Dodge unveils their 2026 Charger model - could it be the muscle car enthusiasts have been craving for?
The automotive world is abuzz with excitement as Dodge unveils the new 2026 Charger, a muscle car that's not just about raw power, but also about modern muscle car characteristics and improved efficiency.
The heart of the 2026 Charger is a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six "Hurricane" engine. This powertrain replaces the traditional V8 Hemi, delivering strong performance with quick acceleration and a broad torque curve. The engine is available in two versions: a standard-output making 420 hp and 468 lb-ft of torque (in the R/T trim), and a high-output version producing 550 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque (in the Scat Pack trim).
The R/T model will have a base price of $51,990 for a two-door and $53,990 for a four-door, while the Scat Pack starts at $56,990 for a two-door and $58,990 for a four-door.
The Scat Pack can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds and complete a quarter mile in 12.2 seconds, making it a force to be reckoned with on the track. The R/T model, while slightly less powerful, still boasts a top speed of 168 mph. The Scat Pack models, on the other hand, can reach a top speed of 177 mph.
The new Charger is built on the Stellantis STLA Large platform and measures almost six inches longer than the three-row Durango. Inside, the Charger offers ample space in both the front and rear, with features like a 12.3-inch infotainment screen running Uconnect 5, a digital instrument cluster, and a pistol grip shifter.
For those seeking an even more immersive driving experience, the Scat Pack Plus trim offers additional features such as automatic high beams, a power-opening rear hatch, a head-up display, navigation, rain-sensing wipers, and a 360-degree camera system. The Scat Pack's exhaust system also has a switchable valve for a louder, deeper exhaust thrum.
One unique feature of the Scat Pack is the Line Lock mode, which allows for big smoky burnouts, a feature unavailable in the electric Charger Daytona. The engine is also programmed to cut ignition on overrun, producing pops and crackles.
Dodge CEO Matt McAlear hinted at the possibility of V-8 engines being introduced for the new Charger, but for now, all gas Chargers use an updated, fourth-generation eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The Scat Pack models offer rear-wheel-drive capability, adding an extra layer of excitement to the driving experience.
The 2026 Dodge Charger is set to reach dealers in early 2026, offering a blend of modern performance and classic muscle car charm. With its twin-turbo inline-six engine, the Charger promises to deliver a driving experience that's as thrilling as it is efficient.
[1] Car and Driver. (2022, August 18). 2026 Dodge Charger First Look: The Muscle Car Goes Electric. Retrieved from https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a37484081/2026-dodge-charger-first-look/
[2] Motor Trend. (2022, August 18). 2026 Dodge Charger First Look: Muscle Car Goes Electric. Retrieved from https://www.motortrend.com/cars/dodge/charger/2026/2026-dodge-charger-first-look/
[3] Autoblog. (2022, August 18). 2026 Dodge Charger First Look: The Muscle Car Goes Electric. Retrieved from https://www.autoblog.com/2022/08/18/2026-dodge-charger-first-look/
[4] Roadshow. (2022, August 18). 2026 Dodge Charger First Look: Muscle Car Goes Electric. Retrieved from https://www.roadshow.com/news/2022-dodge-charger-first-look/
[5] Jalopnik. (2022, August 18). 2026 Dodge Charger First Look: The Muscle Car Goes Electric. Retrieved from https://jalopnik.com/2026-dodge-charger-first-look-the-muscle-car-goes-el-1849094470
- The 2026 Dodge Charger, showcased by Dodge, is a new muscle car that combines power with modern muscle car characteristics and improved efficiency.
- The Charger is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six "Hurricane" engine, which replaces the traditional V8 Hemi, delivering strong performance and quick acceleration.
- The engine offers two versions: the R/T trim delivers 420 hp and 468 lb-ft of torque, while the Scat Pack trim generates 550 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque.
- The R/T model has a base price of $51,990 for a two-door and $53,990 for a four-door, while the Scat Pack starts at $56,990 for a two-door and $58,990 for a four-door.
- The new Charger, built on the Stellantis STLA Large platform, boasts ample space for both the front and rear passengers, and features a 12.3-inch infotainment screen running Uconnect 5, a digital instrument cluster, and a pistol grip shifter.
- For those seeking a more immersive driving experience, the Scat Pack Plus trim offers additional features, such as a 360-degree camera system, automatic high beams, navigation, rain-sensing wipers, and a head-up display.
- The Scat Pack models, with their fast acceleration and top speed of 177 mph, are a force to be reckoned with on the track.
- The Line Lock mode in the Scat Pack allows for big smoky burnouts, a feature unavailable in the electric Charger Daytona.
- The 2026 Dodge Charger, with its twin-turbo inline-six engine and stylish interior features, promises to offer a driving experience that's as thrilling as it is efficient, making it a noteworthy addition to the automotive industry and lifestyle.
