Dodge is preparing a significant power upgrade for the Charger Sixpack, its turbocharged six-cylinder variant. The enhanced engine could deliver upward of 600 horsepower, marking a substantial jump from the current generation's output.
The move reflects Dodge's strategy as it transitions away from traditional V-8 power. With no Hemi V-8 returning to the lineup, the automaker is leaning harder into turbocharged six-cylinder technology to maintain performance credentials and appeal to enthusiasts who might otherwise defect to competitors.
A 600-horsepower six-cylinder Charger would position the sedan competitively against rivals like the BMW M340i and Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, both of which rely on turbocharged inline-six engines. It also keeps pace with Dodge's own Challenger GT, which produces comparable output from its twin-turbo setup.
The Charger Sixpack already proved the viability of forced induction for Dodge. Earlier iterations demonstrated that turbo six-cylinder engines could deliver spirited performance while meeting emissions standards and improving fuel efficiency compared to naturally aspirated alternatives. Bumping output to 600 horses would sharpen that proposition considerably.
This upgrade matters because it signals Dodge's commitment to keeping the Charger nameplate relevant in an era where V-8s face regulatory headwinds and consumer preferences shift toward efficiency. While purists will certainly mourn the absence of a Hemi, 600 horsepower from a six-cylinder is respectable by any measure.
Dodge hasn't announced official specifications or timing for the upgrade, but the reported figures suggest significant engineering work is underway. Turbocharger tweaks, internal modifications, and software optimization likely all contribute to the power bump.
The automotive industry increasingly accepts that performance doesn't require displacement anymore