Factory Performance is Just the Starting Line for the 550-HP Charger Scat Pack

Muscle cars have always invited modification. That’s because it’s in an automotive enthusiast’s nature to be power-hungry and to tinker. So if we’re provided with a go-fast template, we’ll inevitably start asking: What happens if we turn it up a little? The new Dodge Charger Scat Pack lets tuners answer that question in novel ways. Because under its long hood sits not a typical V-8 but the SIXPACK, a potent 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six. Though this engine offers up to 550 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque in High Output (HO) trim, and 420 hp/468 lb-ft in an “entry level” (SO) trim, for optimizers like us those are merely opening bids. This motor’s clean-sheet design, combined with its mechanical robustness, invites fresh thinking on how to increase output. Beyond this, the new gas-powered Charger’s widebody proportions, independent suspension, and rear-drive (and/or all-wheel-drive) architecture create a highly advanced starting point for your personal build. The SIXPACK is thus perfectly poised to become Dodge’s new tuner playground. Six Cylinders, Serious IntentionsThe SIXPACK comes stock with impressive dyno sheet specs.

Police departments across America have tried all sorts of tactics to discourage illegal street racing and takeovers: increased police presence, infrastructure changes, and plenty more. Louisville authorities have decided to take a somewhat more entertaining approach: they're teaming up with Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live to crush a confiscated Dodge Charger in front of thousands of spectators. According to the—and I'm not joking—KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky, the car in question is a 2009 Dodge Charger with a slew of stolen parts, including a 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat V-8, the corresponding gearbox, electric modules, exhaust hardware, suspension components, and even the seats. Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) officers seized it during an illegal street takeover in 2024; investigators reportedly managed to track the parts from Detroit and Indianapolis before they arrived in Louisville. (So before you get too upset that this functioning car are going to the junkyard in the sky, consider that it's basically a bucket of stolen goods.)Now that the investigation has concluded, of course, the car isn’t particularly useful to police.

Rumors of the Hellcat engine returning to the new Dodge Charger are nothing new, but a pair of fresh reports citing internal documents from Stellantis is the best evidence yet of the supercharged Hemi-powered muscle car’s imminent comeback. Initially reported by both Automotive News and Mopar Insiders, these internal planning docs (seen in the Mopar Insiders report) suggest the Hellcat engine will reach production in the Charger at the end of 2027, and be offered for the 2028 model year car. The 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 is also planned to be paired with the ZF 8HP95 automatic transmission and send power exclusively to the rear wheels, unlike every other Charger that now comes standard with all-wheel drive. We certainly weren’t counting on a manual transmission option, though the previous Challenger Hellcat offered it, so it’s little surprise that this new model appears to be automatic-only according to these reports. Additionally, it’s reported that the Hellcat engine will be offered on both the two-door and four-door Charger models. This is only logical, considering Dodge sold a healthy amount of both Charger and Challenger Hellcats in the previous versions.

The US has passed 80,000 public EV fast-charging ports, and new charging stops are getting bigger and packing more power. That’s good news for drivers looking for an open stall. The price story is more mixed: Most networks are holding steady, but Tesla Supercharger costs have gone up. EV charging data platform Paren’s Q3 2026 State of the US Fast EV Charging Industry report finds that operators added 4,106 fast-charging ports at 664 stations from July through September. That brings the US total to 80,964 ports across 14,614 locations.

Dan Clougher is an automotive journalist and former classic and sports car dealer with hands-on experience across luxury, performance, and collector vehicles. Before joining CarBuzz, he managed his own showroom and worked with both independent and franchise dealers, specializing in classic and high-end models. Since 2023, Dan has contributed to HotCars and CarBuzz, producing news coverage, buyer’s guides, and in-depth features on classic and modern cars. His work draws on a practical understanding of the used and collector car markets, with a focus on value, rarity, and historical significance. High depreciation in the luxury segment is nothing new, and in fact, it's something we've covered here plenty of times in the past at CarBuzz. However, while there certainly is plenty to celebrate about a $40,000 luxury sedan now selling for $12,000, or tanking EV prices, this piece zeroes in on some of the biggest losers when it comes to plummeting values. Fully loaded SUVs from some of the most prestigious automakers are, on paper, properly desirable cars.

Classic gems, tasteful customs, legendary supercars - for Silvian, they're all fair game. He's been in love with cars and motorcycles for as long as he can remember, so it made perfect sense to eventually turn that passion into a full-time writing career. Around six years and more than 3,000 articles later, he is still going strong and doesn't plan on hitting the brakes anytime soon. About a year ago, General Motors said it will be axing the current Cadillac CT5 after 2026, and production is scheduled to end in December. That said, the CT5 will be returning in about two years as a 2029 model, but the timeline leaves us with some important questions regarding one of GM’s production facilities. We’re referring to the Lansing Grand River plant up in Michigan, whose future seems very uncertain until CT5 production resumes. The factory might be on its way toward an extended pause while the next Cadillac luxury sedan is being developed, as GM hasn’t clarified its plans in that regard.