Dodge unleashes some serious power with the 2026 Charger Scat Pack Plus, which achieves zero to 60 in 3.9 seconds, the quarter mile in 12.2 seconds and a top speed of 177 mph. More potent than the Hemi V-8 it replaces, the 3.0-liter SIXPACK features a Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six and is possibly the ultimate American muscle car, with its robust acceleration, superb handling and steering.
Step on the throttle and the high output engine blasts off 550 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 531 pounds-feet of torque at 3400 rpm. Mated to a responsive eight-speed auto gearbox, the Charger is available as a four-door or two-door fastback coupe. It is equipped with razor-sharp electric power assist and rack-and-pinion steering. A multilink front suspension works in tandem with an integral link rear setup, with coil springs at both ends to improve ride quality and comfort. Bringing this speed demon to a halt are Brembo 16-inch front six-piston calipers and rear four-piston caliper vented discs.
To vary the driving experience, the Charger comes in auto, eco, wet/snow, sport and custom modes. Performance-focused features such as Launch Control, which allows drivers to dial in a preferred launch rpm, and Line Lock, which enables tire burnouts with a button push and throttle input, enhance driver engagement. Attitude Adjustment introduces lighting in 64 colors to shape the mood in the cabin.
Specifications
Tires: 305/35ZR20
Wheelbase: 121 inches
Length: 206.6 inches
Height: 59.2 inches
Width: 79.9 inches
Weight: 4,610 pounds
Fuel capacity: 17.5 gallons
City/hwy/comb: city 16 /
highway 23 / combined 19
Walk around the wide-bodied vehicle and the first element that will grab your attention is a prominent center power dome atop the bulging aluminum hood etched with the branded bezel. The air-intake hood joins a full-width LED light bar on the front fascia, paired with a centered lit Fratzog emblem, a revival of the three-pointed triangular logo first used on the 1962 Polara.
That this is a race-inspired cabin is evident from the large rounded 180 mph speedometer and 7000 tachometer gauges, along with fuel and temperature readings and a driver information center. The cabin is roomy, offering dual automatic air conditioning, an eight-way driver power seat, a flat top-bottom tilt and telescopic steering column.
Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbags for both rows and a driver knee airbag, along with electronic stability and traction control and four-wheel antilock brakes with brake assist. Driver-assist systems include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, forward collision warning, active head restraints, front and rear park sense and assist, a surround 360 camera, a tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights. A mechanical limited slip differential is also included.
Muscle-car aficionados will not be disappointed as this speedster delivers a compelling blend of power and design at a base price of $54,995.
Nitish S. Rele, the editor/publisher of Motoring Tampa Bay and Khaas Baat, can be reached at motoringtampabay@gmail.com
