. version might even top 550 horsepower, putting it squarely in muscle car revival territory.
Charger Performance: A New Kind of Power Delivery
The move to a twin-turbo Charger SIXPACK saves fuel and redefines Dodge Charger performance. Twin turbos give you unique advantages, including almost instant torque delivery, a smoother power curve, and greater tuning flexibility.
Instead of the all-or-nothing surge of old-school V8s, the new Charger will deliver consistent acceleration throughout the rev range. Combine that with Dodge’s likely inclusion of all-wheel drive, which is already a done deal for the electric versions of the 2025 Dodge Charger, as per reviews and specs. The result could be the most controllable, fastest-accelerating gas-powered Charger ever made.
According to Dodge’s head of design, Tim Kuniskis, the brand’s mission is simple: “We’re not abandoning muscle; we’re evolving it.” The 2026 Charger SIXPACK looks like the purest example of that vision.
Smarter, Not Softer: Tech and Chassis Updates
The new Dodge Charger 2026 will ride on the STLA Large platform, the same modular architecture that supports both the Dodge Charger 2025 EVs and the upcoming ICE (internal combustion engine) configurations.
That means drivers can expect:
- Enhanced rigidity and cornering precision
- Adaptive suspension systems
- Upgraded braking components
- Refined weight distribution thanks to the inline-six layout
Unlike the heavy front ends of HEMI-powered Chargers, the Hurricane engine’s compact design could make the new Charger better balanced, improving real-world drivability on twisty roads.
Inside, early design previews give us glimpses of a cabin blending retro-inspired cues with modern muscle. That means you get bold digital gauges, performance telemetry, and aggressive ambient lighting.
Dodge Charger Specs
While Dodge has kept official details under wraps, here’s what industry experts and insider leaks suggest for the 2026 Dodge Charger SIXPACK specs:
| Specification | Expected Value |
| Engine | 3.0L Twin-Turbo Inline-Six “Hurricane” |
| Horsepower (S.O.) | ~420 hp |
| Horsepower (H.O.) | ~550 hp |
| Torque (H.O.) | 480–510 lb-ft (est.) |
| Drivetrain | AWD standard (RWD optional) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| 0–60 mph | Estimated 3.8–4.2 seconds |
| Top Speed | ~160+ mph |
| Platform | STLA Large |
| Fuel Type | Premium unleaded |
| Availability | Expected mid-to-late 2026 |
These figures position the Charger SIXPACK H.O. (High Output) as a legitimate successor to the discontinued V8-powered Scat Pack, while the S.O. model could rival more affordable performance sedans like the Kia Stinger GT or BMW M340i.
The Muscle Car Revival Is Real
If you thought the muscle car revival was over when Dodge ended HEMI production in 2023, its time to rejoice! The 2026 Charger SIXPACK represents a new take on performance, one that embraces modern engineering while preserving raw attitude.
Rather than chasing nostalgia alone, Dodge is engineering the Charger’s comeback to bridge two eras: the thunder of gasoline muscle and the precision of 21st-century tech.
In a market where rivals like Ford are keeping the Mustang alive and Chevrolet has paused the Camaro, Dodge’s bold move to reintroduce a gas-powered Charger stands as a clear message: muscle isn’t dead—it’s just getting smarter.
The Sound of Power: Not Your Typical Turbo
One of the biggest questions on the minds of fans is: “Will it still sound like a Charger?”
Dodge knows that’s non-negotiable. The company has already invested heavily in sound design for both EV and ICE versions. For the twin-turbo inline-six, Dodge engineers are reportedly fine-tuning a custom exhaust note—a deep, snarling growl meant to mimic the emotional punch of the old HEMI while embracing the mechanical whirr of turbochargers.
So while it may not have that classic V8 bark, the Charger SIXPACK will still sound every bit the part of a performance icon.
Why an Inline-Six, Not a V8?
At first glance, swapping a V8 for an inline-six might sound like a downgrade. But in engineering terms, it’s quite the opposite.
Inline-sixes are naturally balanced, smoother, and more efficient. With two turbos and advanced direct injection, Dodge’s Hurricane engine can outperform older HEMIs while emitting fewer pollutants and meeting stricter regulations.
In short, the Dodge Charger Hurricane engine proves you can enjoy your power with a clear conscience.
New Dodge Charger Release Timeline
Dodge has confirmed that the first gas-powered 2026 Charger SIXPACK models will begin production in mid-2025, with U.S. deliveries expected by early 2026. Reportedly, orders are already being placed for the Scat Pack model since August, but delivery is expected only in late 2025 or early 2026.
Enthusiasts can expect special editions, performance packages, and potentially a Daytona-inspired variant to celebrate Dodge’s performance legacy.
Given Dodge’s reputation for performance marketing, expect limited “First Edition” models and possibly throwback colorways like Plum Crazy and Go Mango.
Real Talk: Will the Charger SIXPACK Win Fans Back?
Muscle car enthusiasts can be a tough crowd to please, especially when a beloved V8 is involved. But the 2026 Dodge Charger review cycle could surprise many skeptics.
Early reports from internal testing suggest the Charger Hurricane platform delivers smoother handling, faster throttle response, and more usable torque than ever before.
And let’s face it, at a time when most brands are fully abandoning gas engines, Dodge’s decision to bring one back feels rebellious in all the right ways.
The Bigger Picture: Dodge’s Dual Strategy
From a different perspective, Dodge could be playing a clever game here. The brand isn’t choosing between electric and gasoline, it’s offering customers both, and leaving the choice up to them.
By launching the EV Dodge Charger Daytona in early 2025 and the gas-powered Charger SIXPACK, Dodge can appeal to traditionalists and early adopters simultaneously. It’s a muscle car revival everyone can be happy about.
And if the SIXPACK proves as powerful and refined as early numbers suggest, it might just become the most balanced Charger ever built.
FAQs About the 2026 Dodge Charger SIXPACK
The 2026 Charger SIXPACK will feature Dodge’s twin-turbo 3.0L Hurricane inline-six engine, available in Standard Output (~420 hp) and High Output (~550 hp) versions.
Both! Dodge will offer an electric Charger Daytona and a gas-powered Dodge Charger SIXPACK, giving buyers the choice between tradition and technology.
The Charger SIXPACK High Output version is expected to exceed 550 horsepower, rivaling the previous Scat Pack V8 models.
The New Dodge Charger release is expected in late 2025 or early 2026 in the U.S., with production starting in mid-2025.
Early estimates suggest a 0–60 mph time around 4 seconds for the H.O. version, thanks to its twin-turbo setup and all-wheel-drive traction.
Dodge has not announced plans for a return of the V8. The Hurricane inline-six is designed to replace the V8 with equal or better performance.
Not at all. The muscle car revival is alive and well. Dodge is simply adapting to new realities with smarter engines, advanced tech, and improved performance metrics.
Revving Down
The 2026 Dodge Charger SIXPACK represents a milestone in the American performance car arena, where the past and future collide under one hood.
It may not roar with eight cylinders anymore, but it still roars. With a twin-turbo Hurricane engine, stunning Dodge Charger specs, and unmistakable attitude, this gas-powered Dodge Charger that’s set to hit the roads in 2026 is proof that muscle is not going extinct, it’s just evolving.
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