Power Unpacked: The SIXPACK-Powered Dodge Charger R/T Delivers the Most Standard Horsepower of Any Muscle Car

The 2026 Dodge Charger lineup is officially complete, and the final piece of the multi-energy puzzle—the SIXPACK-powered, 420-horsepower Dodge Charger R/T—has arrived.

In a landmark announcement made on December 2, 2025, Dodge confirmed that orders are now open for the Charger R/T in both two-door coupe and four-door sedan configurations. The entry-point muscle machine delivers a defining statement of value and power, offering the most standard horsepower of any muscle car on the market.

Priced aggressively at a starting U.S. manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $49,995 (with the four-door starting at $51,995), the Charger R/T anchors the brand’s promise to deliver high-performance muscle for under $60,000, regardless of the powertrain.

This launch reinforces the "power of choice" philosophy championed by Dodge CEO Matt McAlear: “The Charger R/T delivers the most standard horsepower of any muscle car, a perfect addition to the multi-energy Charger muscle car lineup that is all about the power of choice.”

The Charger R/T is not just the entry model; it is the strategic heart of the new lineup, providing a powerful, technologically advanced internal combustion engine (ICE) option that seamlessly blends performance heritage with modern AWD capability and all-season utility. Production for the SIXPACK-powered Charger R/T is slated to begin in Q1 2026, with customer deliveries following shortly after.

1. The Power of Choice: Completing the Multi-Energy Lineup

The 2026 Dodge Charger lineup is the most diverse and strategically layered muscle car offering in history. The full range provides customers with options across three key performance thresholds, two energy sources, and two body styles (two-door coupe or four-door sedan).

The Three Power Tiers: From 420 HP to 670 HP

The Dodge Charger R/T (Standard-Output SIXPACK) is the crucial foundation for the entire muscle family, setting a robust entry bar for performance:

Model	Powertrain	Horsepower	Starting U.S. MSRP	Price Tier
Charger R/T	SIXPACK S.O. (Gas)	420 HP	$49,995	Entry Muscle
Charger Scat Pack	SIXPACK H.O. (Gas)	550 HP	$54,995	High-Output Muscle
Charger Daytona Scat Pack	All-Electric (BEV)	670 HP	$59,995	Peak Performance

The positioning of the Dodge Charger R/T at $49,995 is intentional. It ensures that every single model in the 2026 Charger lineup delivers high-output muscle priced less than $60,000, a value proposition unmatched by competitors. This aggressive pricing solidifies the R/T's role as the accessible gateway to the Dodge performance universe.

The Claim: Most Standard Horsepower of Any Muscle Car

The 420 horsepower delivered by the Charger R/T's SIXPACK S.O. engine is a calculated figure. It officially grants the Charger R/T the title of offering the most standard horsepower of any muscle car. This claim is critical for positioning the vehicle not just as an entry model, but as a class-leading performer that upholds the brand's commitment to power.

The inclusion of the all-electric Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack (670 HP) ensures that buyers who value immediate torque and maximum raw power have a compelling EV choice, while the two SIXPACK-powered models cater directly to the purist who demands the sound and feel of internal combustion.

2. The SIXPACK S.O. Engine: Engineering the 420 HP Standard

The 2026 Dodge Charger R/T is powered by the 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged, SIXPACK standard-output (S.O.) engine. This engine, part of the advanced Hurricane inline-six family, is not merely a detuned version of the Scat Pack's H.O. motor; it is a precisely engineered unit designed for optimal balance of power, efficiency, and cost.

Core Engineering and Performance Metrics

The SIXPACK S.O. engine delivers robust figures that redefine the entry-level muscle segment:

Output: 420 horsepower
Torque: 468 lb.-ft. of torque
0-60 mph (Targeted): 5.0 seconds
Quarter-Mile Time (Targeted): 13.6 seconds
Top Speed: 168 mph

These performance metrics place the new Charger R/T well ahead of the performance curve of its gasoline-powered predecessor and ensure it lives up to the muscle car moniker.

Technical Highlights: Efficiency Meets Force

The advanced technology packed into the SIXPACK S.O. engine is what allows for this massive power density from a 3.0-liter I6. Key highlights include:

Twin Turbochargers (50mm): The use of twin, low inertia, high-flow turbochargers ensures they "spin up fast" to deliver rapid response, reaching a peak boost of 22 psi.
Twin Counter-Rotating Turbos: This critical design element reduces turbo lag and balances airflow dynamics, providing improved throttle response across the entire rev range.
Low-End Torque Delivery: The engine is engineered to deliver 100% of its peak torque (468 lb.-ft.) at just 2,500 rpm, providing immediate, satisfying low-end response crucial for street driving and launches.
High-Pressure Direct Fuel Injection: Utilizing 5,075 psi (350 bar) direct fuel injection with centrally mounted injectors ensures precise and efficient fuel delivery.
Plasma Transfer Wire Arc Coating: This advanced cylinder bore coating creates an ultra-thin, durable, low-friction wear surface, significantly improving engine efficiency and longevity.

The SIXPACK S.O. in the Dodge Charger R/T is a masterclass in modern internal combustion engineering, utilizing every available technology to ensure the new generation of muscle is potent, efficient, and reliable.

