The Gas Engine is Back! Dodge Launches New 2026 Charger
The new Dodge Charger has officially arrived, and it’s bringing back the gas engine! This is a major moment for the American brand, which had previously discontinued its muscle cars in favor of an all-electric version. The new gas-powered Charger will be a two- and four-door hatchback, sharing its body with the Charger Daytona EV. It will come with a powerful new engine and a host of performance features that are sure to please car enthusiasts.
Meet the Hurricane Engine
The new gas-powered Charger is getting a brand-new engine, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter Hurricane I-6. This engine is a powerhouse and will be available in two variants. The R/T starts with 420 hp and 468 lb-ft of torque, while the Scat Pack jumps up to a massive 550 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque. Both models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, with a special burnout mode for the rear-wheel drive.
Updates to the Charger Daytona EV
The all-electric Charger Daytona EV, which was originally launched in a two-door format, will now also be available as a four-door for 2026. However, the 496-hp R/T powertrain has been discontinued. The more powerful 670-hp Scat Pack dual-motor powertrain will be the only option available. The Charger Daytona will also get some new styling options, including a new body stripe design and a gloss black painted hood.
The Future of the Charger
For Dodge, enough power is never enough. The company is already planning even more powerful versions of the Charger. The article speculates that the future of the Charger could involve a new ultra-powerful V-8 engine or even a 900 hp EV variant. With the return of the Hemi V-8 and a renewed focus on performance, the Dodge Charger is set to reclaim its position as a no-limits, all-American muscle car.
Here is a summary of the new gas-powered Charger:
