Meet The Twin-Turbo 2026 Dodge Charger R/T and Scat Pack

Dodge didn’t just show up to this year’s Roadkill Nights in Pontiac, Michigan—they dropped the hammer. As tire smoke fills the air and engines roar along Woodward Avenue, the brand has just pulled the wraps off its all-new internal combustion-powered 2026 Dodge Charger R/T and Scat Pack. And no, they’re not electric. These new muscle machines run on pure, high-octane attitude, each one powered by a beastly twin-turbo 3.0-liter HURRICANE inline-six (I6)—now branded as the SIXPACK.

While the heart might not be a V8 anymore, don’t get it twisted—these new engines outperform the aging 5.7-liter and 6.4-liter HEMI V8s they replace. The SIXPACK-powered R/T puts down more horsepower and torque than the outgoing 5.7-liter, while the Scat Pack’s 550-horsepower version blows past the old 6.4-liter HEMI, all while delivering quicker 0-60 times, better fuel efficiency, and modern drivability. It’s the next chapter of Dodge muscle—and it’s meaner than ever.

“This next-generation Charger lineup delivers the most horsepower and most torque of any muscle car in its class, the widest body of any car in the industry, an award-winning interior, and, perhaps most important, what our customers have told us they want: the power to choose what fuels them,” Dodge CEO Matt McAlear said.

Meet the Models: Charger Scat Pack and R/T Go Twin-Turbo – 

The new SIXPACK-powered Charger lineup kicks off with two models: the R/T and the Scat Pack. Both are available in two-door coupe form, with four-door variants coming in 2026.

2026 Dodge Charger R/T (SIXPACK S.O.)
Starting at $49,995, this variant uses the standard-output (S.O.) version of the 3.0-liter HURRICANE engine. It delivers a robust 420 horsepower and 468 lb.-ft. of torque, with a top speed of 168 mph.

2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack (SIXPACK H.O.)
Starting at $54,995, the Scat Pack ups the ante with the high-output (H.O.) version of the same twin-turbo I6, pushing out a class-leading 550 horsepower and 531 lb.-ft. of torque. It hits 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds, runs the quarter-mile in 12.2 seconds, and tops out at 177 mph—making it the most powerful car under $55,000.

Both models come standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), though Dodge built in a clever rear-wheel-drive (RWD) mode so owners can still get their tail-out slides and smoky donuts. Dodge muscle, as it turns out, hasn’t gone soft—it’s just gotten smarter.

Under the Hood: The New Era of Dodge Power – 

At the heart of the new 2026 Dodge Charger R/T and Scat Pack lies a completely reengineered vision of modern muscle—the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter HURRICANE I6. Branded as the SIXPACK, this new engine family comes in standard-output (S.O.) and high-output (H.O.) versions, and together, they bring serious performance and engineering credibility to the next generation of Charger muscle.

This isn’t just about matching the outgoing V8s—it’s about leaving them in the dust.

Dodge Charger R/T (SIXPACK S.O.) 

The Charger R/T is powered by the SIXPACK S.O., which delivers:

• 420 horsepower

• 468 lb.-ft. of torque

• Top speed: 168 mph

• 91-octane premium fuel recommended

The S.O. outguns the outgoing 5.7-liter HEMI V8, which was rated at 370 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. That’s a 13.5% increase in horsepower and 18.5% more torque, with a far broader torque curve. Where the 5.7-liter HEMI needed revs to make power, the turbocharged SIXPACK S.O. brings immediate low-end grunt and sustained pulling power throughout the mid-range.

The new engine’s dual overhead camshafts with wide-range variable valve timing, direct fuel injection (5,075 psi / 350 bar), and engine-mounted water-to-air intercoolers ensure cool, dense air and precise fuel delivery under boost. Its plasma transfer wire arc-coated cylinder walls improve durability and reduce friction—something you won’t find in the iron-block V8s it replaces.

Dodge Charger Scat Pack (SIXPACK H.O.)

Then there’s the monster: the SIXPACK H.O. in the 2026 Charger Scat Pack, which puts down:

• 550 horsepower

• 531 lb.-ft. of torque

• 0–60 mph in 3.9 seconds

• 1/4 mile in 12.2 seconds

• Top speed: 177 mph

• Peak boost: 30 psi

• Redline: 6,500 rpm

This engine replaces the much-loved 6.4-liter (392 cubic-inch) HEMI V8, which topped out at 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. That’s a 13% bump in horsepower and nearly 12% more torque, with far better efficiency and responsiveness. And unlike the HEMI, which made its peak torque high in the rev range, the SIXPACK H.O. delivers 88% of its torque at just 2,500 rpm, and holds 90% or more from 3,000 to 6,000 rpm. That makes it brutally fast from a stoplight and devastating on a roll.