3. The Uncompromised Drivetrain: AWD When You Need It, RWD When You Want It

A revolutionary feature shared across all SIXPACK-powered Charger models—the R/T and the Scat Pack—is the standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system with on-demand Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) capability. This transforms the muscle car from a seasonal specialty to a four-season utility machine.

The World's Only AWD Muscle Car with RWD Capability

The new Dodge Charger R/T is defined as one of the world’s only AWD muscle cars capable of sending 100% of its torque to the rear wheels at the push of a button.

AWD for Utility and Launch: The standard AWD system provides enhanced traction and stability in adverse weather conditions (Wet/Snow mode) and is critical for executing the fastest, most consistent 5.0-second 0-60 launches. It also includes a front-axle disconnect feature to improve fuel economy when AWD traction isn't necessary.
RWD for Exhilaration: The on-demand RWD functionality allows the driver to quickly enable RWD mode for track driving, burnouts, drifting, and pure, traditional muscle car exhilaration. This eliminates the compromise that often comes with AWD performance vehicles.

The Performance Handling Group: Enhancing the R/T Experience

For the enthusiast who wants to push the 420 horsepower to its limits, the Charger R/T offers the Performance Handling Group. This optional package provides track-ready hardware and software:

Track-Ready Tech: Includes Launch Control (allowing RPM to be dialed in based on surface conditions) and the Line Lock feature for smoky burnouts to clean and heat tires before a strip pass.
Superior Control: Features high-performance Brembo six-piston front calipers, a performance suspension, and wider 20-by-10-inch wheels.
Customization and Monitoring: Adds a Custom drive mode, advanced Performance Pages on the Uconnect screen, and high-back performance seats.

4. Design, Utility, and the Widebody Stance

The Dodge Charger R/T ensures that the entry-level muscle car experience is not visually diluted. It shares the same bold design language and commitment to utility as the higher-output Scat Pack and Daytona models.

The Widest Body in the Industry

The Charger R/T maintains the characteristic widebody stance—the widest body in the industry—which contributes to its aggressive aesthetic and dynamic visual presence. This wide stance is complemented by an aggressive performance hood featuring the SIXPACK bezel, ensuring the R/T looks every bit the muscle machine it is.

Utility Unlocked: Coupe and Sedan Options

The Charger R/T is available in both the classic two-door coupe and the highly practical four-door sedan models. The $2,000 premium for the four-door option ensures buyers can access the utility of a full-sized sedan without sacrificing any performance features.

Furthermore, the vehicle delivers best-in-class passenger volume due to its modern "hidden hatch" muscle-car design, merging performance attitude with genuine daily utility.

The R/T Plus Model: Premium Features at an Entry Price

For buyers seeking premium features, the R/T Plus model offers a significant upgrade package:

Lighting: Includes 64-color Attitude Adjustment interior lighting and premium LED headlamps with a cross-car LED light bar.
Driver Technology: Features a Head-up Display (HUD), a 16-inch digital cluster, and a surround 360-degree camera.
Audio: An available 18-speaker Alpine premium audio system and unique options like the Demonic Red seats and the Blacktop Package (dark badging, dark exhaust tips).

Conclusion: The New Foundation of Muscle Car Performance

The opening of orders for the SIXPACK-powered Dodge Charger R/T completes the comprehensive 2026 Dodge Charger multi-energy lineup. With a starting MSRP of $49,995, the R/T delivers the most standard horsepower of any muscle car and solidifies the brand's promise to provide high-performance, AWD-capable muscle for under $60,000.

The 420-horsepower R/T is the accessible gateway to a lineup defined by the freedom of choice: from the pure ICE performance of the SIXPACK S.O. and H.O. engines to the electric thrust of the Daytona, all available in two- or four-door configurations. The Charger R/T is not just a strong performer; it is the strategic foundation upon which the future of Dodge muscle will be built.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the starting MSRP for the 2026 Dodge Charger R/T?

A: The starting U.S. MSRP for the two-door 2026 Dodge Charger R/T is $49,995. The four-door model is available for an MSRP of $51,995. (All prices exclude tax, title, and destination fees).

Q2: What engine powers the Dodge Charger R/T?

A: The Charger R/T is powered by the 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged, SIXPACK standard-output (S.O.) inline-six engine, which delivers 420 horsepower and 468 lb.-ft. of torque.

Q3: What makes the Charger R/T the "most standard horsepower of any muscle car"?

A: The Charger R/T's 420 horsepower is the highest standard output offered by any model starting in the muscle car segment, setting a new benchmark for accessible performance.

Q4: Does the Charger R/T come with all-wheel drive (AWD)?

A: Yes. The Charger R/T comes standard with AWD, making it a four-season muscle car. It also features a unique, on-demand RWD functionality that allows the driver to send 100% of torque to the rear wheels for driving exhilaration.

Q5: What are the targeted performance times for the Charger R/T?

A: The 2026 Dodge Charger R/T is engineered for a targeted 0-60 mph time of 5.0 seconds and a targeted quarter-mile elapsed time of 13.6 seconds.