Dodge just did something that should be impossible: they killed the legendary HEMI V8, replaced it with a six-cylinder engine, and somehow made the 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack more exciting than ever. The new SIXPACK twin-turbo inline-six doesn’t just match the old V8’s attitude and it gives you the ability to go full drift mode at the push of a button.
- Uses Inconel 100 turbine material in a first-ever automotive application—the same exotic alloy found in jet engine hot sections.
- 550-horsepower SIXPACK twin-turbo inline-six delivers 3.9-second 0-60 times and 12.2-second quarter-miles
- Standard AWD with on-demand RWD mode sends 100% torque to rear wheels for drifting and burnouts.
When Six Becomes the Magic Number
Here’s the thing about the SIXPACK name and it’s not just about the marketing. Back in the ’70s, Dodge used “SIXPACK” to describe three two-barrel carburetors (six barrels total). Now they’re using it for a straight-six layout that makes more power than the old HEMI ever did. That 550 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque represents the most powerful version of Stellantis’ Hurricane engine in production.
What makes this engine genuinely impressive isn’t just the peak numbers; it’s how that power arrives. The twin Garrett GT2054 turbochargers deliver 88% of peak torque at just 2,500 rpm, which means instant response when you mash the throttle. By 3,000 rpm, you’re getting more than 90% of that torque all the way to 6,000 rpm. That’s the kind of broad, usable power band that makes daily driving fun and drag strip runs consistently quick.
2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack: AWD with RWD Soul
Dodge solved a problem most muscle car fans didn’t even know they had: how do you get maximum launch grip while still being able to do proper burnouts and donuts? The answer is brilliantly simple. Give every Charger Scat Pack standard all-wheel drive, then add a button that disconnects the front wheels entirely.
The rear-wheel-drive mode sends 100% of the engine’s torque to the rear axle, turning your sensible AWD family hauler into a tire-shredding drift machine on demand. Combined with the standard Line Lock feature (which holds the front brakes while freeing up the rears), you can properly warm your tires at the drag strip or just show off in an empty parking lot.
For actual driving, the AWD system is smart enough to disconnect the front axle when you’re cruising to improve fuel economy, then instantly engage when you need the traction. It’s the best of both worlds without compromise.
2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack: Performance
The numbers tell a compelling story: 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds, quarter-mile times of 12.2 seconds, and a top speed of 177 mph. Those are legitimately quick numbers for a six-cylinder;, period. The old HEMI-powered Scat Pack needed 4.2 seconds to hit 60 mph, which means this turbocharged replacement is actually faster where it counts.
Launch Control lets you dial in the perfect RPM for different surface conditions, building boost pressure while holding the brakes, then unleashing everything the moment you lift your foot. The system manages torque delivery across all four wheels to maximize traction off the line (crucial for those sub-4-second 0-60 times).
The mechanical limited-slip differential keeps both rear wheels hooked up during hard launches, while the performance-tuned suspension delivers 25% better steady-state handling balance compared to the previous generation. Translation: it goes straight when you want it to and turns when you need it to.
Design & Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Engine | 3.0L SIXPACK Twin-Turbo I6 |
| Power | 550 hp |
| Torque | 531 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 3.9 seconds |
| Quarter-Mile | 12.2 seconds |
| Top Speed | 177 mph |
| Drivetrain | AWD with RWD mode |
| Starting Price | $54,995 |
The exterior design doesn’t hide what this car is. The performance hood announces the SIXPACK engine with a black grille-style bezel, while the wider front fascia area makes room for all that turbo plumbing. Out back, the rolled stainless steel exhaust tips and debossed “CHARGER” text logo make sure everyone knows what just passed them.
The body itself is significant. Dodge claims this is the widest body of any car in the industry. That’s not just for show; it’s housing wider wheels, bigger brakes, and all the mechanical components needed to put 550 horsepower to the ground reliably.
Interior Built for Performance
Inside, the award-winning cabin blends retro Charger cues with modern technology. The instrument panel badging reads “CHARGER” in bold letters, while the performance-oriented steering wheel features a flat-top, flat-bottom design with standard paddle shifters. The classic pistol-grip shifter returns, positioned close to the start button on the center console.
The available Attitude Adjustment lighting system uses 64 colors and reacts to vehicle events (drive mode changes, door openings, engine starts). It’s the kind of detail that makes the car feel alive and responsive to your presence.
Performance Pages accessible through the Uconnect 5 system provide real-time data on acceleration times, g-forces, and other metrics that matter when you’re actually using this car’s capabilities.
The Burnout Button Reality
Let’s be honest: the Line Lock feature is going to sell a lot of these cars. Being able to lock the front brakes, disconnect the AWD system, and spin the rear tires with a button press is exactly the kind of juvenile fun that muscle cars are supposed to deliver. It’s not just for show, either. Proper tire prep before a drag strip pass can mean the difference between a good time and a great one.
The dual-mode active exhaust system ensures everyone within a reasonable radius knows when you’re making donuts. The 100mm rolled exhaust tips aren’t just for aesthetics; they’re sized to handle the airflow from 550 turbocharged horses.
Value Proposition
Starting at $54,995 and arriving in dealerships before year’s end, the Scat Pack delivers more horsepower per dollar than pretty much anything else you can buy. That price includes the AWD system, the performance suspension, the big brakes, and all the electronic wizardry that makes this thing work. Add $2,000 for the four-door sedan if you need back seats that adults can actually use.
Dodge is offering both two-door and four-door variants, with orders opening August 13 and deliveries starting before the end of the year. That’s refreshingly soon in an industry where everything seems to get delayed.
The Future of American Muscle
Look, nobody wanted to see the HEMI go away. But, it’s hard to complain. Six cylinders, 550 horsepower, and a button that lets you roast the rear tires whenever you want? Dodge figured out how to kill a legend without actually killing what made it legendary.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most accurate, latest updates or specific model configurations. Always consult official website/sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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