The SIXPACK H.O. is built tough:

• Forged steel crankshaft

• Forged steel connecting rods

• Oil-jet cooled, forged aluminum pistons with anodized top rings and diamond-like carbon (DLC) pin coatings for ultra-low friction

• Cross-bolted steel main bearing caps

• Deck-plate honing for optimal bore roundness and durability

• A cast aluminum deep-skirt block with a structural oil pan and increased block rigidity

Even the turbos themselves are next-level. The twin Garrett GT2054 turbochargers feature:

• 54mm compressors

• Counter-rotating setup to improve airflow dynamics and reduce turbo lag

• 185,000 rpm maximum speed

• Inconel 100 turbine material, making Dodge the first to use it in production—it resists heat, oxidation, and stress better than anything previously used

What this means in the real world: you get instant throttle response, relentless mid-range pull, and sustained boost well into highway speeds. The SIXPACK H.O. doesn’t just replace the old 392—it outperforms it in every category while setting the foundation for the most powerful lineup Dodge has ever produced under $55,000.

SIXPACK Sound and Identity – 

Unlike the synthetic sounds of some competitors, the SIXPACK-powered Charger Scat Pack comes with a dual-mode active exhaust system. It’s fully valve-controlled and tuned to sound aggressive in Sport and Custom modes, and quiet when needed in Eco or Snow. The 100mm (4-inch) rolled exhaust tips give the car a proper muscle presence, and available Eclipse Black tips add a stealthy finish.

A red-accented SIXPACK logo on the carbon-look engine cover serves as a nod to the past while standing firmly in the future.

Why Turbocharged I6 Instead of a V8? –

Some might question the move away from the iconic V8 layout—but the advantages are hard to ignore. The HURRICANE I6 delivers:

• More power than either legacy HEMI it replaces

• Lower emissions

• Improved fuel economy

• Lighter weight

• More tuning potential

• Better packaging for AWD

By opting for an I6 with twin turbos, Dodge engineers have unlocked performance that V8s couldn’t reach without supercharging.

Transmission & AWD System –

Transferring that SIXPACK power to the pavement is the job of Dodge’s tried-and-true TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission—rebuilt and refined for the next-generation Charger. Dubbed the 880RE, this fourth-generation 8-speed automatic is more robust than ever, designed to handle both standard and high-output HURRICANE torque without breaking a sweat.

Shifts are fast and firm under load in Sport mode, smooth and efficient in Auto or Eco modes, and fully customizable in Custom. Scat Pack models also come equipped with steering-wheel paddle shifters for drivers who want full manual control.

But where things really get exciting is underneath the car.

All-Wheel Drive When You Need It, Rear-Wheel Drive When You Want It –

Every SIXPACK-powered 2026 Charger comes standard with all-wheel drive, making them the only AWD muscle cars with rear-wheel-drive capability built in. That means you get the best of both worlds:

• AWD for winter grip, rainy days, and launching off the line

• RWD-only mode for smoky burnouts, tail-out drifts, and track-day fun

The system is governed by a multi-disc wet clutch, capable of disconnecting the front axle completely via a dashboard control. That allows the Charger to behave like a classic rear-driver on command—an exclusive feature in its class.

Launch Control, Line Lock, and Burnout Mode – 

When it’s time to race, Dodge gives you the tools:

• Launch Control: Holds your preset RPM and brake pressure to maximize boost and traction

• Line Lock: Locks the front brakes and opens the AWD clutch pack to allow tire-warming burnouts in RWD only

• Race Options Menu: Custom-tailor launch RPM, boost buildup, and throttle response based on surface grip

From snow to dragstrip, the 2026 Charger is built to perform anywhere, anytime, without sacrificing control.

Suspension, Chassis & Brakes – Rebuilt to Handle the Power –

Power is nothing without control, and the 2026 Dodge Charger’s suspension and chassis systems have been completely reengineered to handle the extra torque and deliver confident handling—without giving up the brand’s raw, street-fighting attitude.

