Let’s be real for a second. When Dodge first told the world that the Hemi V8 was going to the great junkyard in the sky, Mopar fans didn't just get upset—they went into full-blown mourning. The internet was a dumpster fire of "no V8, no buy" manifestos. Then came the Daytona EV, which, honestly, has had a bit of a rough start. Through the first three quarters of 2025, Dodge only moved 2,776 units of the electric Charger. That's a thud heard around the automotive world.
But now we have the Dodge Charger Sixpack. It's the gasoline-powered savior (depending on who you ask) featuring the 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six. Demand for this car is weird. It’s high, it’s skeptical, and it’s arguably the only thing keeping the Dodge brand relevant in 2026.
Why the Dodge Charger Sixpack demand is actually surging
You’d think people would hate a six-cylinder Charger. Traditionally, a V6 Charger was the car you got at the Hertz rental counter at LAX. But the Hurricane engine isn't a Pentastar. The High-Output (H.O.) version in the Scat Pack is pumping out 550 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque.
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That’s 65 more horses than the old 6.4-liter Hemi.
When you look at the raw numbers, the Dodge Charger Sixpack demand starts to make sense. Enthusiasts who were originally swearing off the brand are looking at the 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds and realizing this thing might actually be a beast. It’s 1,000 pounds lighter than the EV version. That matters when you’re trying to take a corner without feeling like you’re piloting a literal boat.
The Traction Factor
One thing the old-school guys always complained about was traction. You’d stomp the gas in a Hellcat and just turn your rear tires into expensive smoke. The new Sixpack comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
In recent real-world tests, like those seen on Throttle House, the Sixpack actually walked away from a Mustang Dark Horse and a Hellcat Redeye in cold-weather standing starts. It just hooks and goes. For the guy who wants to win a stoplight drag race in January, that traction is a massive selling point.
The Pricing Problem (And Why People Are Hesitant)
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room. The price.
Honestly, it’s high. A spec’ed-out 2026 Scat Pack Sixpack can easily crest $71,000. For a car that doesn't have a V8 rumble, that’s a tough pill to swallow. Industry analysts like the folks at MoparInsiders have pointed out that Dodge might be walking into a "pricing error" trap.
- The entry-level R/T Sixpack starts around $51,990.
- The Scat Pack jumps to $56,990 (before you start clicking those expensive option boxes).
- The four-door versions, which don't even arrive until mid-2026, add another $2,000 to the bill.
If you want the glass roof and the fancy Alpine audio, you're looking at a sticker price that makes people start cross-shopping with BMW M340is. That’s a dangerous game for Dodge. The "Power Dollars" rebates—where Dodge gave you $10 off for every horsepower—might have to make a comeback just to keep the inventory moving.
Is it a "Real" Muscle Car?
This is the debate that won't die. The sound is... different. Inside the cabin, it has this weird mix of a Nissan VQ-style growl and a whole lot of turbo whistling. Outside, it sounds more like a refined European sports sedan.
Dodge tried to fix this with a dual-mode exhaust that gets a bit of a baritone rumble at idle, but you’re never going to mistake it for a 392 Hemi.
The weight is another thing. Even though it's lighter than the EV, at roughly 4,800 to 5,500 pounds depending on the trim, it’s still a heavy-duty machine. It’s wider than a minivan. Driving this on a tight road like the Tail of the Dragon is an exercise in managing mass.
The Mid-2026 Pivot
Right now, you can only get the two-door. The real Dodge Charger Sixpack demand will likely peak when the four-door arrives in the summer of 2026. The Charger has always been the "practical" muscle car. It’s for the person who needs to drop the kids at school but still wants to do a burnout in the parking lot (don't do that, obviously).
Without that four-door option, Dodge is missing half its market.
The Bottom Line on Market Appetite
So, is the demand there? Yes, but it’s conditional.
Buyers are tired of being told EVs are the only future. The Sixpack represents a "third way." It’s high-tech, it’s insanely fast, and it still lets you pull into a gas station.
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But Stellantis is on thin ice with the pricing. If they keep these cars in the $70k range, they might find themselves with a lot of very fast, very expensive cars sitting on dealer lots.
How to approach your purchase
If you're looking to jump into a Sixpack, keep these things in mind:
- Wait for the 2026 Four-Door: Unless you specifically want a coupe, the four-door will hold its value better and is much more usable as a daily driver.
- Watch the Incentives: Dodge is known for massive rebates. If sales don't hit targets by Q3 2026, expect the return of significant "Power Dollars" or lease deals.
- Test the AWD: Don't just look at the HP numbers. The way this car puts power down is fundamentally different from any Charger you’ve driven before. Try the RWD-only mode to see if it still gives you that "muscle" feel you’re craving.
The V8 might be gone, but the Charger isn't dead yet. It’s just evolved into something a little more complex and a lot more expensive.