2026 Dodge Charger returns to its roots, ditches EV-only technique

• Dodge unveiled the brand new gas-powered Charger, which is available in two ranges of efficiency.
• At the very best stage, the brand new Charger will provide 550 horsepower, beginning at $59,995.

Dodge has unveiled its gas-powered Dodge Charger, two years after killing the earlier technology of its petrol-powered muscle automotive and opting as an alternative for an electrified powertrain.

At a media occasion hosted not too long ago by Dodge, model representatives confirmed off the upcoming gas-powered Charger, which homes a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine the model calls “Sixpack.”

The new Charger — out there in two- and four-door variants — will are available in two energy ranges: a 420-horsepower RT, and a tuned-up 550-horsepower Scat Pack.

The automotive is catered to the gearhead buyer base Dodge has cultivated, even with no V8. Dodge CEO Matt McAlear mentioned Dodge is “targeting” a 3.9-second 0-60 time for the high-output model of the automotive, which has a prime velocity of 177 mph.

The automobile seems practically similar to its electrified counterpart. The largest variations within the new automobile are on the entrance finish, with a hood scoop studying “SIXPACK” and the absence of the “R-wing” entrance finish spoiler, a outstanding function of the electrified Charger.

In case you missed it: 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X is the primary to prime $200,000

Slow response to EV

When Dodge pivoted to an electrified model of its in style muscle automotive, the model confronted criticism and sluggish gross sales. The Charger, beforehand recognized for housing V8 engines and pushing some critical energy, grew to become an EV in 2024.

The electrified muscle automotive was not rapidly embraced by consumers. Offered in a high-performance Daytona stage and a normal RT stage, the autos caught round on dealership heaps. Earlier this yr, Dodge introduced it could be placing the RT Charger on hiatus, providing solely the 630-horsepower Daytona Scat Pack mannequin.

Halfway by 2025, Dodge’s dad or mum firm, Stellantis, reported that 4,299 electrical Chargers had been bought within the United States.

The particulars

These are the main points to know in regards to the new gas-powered Dodge Charger:

• Price: The 420-horsepower Charger RT begins at $49,995. The 550-horsepower Scat Pack begins at $54,995. For reference, the EV Charger Daytona will begin at $59,995 for the 2026 mannequin yr.
• The quickest model of the gasoline Charger targets a 3.9-second 0-60 and runs a 12.2-second quarter-mile.
• The Scat Pack boasts a prime velocity of 177 mph.
• Drive modes: The gasoline Scat Pack includes a rear-wheel drive mode for drifting and doughnuts. All-wheel drive is commonplace on all Chargers.
• Options galore: Dodge will provide an array of choices to customise the Sixpack Charger, together with “demonic red” seats, panoramic solar roofs, darkish badging and carbon fiber accents within the inside.
• Sixpack-powered two-door 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Packs will arrive at dealerships in “the second half of 2025,” the corporate introduced. The two-door, less-powerful 2026 Dodge Charger R/T will arrive at dealerships within the first half of 2026.
• Four-door Sixpack Chargers “will be shared in the future.”

Liam Rappleye covers Stellantis and the UAW for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him: LRappleye@freepress.com.