The 2026 Dodge Chargers have added a new dimension with two gasoline models packing inline-six power and a Daytona electric version for the serious enthusiast.

The new eighth generation car from parent company Stellantis replaces Hemi powered V8s while offering versatile coupes or four door sedans.

Each replaces the long-running V8 Dodge Hemispherical (Hemi) combustion engine that dates to the early 1950s with a Red Ram V8 and, later with Charger, Challenger and Durango featuring the SRT Hellcat.

Say goodbye to those and welcome the Dodge Charger SIX PACK models — 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline six-cylinder models in Standard Output with 420 horsepower or High Output cranking out 550 ponies.

All-wheel drive is standard across the lineup although rear-wheel drive mode is available for the occasional Donut and Drift modes, preferably on closed tracks while spinning the car around in circles or allowing the car to go sideways. We didn’t test it.

Trying to choose which model is right for you? There’s a wide range between the RT and Scat Pack models with performance and price driving the decision along with electric range anxiety.

Zero to 60 miles per hour in our test car, an R/T Plus was reached in 4.7 seconds at our independent test track. The higher output R/T is reported to hit the mark in 3.9 seconds while the electric Daytona in 3.3 seconds. Prices range from the $50s to mid $70s.

What’s exciting with the new cars is their spirited thrust, an instant catapult with no turbo lag and a seemingly endless throttle up to its top speed of 135 mph, we’re told. It gives the former Hemi a commanding presence.

An adjustable launch control furthers the fun with brakes on — full throttle and timed release.

The R/T is a heavy car weighing in at 4,700-pounds. For all its’ heft, it corners nearly like a sports car on steroids. ZR 20-inch all-season rubber grips the roadway firmly while Brembo high performance brakes slow the R/T almost as quick as rivals’ Cadillac CT5 V Series or Mustang GT.

Performance isn’t the only reason to pick up the new Charger. Careful attention should be given to a myriad optional equipment packages adding more than $10,000 to our tester not counting a $1,995 freight charge.

The exterior is sleek with hints of its predecessor. Front and rear full width thin LED lighting mimics electrics you see on the road. Two or four door models are available with the latter cramping rear seat headroom.

The hatchback design allows 23 cubic feet of rear cargo space that expands to 38 cubes with the rear seats folded. The power hatchback opens with the key fob but only closes by hand.

Interior treatment is near posh with available high back leatherette suede 12-way power performance seats, four-way power lumbar adjustments with heated and ventilated front seats.

Driver assist features are extensive with adaptive cruise control with stop and go, active driving assist and active lane management.

A 12.3-inch touchscreen display sits above climate control tabs and radio knobs. Aside from those, most other features require drilling down with eyes off road to adjust.

(Contact Ingrassia at editor@ptd.net)

2026 Dodge Charger R/T Plus

Engine: 3.0-liter twin-turbo SIXPACK SO 420 horsepower and 468 lb-ft torque

MSRP/as tested: $51,995/$65,365

EPA rated mileage: 17 city, 26 highway, 20 combined

Assembled: The Dodge Charger R/T Plus is assembled at FCA’s Windsor, Ontario, Canada Assembly Plant; U.S./Canadian parts content — 44%, major source of foreign parts — Mexico — 33%; country of origin, engine — Mexico and transmission — U.S.

Crash test ratings: Neither the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety nor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had rated the Dodge Charger R/T Plus as of this writing.

Warranty: 3-year/36,000-mile bumper to bumper, 5-year powertrain. No scheduled maintenance.