2026 Dodge Charger Keeps Muscle Alive With Twin-Turbo Power


The 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack, powered by the new twin-turbo inline-six, makes a big statement. The move away from V-8 power might have worried loyal fans, but one press of the throttle wipes that concern away. With 550 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and the ability to send every bit of power to the rear wheels, the new Charger delivers the raw performance enthusiasts crave.

Ashton Muñoz, Dodge Charger Brand and Product Manager, said the team built the car to feel as fierce as it looks. The inline-six engine injects fresh energy into Dodge’s performance lineup, combining brute strength with modern control. The result honors the Charger’s heritage while pushing its performance into a new era.

A New Kind Of Muscle

2026 Dodge Charger wheel Nicole Wakelin/TopSpeed

Numbers tell only part of the story. The new Charger Scat Pack rockets from zero to sixty in 3.9 seconds, putting it squarely among Dodge’s greats. Trading cylinders for turbos hasn’t dulled its bite. Muñoz explained that its speed comes from traction and precise engineering. “The cool thing about that is, it’s all-wheel drive, so it’s actually even quicker than our outgoing Hellcats and Redeye from a zero to sixty standpoint,” said Muñoz.

“We literally had Hellcat wide bodies go up against this, and we ran them back-to-back-to-back.”

– Ashton Muñoz, Dodge Charger Brand and Product Manager

That real-world edge changes everything. The Charger launches hard and holds tight through corners. For drivers who miss smoky burnouts, there’s still plenty of fun with a system that can send 100 percent of its power to the rear wheels on command. It’s muscle made sharper, not tamer.

Built From The Ground Up

2026 Dodge Charger interior Nicole Wakelin/TopSpeed

The 2026 Charger doesn’t evolve from the last generation. It replaces the prior generation entirely. “Everything is all new. Nothing, not one piece from the old car carried over to this new car,” said Muñoz. Starting fresh gave Dodge engineers room to redefine what a modern muscle car could be without losing its unmistakable stance and swagger.

“All the cars are wide body now, all-wheel drive, so it just opens up a whole new realm of us that we didn’t get to mess around with on the previous Charger.”

– Ashton Muñoz, Dodge Charger Brand and Product Manager

The new Charger stretches two inches wider and plants itself confidently on the pavement. Standard all-wheel drive boosts grip and everyday usability while preserving the brand’s trademark aggression. Underneath its familiar lines sits a completely new machine built for both power and precision.

Inside The Rebellion

2026 Dodge Charger badging Nicole Wakelin/TopSpeed

Open the door and the transformation continues. The simple, functional cabin of the past gives way to a bold, immersive space filled with light, sculpted textures, and available carbon-fiber accents. It feels both futuristic and distinctly Dodge. Muñoz said that balance was intentional. “The interior design team did an awesome job where they used cues from old cars. This is reminiscent of the ‘68 grille on the front of the Charger,” said Muñoz.

“It’s totally brand new, so it really gave them an opportunity to go full out.”

– Ashton Muñoz, Dodge Charger Brand and Product Manager

Every trim mixes heritage with high-tech flair. Door lighting, suede surfaces, and the available carbon package create an interior that celebrates performance as much as comfort. It’s a muscle car that feels as good to sit in as it does to drive.

The Sound Of A Dodge

2026 Dodge Charger ambient lighting Nicole Wakelin/TopSpeed

A Charger has to sound the part. Muñoz said the team refused to compromise on that signature roar. “If you think of Dodge, and we always talk about this internally, we stand really for four main things: look, feel, sound, and drive. Sound is literally one of the things that make us a Dodge,” said Muñoz.

“In sport mode or full throttle, the exhaust valve opens up and you can hear the burbles and the pops and the unburned fuel in the exhaust system burning up.”

– Ashton Muñoz, Dodge Charger Brand and Product Manager

The new dual-valve active exhaust gives the Charger a voice that can’t be mistaken for anything else. Engineers tuned it specifically for this model, creating a deeper, meaner note. Each upshift cracks through the air, reminding everyone nearby that the Charger still owns the sound of American performance.

Gas, Electric, And Everything Ahead

2026 Dodge Charger rear Nicole Wakelin/TopSpeed

The gas-powered Charger Scat Pack debuts alongside the all-electric Daytona EV, but Muñoz said drivers still crave the traditional experience. “Everybody wants a gas car again,” said Muñoz. “Some people just don’t want to deal with charging or installing a charger at home or an electric car.”

“People will have to fight us to make us stop doing crazy stuff on our side.”

– Ashton Muñoz, Dodge Charger Brand and Product Manager

That determination defines the 2026 Charger. It caters to purists who want the visceral thrill of combustion but stands ready to guide Dodge into its next era. With power, presence, and unmistakable personality, the Charger proves that muscle never goes out of style.