Why the SIXPACK Dodge Charger Won Car of the Year

Some cars turn heads. Others stop traffic. But the SIXPACK Dodge Charger does both…and then some. 

When the votes were tallied and the dust settled, there was really only one name worthy of TopGear.com’s US Car of the Year, and it wasn’t a surprise to anyone who’s ever heard that supercharged engine roar to life. In short, the SIXPACK Charger is a masterclass in American performance engineering. 

The SIXPACK Dodge Charger Signals a New Chapter for Muscle Cars

The Dodge Charger has always been synonymous with American muscle cars, and with the arrival of the all-new SIXPACK-powered Charger, that legacy just got a serious upgrade. In an era where the conversation around performance cars has been dominated by electrification, Dodge made a deliberate, defiant choice: bring gasoline-powered muscle roaring back into the spotlight. 

Under the hood of this reinvented icon is a 3.0-liter twin-turbo Straight-Six engine, aptly named SIXPACK, available in two configurations: the High-Output (HO) version, now available in the Charger Scat Pack, and the Standard-Output (SO) version, coming to the Charger R/T in mid-2026. This is a bold new direction for Dodge, and the automotive world is taking notice.

That notice came in a big way when TopGear.com named the SIXPACK Charger its U.S. Car of the Year for 2026. TopGear.com editors pushed the Charger Scat Pack to its absolute limits on the legendary Tail of the Dragon, an 11-mile stretch through the Great Smoky Mountains packed with 318 turns, and came away calling it a “revelation.” 

Their verdict? The SIXPACK Charger doesn’t just deliver serious power; it pairs it with the kind of everyday usability that will make you want to drive every single day.

Award-Winning Performance That Sets the SIXPACK Charger Apart

According to Dodge CEO Matt McAlear, the SIXPACK Charger is redefining what a modern muscle car can be, and the numbers make it easy to see why. Delivering 550 horsepower, switchable all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive, and a design that pays homage to 60 years of Charger history, it’s built to impress at every level.

The High-Output SIXPACK engine is an engineering achievement in its own right. Twin 54mm high-flow Garrett turbochargers push up to 30 psi of boost, producing 550 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque. What makes this engine truly special in the real world, though, is that 90% of that peak torque kicks in at just 2,500 rpm. That means the power isn’t reserved for the top of the rev range. Instead, it’s immediately accessible, making every merge, pass, and spirited drive feel effortless.

If you want exciting performance with more emphasis on efficiency, look no further than the Standard-Output SIXPACK arriving on the Charger R/T in mid-2026. Twin turbos running 22 psi of boost deliver 420 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque, all while keeping fuel consumption lower than the high-output model. It proves the SIXPACK platform has range, both literally and figuratively.

Together, these two powertrains told the TopGear.com editors everything they needed to know: the SIXPACK Charger isn’t a one-trick pony. It’s fast, flexible, and genuinely fun to drive.

Innovation, Design, and Everyday Usability Drive Car of the Year Honors

Raw power can win races, but a vehicle needs to be the complete package to win Car of the Year. Of course, the SIXPACK Dodge Charger has the looks to win.

The exterior of the new SIXPACK Charger swaps retro styling for a futuristic look. It’s outfitted with a sleek front lightbar, long flowing silhouette, and sharp body lines that give it an unmistakably modern look. The design stands apart from other performance coupe models without trying too hard.

Step inside, and you’ll be greeted with a 16-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen that’s both responsive and intuitive. The seating is genuinely roomy, with a second row that can comfortably accommodate adults. Practical touches round out the package, including smart storage areas, dual wireless charging pads, available leather and suede performance seats, and ambient lighting that gives the interior its own distinct personality.

This is ultimately what pushed the SIXPACK Charger over the finish line with TopGear.com editors. It doesn’t require trading comfort for performance, and that’s exactly the kind of car that deserves to be called the best of the year.

Experience the New SIXPACK Dodge Charger at Sumter CDJR!

This is one vehicle that has to be driven to be believed. Visit us at Sumter CDJR, explore our selection of new Dodge Charger models for sale, and take a test drive today! We’d love to help you get behind the wheel of this award-winning muscle car.

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