Dodge’s Charger Sixpack : Can Gas Power Revive the Brand’s Fortunes?
Dodge is making a bold move in 2025, confirming that the gas-powered Dodge’s Charger Sixpack will hit dealerships by summer. This decision, announced at the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) convention, signals Dodge’s attempt to reclaim its traditional muscle car audience after a rocky 2024. With Dodge sales decline hitting 29%, the automaker is under pressure to deliver something exciting—and the Charger Sixpack release might just be the answer.
A Classic Reimagined
For muscle car enthusiasts who aren’t ready to go electric, the return of a combustion-powered Charger is a big deal. While Dodge initially prioritized the electric Charger Daytona, production delays and leadership changes slowed its rollout. Now, the Sixpack provides an alternative for buyers who still crave the raw power and sound of a gas engine.
At the heart of the Charger Sixpack specs is Dodge’s Hurricane 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine. Offered in two power levels—420 horsepower in standard trim and 550 horsepower in the high-output version—the Sixpack performance promises a thrilling drive. Buyers will also get to choose between two-door and four-door Charger models, with all-wheel drive available. Though specific Charger Sixpack performance details are still under wraps, Dodge’s legacy of tire-smoking muscle cars suggests this Charger will deliver where it counts.
The Right Car at the Right Time?
The timing of the Charger Sixpack release is crucial. Dodge’s struggles mirror those of its Stellantis siblings—Jeep, Ram, and Chrysler—all facing declining sales and dealer frustration. Many dealers blame erratic product strategies and inconsistent pricing for Dodge’s downturn.
Jeff Kommor, Stellantis’s U.S. sales chief, acknowledged these concerns, stating:
“Following a challenging 2024, we told dealers—directly—that we will be consistent and focus on gaining their trust, especially when it comes to our products, our pricing, and our incentives.”
If Dodge delivers on this promise, the Sixpack Charger could help rebuild confidence among both dealers and customers. After all, a well-priced, high-performance muscle car with a gas engine might be exactly what’s needed to rekindle enthusiasm.
Dodge’s Global Gamble
In an unexpected twist, Dodge Charger global expansion is on the horizon, with plans to bring the Charger lineup—including both the EV Charger Daytona and gas-powered Charger Sixpack—to Europe and the Middle East in late 2025. American muscle cars have historically struggled overseas, but with a mix of combustion and electric options, Dodge could carve out a niche in markets where EV adoption is higher than in the U.S.
First up for international Dodge markets will be the electric Charger Daytona, followed by the Charger Sixpack international release. However, the absence of a manual transmission may disappoint some purists. Still, offering an internal combustion engine (ICE) Charger alongside an EV gives Dodge a diversified strategy in a rapidly shifting market.
Will the Sixpack Save Dodge?
The muscle car market decline is a reality. Even after Dodge and Chevrolet discontinued previous-gen muscle cars, Ford’s Mustang sales struggled to maintain momentum.
The Dodge Charger Sixpack represents the brand’s bid to keep internal combustion engines alive while experimenting with electrification. Whether this strategy succeeds depends on how well Dodge’s marketing strategy executes the launch and whether enough buyers are willing to invest in a gas-powered muscle car while they still can.
For now, Dodge muscle car fans can rejoice. The Charger Sixpack debut is coming, and it’s bringing big horsepower, aggressive styling, and the unmistakable sound of a roaring engine back to Dodge showrooms.