The Buick GNX Recipe in the 2026 Dodge Charger
Many years ago, the developers over at GM had a radical idea. Take a turbocharged six cylinder, throw it in a Buick, and see what happens. The Buick Grand National was born and it is now a cult classic, even before the hype from Kendrick Lamar’s mention of the car in his latest album.
Today, Dodge is taking that same recipe in the car known for massive V8 engines and transplanting a turbocharged inline six motor for the 2026 Dodge Charger. Prior to this, Dodge’s ushering in of the EV variant of the flagship Muscle Car led to an insane amount of controversy. With the lack of support for the EV model, Dodge hopes to turn the car’s reputation around with the Hurricane Inline 6’s performance. But will it be enough?
2026 Dodge Charger R/T Vs Scat Pack
The 2026 Dodge Charger is currently split into two internal combustion engine variants, the Standard Output and High Output Hurricane Inline-6. The standard output engine comes standard with the entry level R/T trim, whereas the high output engine replaces the Scat Pack’s 6.4L V8. Dodge has seen some success for this motor through the Wagoneer and the Ram RHO, so it makes sense why they went for it in the Charger.
For the R/T, you’re getting a 420 horsepower and 468 lb-ft powerhouse with standard All-wheel drive. All-wheel drive and turbochargers have gone hand-in-hand for years so this part makes sense. What is interesting for this segment of car is the selectable Rear-Wheel Drive mode. This allows you to have the pure muscle car experience, burnouts and all.
Comparatively, the Sixpack Scat Pack’s high output model gives the 2026 Dodge Charger 550 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque. With the 130 horsepower increase, the Hurricane Inline-6 propels the car from 0-60 miles per hour in 3.9 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 12.2 seconds!
Overall, both engines provide American Muscle performance numbers. Proper fast quarter-mile times and rear-wheel drive fun is still very much there. But how does it compare when the previous generation was a success primarily due to their V8 hearts?
How Does It Compare To The Previous Generation?
| Model | Horsepower | Torque | 0–60 mph |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 R/T (V8) | 370 hp | 395 lb-ft | ~5.2 sec |
| 2026 R/T (I6) | 420 hp | 468 lb-ft | ~4.7 sec (est) |
| 2024 Scat Pack | 485 hp | 475 lb-ft | ~4.3 sec |
| 2026 Scat Pack | 550 hp | 531 lb-ft | 3.9 sec |
Across the board, both the 2026 Dodge Charger R/T and Scat Pack are faster than the previous generations (as it should be with all cars… I’m talking about you Honda Prelude). Additionally, the all-wheel drive functionality of the newer models gives you those consistent launches from a dig we all know and love.
Now, where I get concerned for the 2026 Dodge Charger, and all newer sporty cars for that matter, is the pricing. Let’s compare the original MSRP of the previous generation models to the current pricing (obviously minus the inevitable dealership markups).
| Model | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
| 2024 R/T | ~$43K–$45K |
| 2026 R/T | ~$50K–$52K |
| 2024 Scat Pack | ~$50K–$52K |
| 2026 Scat Pack | ~$55K–$57K |
The newer models are well within the mid $50,000 region. A bit high for working class people considering most can’t afford to pay that in cash. With the increase in price also comes the discrepancy of what it is being listed for. In California, a SixPack Scat Pack is selling in the $60,000-$65,000 range depending on how it is spec’d. Pretty wild if you ask me. We will definitely have to see how the market responds to the pricing, but if dealers mark it up a ton, these will sit for sure.
Will The Petrol-Powered Models Save The Charger?
Admittedly, I too am one of the people that saw the EV Dodge Charger and wept. Seeing Dodge’s success of powerful V8s, bold styling, and a dedication towards fun was a fun time. If you ask me, this is part of the reason why the Dodge Charger was one of the most stolen vehicles . Stellantis taking that drastic leap into the EV realm did not go well for them. However, I do see hope with the Hurricane engine-based models.
Yes, a muscle car traditionally has a V8. The V8 engine almost has a symbiotic relationship with American cars. But, we do know that an inline-six and a turbo can be accepted amongst this segment, just like the GN and GNX Buicks. The 2026 Dodge Charger has the visuals and the performance to be a success. Unfortunately, I think releasing the EV model prior to this will always leave a stain on this generation of the Dodge Charger.
If Stellantis really wants to bounce back from that original launch, lean into the Hurricane engine, give us factory upgrade options, and absolutely bring in a HEMI model. If you bring back the HEMI motors, provide factory warrantied power packages (ie. intake, exhaust, and tunes) for the Hurricane engine, and maybe throw in a manual transmission option, and you’ll have a solid option for today’s market. Remember Dodge, just because the Camaro isn’t around it doesn’t mean you can forget you still have to fight the Ford Mustang.
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