Dodge announces the gas-powered Charger Sixpack will debut this summer

Could a gas-powered Charger boost Dodge’s struggling sales?

Dodge has announced that the gas-powered Charger Sixpack will arrive at dealerships by summer 2025. The confirmation came from Stellantis during the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) convention in New Orleans, as stated in a company press release. This launch is a pivotal moment for Dodge, which is aiming to recover from a challenging 2024 when its sales plummeted by 29%.

The Charger Sixpack will complement the electric Charger Daytona, which only recently started reaching dealerships despite initial plans for a summer 2024 launch. Dodge’s focus on the EV variant faced delays due to leadership changes, including the unexpected resignation of former Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. The introduction of the gas-powered Sixpack is seen as a move to attract traditional muscle car enthusiasts hesitant to embrace electrification.

What We Know About the Sixpack

While full details are limited, the Charger Sixpack will be powered by Dodge’s Hurricane 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, available in two power levels: 420 horsepower in the base model and 550 horsepower in the high-output version. Buyers will have the option of two-door or four-door configurations, with all-wheel drive also available. Although specific performance metrics remain unconfirmed, the Sixpack is expected to deliver the thrilling performance Dodge fans expect.

Dodge’s Sales Struggles and Dealer Concerns

The timing of the Sixpack’s release is crucial, as Dodge’s sales struggles mirror broader challenges within Stellantis’s North American brands, including Jeep, Ram, and Chrysler. Dealers have voiced frustration over inconsistent product strategies and pricing policies, contributing to the decline.

“In 2025, consistency is our priority,” said Jeff Kommor, Stellantis’s head of U.S. sales. “After a tough 2024, we’ve reassured our dealers that we’re committed to building trust through stable products, pricing, and incentives. Early feedback has been positive, and we’re optimistic about the year ahead.”

Expanding Dodge’s Global Presence

Dodge is also looking beyond the U.S. market to boost its fortunes. By late 2025, the Charger lineup—including both EV and gas-powered models—will launch in Europe and the Middle East. While American muscle cars have traditionally faced challenges overseas, offering both combustion and electric options could provide Dodge with a competitive edge in markets with higher EV adoption rates.

The electric Charger Daytona will arrive first, followed by the gas-powered Sixpack. However, the lack of a manual transmission might deter some purists. Still, the dual strategy of offering both ICE and EV models gives Dodge flexibility in adapting to shifting global market demands.

The Road Ahead

The muscle car market has seen better days. Even after Dodge and Chevrolet phased out their previous-generation muscle cars, Ford’s Mustang struggled to maintain strong sales as the sole player in the segment. Dodge now faces a vastly different market as it reintroduces the Charger.

The Charger Sixpack represents Dodge’s bid to keep combustion power alive while exploring electrification. Success will depend on how well Dodge executes its plans and whether enough buyers remain willing to invest in gas-powered muscle cars during this transitional era.

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  • Growing up with a father who was a mechanic I had an appreciation for cars and motorcycles from an early age. I shared my first bike with my brother that had little more than a 40cc engine but it opened up a world of excitement for me, I was hooked. As I grew older I progressed onto bigger bikes and...

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