Suspension Setup –

Dodge engineers gave the new Charger a purpose-built suspension that’s ready for everything from highway cruising to canyon carving to drag strip launches:

• Front: Multi-link design with forged aluminum control arms

• Rear: Fully independent 4-link rear setup

• Adaptive damping available on select models

This architecture provides:

• 10% improvement in steady-state response (better control in corners)

• 15% quicker lateral response time (reacts faster to steering inputs)

• 25% improvement in steady-state handling balance (reduces understeer)

Whether you’re hustling through corners or just blasting down the freeway, the new Charger rides flatter, grips harder, and turns in sharper.

Chassis & Weight Distribution –

The chassis features increased rigidity thanks to structural bracing, a reinforced floorpan, and strategic use of high-strength steel. Engineers achieved a near-ideal 55/45 weight distribution, which enhances high-speed stability and predictable handling.

NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) control is improved through smart mounting and damping systems, making the car feel more refined even at full throttle.

Braking System –

Bringing this much muscle to a stop requires serious hardware:

• Front: 380mm vented rotors with 6-piston Brembo fixed calipers

• Rear: 360mm rotors with single-piston floating calipers

• Brake-by-wire (eBoost) system with active modulation based on drive mode

Whether you’re trail braking into a corner or stomping the pedal at the end of the drag strip, the Charger delivers fade-resistant, confidence-inspiring braking performance.

Exterior Design and Functional Styling – Widebody Muscle Reimagined –

The 2026 Dodge Charger doesn’t tiptoe into the future—it kicks the door down with a bold, modern evolution of classic Mopar styling. It’s instantly recognizable as a Dodge, but make no mistake: this is an all-new machine with form and function working together.

Widebody by Nature –

At 80 inches across, the new Charger holds the title of widest body of any production car on the market. That width isn’t just for show—it provides a broader stance for handling, allows for massive tire contact patches, and contributes to the vehicle’s aggressive presence.

A strong shoulder line, pronounced hips, and squared-off fenders call back to classic Chargers from the late ’60s and early ’70s. But every line is tighter, cleaner, and more aerodynamic. The fastback roofline blends into a hidden rear hatch, preserving the car’s coupe-like appearance while offering practical access to the large cargo space.

SIXPACK-Specific Design –

To distinguish itself from the electric Daytona models, the SIXPACK ICE variants get their own visual language:

• Performance hood with grille-style SIXPACK badge

• Larger grille openings for improved airflow to intercoolers

• Unique front and rear fascias with more mechanical detailing

• Rolled dual exhaust tips (bright or Eclipse black finish)

• Debossed CHARGER logo in rear bumper

• Gloss black rear spoiler on Scat Pack models

An available Blacktop Package adds stealthier trim elements, black badging, and dark wheels for buyers looking to keep things mean and murdered-out.

Lighting and Wheels –

Lighting is fully LED across the board:

• Signature full-width front DRL bar on Plus trims

• Rear “ring of fire” LED taillamps with backlit Fratzog badge

• Dodge logo laser-etched into the headlight projectors

Wheels vary by model but start with:

• 20 x 10-inch Diamond Cut Luster wheels (275/40ZR20 tires)

• Optional 20 x 11-inch Satin Carbon or Luster wheels with beefy 305/35ZR20 rubber

The wide wheel arches and square stance give the Charger the visual punch to match its power.

Interior Design and Technology – Muscle Meets Modern –

The inside of the 2026 Dodge Charger is just as bold as the outside. While it draws inspiration from the past—especially the 1968 Dodge Charger—it’s been completely redesigned for today’s tech-savvy performance enthusiast.

Driver-Centric Layout –

The cockpit-style interior wraps around the driver, with a center stack that angles slightly inward. The available 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen takes center stage, flanked by an optional 16-inch digital cluster that’s fully customizable with classic, sport, and performance readouts.

A standard 10.25-inch cluster comes on base models, while a head-up display (HUD) is available with the Plus Group. A new “one-button personality switch” allows the driver to cycle through drive modes with a simple tap, instantly changing power delivery, exhaust tone, lighting, and screen graphics.

Inspired by the Past –

Nods to the heritage Charger include:

• Instrument panel textures and trim referencing 1968 models

• CHARGER badging across the dashboard

• Sculpted pistol-grip shifter

• Optional high-back sport seats with pass-through headrests

Comfort and Customization –

Materials range from cloth to premium Nappa leather, available in Black or Demonic Red. Heated and ventilated front seats, memory settings, and ambient lighting are standard on Plus trims.

Attitude Adjustment Lighting—a 64-color ambient system—uses sculpted LED strips that wrap 270 degrees around the cabin and react to vehicle events like mode changes, door openings, and ignition start.

Other standout features:

• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™

• Wireless charging pad

• Premium Alpine® PRO 18-speaker audio system (914-watt)

• Flat-bottom heated steering wheel with paddle shifters (Scat Pack)

Despite its fastback coupe look, the Charger’s interior is shockingly practical. Fold-flat rear seats and the hidden hatch design allow for up to 37.4 cubic feet of cargo space—perfect for road trips, track days, or a run to the hardware store.

Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance – Confidence with Muscle –

While performance and design often steal the spotlight, Dodge has equipped the 2026 Charger with its most advanced suite of safety and driver-assist technologies to date. Whether you’re tearing down the dragstrip or commuting through downtown, this Charger has your back.

Standard Safety Features –

Every 2026 Charger—regardless of trim or engine—comes loaded with advanced safety tech. Highlights include:

• Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking, including Vulnerable Road User Detection

• Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection

• ParkSense® front, rear, and side park assist sensors

• Active Lane Management to keep you centered in your lane

• Drowsy Driver Detection to help prevent fatigue-related accidents

• Traffic Sign Recognition to keep you informed of posted speed limits and conditions

These features work together to provide 360 degrees of confidence, especially useful when piloting a widebody vehicle with serious power.

Optional Driver Assistance Technologies –

Drivers looking for even more security and convenience can upgrade with available features, including:

• Surround View Camera System for top-down, bird’s-eye visibility

• Front Tire-to-Curb Camera to protect those gorgeous 20-inch wheels

• Turn Signal-Activated Blind Spot View, which shows a live feed in the center screen when changing lanes

• ParkSense-Based Camera Activation, automatically showing forward objects when approaching a spot

Also available is Active Driving Assist, Dodge’s hands-on Level 2 system that combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering for highway cruising.

Built on a Safer Platform –

The 2026 Charger rides on Stellantis’ STLA Large architecture, designed to meet the most rigorous global crash standards. High-strength steel is used throughout the chassis, and energy-absorbing zones are strategically engineered to protect occupants without compromising handling or rigidity.

Whether you’re dodging potholes or carving through traffic, this Charger is more than just power—it’s peace of mind.

Options, Packages, and Trim Breakdown – Build It Your Way –

Customization is a cornerstone of Dodge’s muscle car DNA, and the 2026 Charger delivers on that legacy with a variety of packages, trims, and performance options tailored to different driving styles and personalities.

Standard and Plus Trims –

Both the R/T and Scat Pack are offered in base and Plus trims. The base models give you the core performance hardware—engine, AWD, widebody stance—while Plus trims bring more luxury, tech, and aesthetic upgrades.

Scat Pack Plus Group adds:

• 16-inch digital cluster

• HUD (Head-Up Display)

• Surround View Camera with Tire-to-Curb View

• Wireless Charging Pad

• Illuminated door handles and welcome lighting

• Premium LED front lighting and cross-car DRL

• Attitude Adjustment Lighting (64-color interior ambient lighting)

• Optional Demonic Red Nappa leather seating

Performance seats with high bolsters, 12-way power adjustment, and memory are available with Plus trims, while base models get durable cloth performance seating.

Appearance & Performance Packages –

• Blacktop Package: Dark trim, black badging, Eclipse exhaust tips, 20-inch Blacknoise wheels

• Carbon & Suede Package: Real carbon fiber interior accents, suede headliner and pillars, leather/suede performance seats

• Wheel Upgrade: Satin Carbon or Luster 20×11-inch wheels with 305/35ZR20 tires

Audio & Technology –

A premium Alpine PRO 18-speaker sound system (914-watt) is available and includes an external amplifier and subwoofer—perfect for those who want their sound system to be as aggressive as the engine.

Roof Options –

New for 2026 is the Panoramic Fixed Glass Roof, providing a light-filled cabin and expansive views without sacrificing chassis stiffness.

Charger Daytona Comparison –

For those curious about the electric sibling—the Charger Daytona—the gasoline SIXPACK models come in well below their EV counterparts. While the Daytona Scat Pack starts at $59,995, the SIXPACK-powered Scat Pack starts at $54,995, offering buyers big power without crossing the EV price threshold.

Comparing to the HEMI Legacy – Evolution, Not Substitution –

Dodge knew that replacing its legendary HEMI V8s would be no small task. After all, the HEMI nameplate has defined Mopar performance for decades. From the reliable 5.7-liter to the brutal 6.4-liter 392, these engines were staples of street performance, drag racing, and the Dodge brand’s very identity.

So why move on? Simple: the future of performance demanded more power, more efficiency, more adaptability—and the ability to play in spaces the HEMIs simply couldn’t reach.

Power and Torque –

The new twin-turbocharged SIXPACK engines beat their naturally aspirated HEMI predecessors in every measurable performance category. More importantly, they make their torque lower in the rev range and sustain it longer—translating to harder launches, stronger midrange pull, and better passing power.

Technology and Efficiency –

The HEMI V8s were robust but dated. Their port-injection setups and relatively low compression ratios limited both efficiency and tunability.

Not only do these advances make the SIXPACK more powerful and responsive—they also reduce emissions and improve fuel economy significantly compared to the HEMI V8s.

One of the biggest benefits of the SIXPACK layout is packaging. Its inline-six configuration allows for:

• A more compact engine bay

• Better weight distribution

• Compatibility with standard AWD systems

While past Chargers offered AWD only on V6 models, the 2026 Charger Scat Pack and R/T deliver it with serious horsepower. The ability to toggle between AWD and RWD gives drivers unprecedented control—something not possible with the old V8-based architecture.

Let’s not forget: the HEMI was nearing the limits of its tuning potential, especially with emissions and fuel economy standards tightening worldwide.

The SIXPACK engine, on the other hand, is just getting started. With forced induction, overbuilt internals, and advanced software control, it offers:

• Massive tuning headroom

• Track-ready durability

• Lower emissions without sacrificing sound or feel

In short, it’s the next step—not a compromise.

Pricing and Availability – Power Within Reach –

Dodge has always positioned the Charger as the people’s muscle car, and that tradition continues with the 2026 lineup. While competitors climb toward six-figure MSRPs, the Charger Scat Pack and R/T offer massive performance at accessible prices—especially when you compare them to their HEMI-era equivalents.

Base Pricing (U.S. MSRP)* –

*All prices exclude a destination charge of $1,995.

That makes the 2026 Charger Scat Pack the most powerful new vehicle available under $55,000—with a power-to-price ratio unmatched by any rival in the current muscle or sports sedan market.

Key Ordering Dates –

• SIXPACK Scat Pack (2-door): Orders open August 11, 2025

• SIXPACK R/T (2-door): Arrives early 2026

• 4-door models: Available first half of 2026

• Daytona EV models: Available now

What’s Included – 

Every Scat Pack and Daytona Scat Pack includes a complimentary day of high-performance driving instruction at Radford Racing School, the official performance driving school of Dodge//SRT.

Buyers can also enroll in Dodge’s Connect ONE program, which includes:

• 10 years of over-the-air updates

• Service scheduling

• Remote vehicle management

• Vehicle health reports

• Emergency services

Premium connected services like Connect Wi-Fi PLUS ($17.99/month after trial) add features such as:

• Unlimited in-car Wi-Fi

• Advanced remote start and climate activation

• Vehicle tracking and theft recovery

• Voice assistant integration

• Real-time traffic, gas pricing, and navigation updates

Final Verdict – The Future of Modern Muscle – 

The 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack and R/T don’t just keep the muscle car spirit alive—they evolve it. In a time when many automakers are abandoning internal combustion entirely or watering down performance for the sake of compliance, Dodge has doubled down with a bold new formula: keep the gas, add the tech, and deliver more power than ever before.

The new SIXPACK engines are a revelation—lighter, more efficient, more advanced, and undeniably quicker than the HEMI V8s they replace. Combined with an all-wheel-drive platform, configurable rear-drive mode, cutting-edge launch technology, and a widebody chassis designed to grip and go, the Charger doesn’t just hold onto its muscle car title—it redefines it.

Meanwhile, inside, drivers are treated to one of the most high-tech and thoughtfully designed Dodge interiors ever built. Between the 16-inch digital cluster, sculpted ambient lighting, head-up display, and performance seats, this is a space that invites you to drive hard and stay connected. And with standard safety features that would’ve been unheard of a decade ago in a muscle car, the new Charger proves you don’t have to trade practicality for power.

Most importantly, Dodge kept the promise that’s defined the brand for generations: performance for the people. With the 2026 Scat Pack starting under $55,000, it’s not just the most powerful muscle car in its price class—it’s a shot across the bow to any automaker that thinks performance doesn’t matter anymore.

While these cars replace the outgoing R/T and Scat Pack models, we expect Dodge to soldier on to find just the right formula (maybe a V8 perhaps) for the HELLCAT replacement in the coming year or two, given that the Street and Racing Technology (SRT) division is back and ready to make some “noise.”

2026 Dodge Charger SIXPACK Image Gallery: