The 2026 Dodge Charger Hellcat HEMI is a headline that sounds like the return of one of America’s most famous V8 muscle cars.
However, there is an important distinction between the legendary previous-generation Charger SRT Hellcat and the current 2026 Charger.
Dodge has brought the Charger name into a new generation with both gasoline and electric power, but the current gas-powered Charger R/T and Scat Pack use the twin-turbo 3.0-liter SIXPACK inline-six rather than the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8.
The previous Charger SRT Hellcat did use the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8, with outputs reaching 797 horsepower in Hellcat Redeye form. Dodge’s official current information continues to document that model as part of the Charger SRT legacy, but it does not announce a 2026 Charger Hellcat HEMI.
Is the 2026 Dodge Charger Hellcat HEMI Officially Launched?
No. Dodge has not officially announced a 2026 Charger SRT Hellcat powered by the 6.2-liter HEMI V8.
The 2026 Charger lineup instead uses two main powertrain directions. The gasoline Charger R/T gets the 3.0-liter SIXPACK Standard-Output engine with 420 horsepower, while the Charger Scat Pack uses the High-Output version with 550 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque. The lineup also includes the all-electric Charger Daytona Scat Pack with 670 horsepower.
This makes the current 2026 Charger a genuine return of the nameplate, but not a confirmed return of the Hellcat HEMI configuration.
2026 Dodge Charger: Confirmed Specifications
| Specification | Current Confirmed Information |
|---|---|
| Model | 2026 Dodge Charger |
| Hellcat HEMI version | Not officially confirmed |
| Gasoline engine | 3.0L SIXPACK Twin-Turbo Inline-Six |
| Charger R/T power | 420 hp |
| Charger Scat Pack power | 550 hp |
| Charger Scat Pack torque | 531 lb-ft |
| Charger Scat Pack 0-60 mph | 3.9 seconds |
| Charger Scat Pack quarter mile | 12.2 seconds |
| Drivetrain | Standard AWD |
| Body styles | 2-door coupe and 4-door |
| Electric option | Charger Daytona Scat Pack |
| Electric Scat Pack output | 670 hp |
| Supercharged 6.2L HEMI Hellcat | Previous-generation Charger |
The table separates the current 2026 Charger specifications from the older Hellcat V8 configuration so that previous-generation figures are not mistaken for current specifications.
The Legendary 6.2L HEMI Hellcat V8
The Dodge Charger Hellcat HEMI became famous because of its supercharged 6.2-liter V8. The previous-generation Charger SRT Hellcat produced 707 horsepower, while the later Hellcat Redeye reached 797 horsepower. Dodge’s official SRT page identifies the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 as the defining engine of the Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye.
That engine gave the previous Charger a very different character from today’s SIXPACK-powered model. Instead of a turbocharged inline-six, the Hellcat delivered the instant visual and auditory identity associated with a supercharged American V8 muscle car.
The old Charger Hellcat also featured widebody versions with wider fenders, 20-inch wheels, high-performance tires and Brembo brakes.
Previous Hellcat highlights
- Supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8
- 707 horsepower in the Charger SRT Hellcat
- Up to 797 horsepower in Hellcat Redeye form
- Widebody configuration available
- Brembo high-performance braking hardware
- 20-inch performance wheels and tires
These figures belong to the previous-generation Charger and should not be presented as specifications for a confirmed 2026 Charger Hellcat.
What Powers the 2026 Charger Scat Pack?
The current gasoline-powered 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack replaces the traditional V8 formula with Dodge’s 3.0-liter SIXPACK High-Output twin-turbo inline-six.
It produces 550 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque. Dodge targets a 3.9-second 0-60 mph time and a 12.2-second quarter-mile time. The engine also has a claimed top speed of 177 mph.
The Charger R/T uses the Standard-Output version of the same 3.0-liter engine, producing 420 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque.
So while the 2026 Charger still delivers serious performance, its gasoline engine architecture has changed substantially from the old Hellcat.
Aggressive American Styling Returns
The new Charger retains the broad, muscular proportions that have long defined Dodge performance cars. Dodge describes the 2026 Charger as using a widebody design, while its exterior combines modern details with recognizable Charger heritage.
The gasoline-powered SIXPACK models receive their own performance-focused visual treatment. The Charger Scat Pack features a distinctive performance hood, black SIXPACK-logoed grille-style bezel, unique front fascia and large exhaust outlets. A gloss-black rear spoiler is standard on the Scat Pack.
The signature lighting also connects the new car with the Charger name’s history. Full-width lighting elements, the Fratzog badge and the rear LED lighting design give the new model a modern interpretation of classic Dodge styling.
Performance Technology Goes Beyond the Engine
Although the new Charger does not use the Hellcat V8, Dodge has retained several features aimed at performance driving.
All 2026 Charger models come with all-wheel drive, and the gasoline Charger R/T and Scat Pack can send 100% of torque to the rear wheels when conditions and driving modes allow.
The Scat Pack also gets features such as launch control and line lock. Dodge’s performance system is designed to give drivers greater control over launches and rear-wheel spin, while the active exhaust adds a more aggressive sound character to the SIXPACK engine.
Modern Interior and Technology
The new-generation Charger also moves the nameplate further toward a technology-focused interior.
Dodge describes the cabin as driver-focused while retaining heritage-inspired design elements. The new Charger combines modern displays and connected technology with performance-oriented controls and a layout designed around the driver.
The new body design also brings practical functionality. The Charger uses a rear hidden-hatch design that provides access to the cargo area while maintaining the car’s fastback-inspired profile.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2026 Charger is not simply focused on straight-line performance. Dodge lists several advanced driver-assistance features across the new lineup.
Standard equipment includes:
- Forward Collision Warning with automatic emergency braking
- Active Lane Management
- Active Driving Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go
- Blind-spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path detection
- ParkSense parking assistance
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Drowsy Driver Detection
Optional camera technology can provide a 360-degree view around the vehicle and additional visibility during parking.
What About a Future Charger Hellcat?
A future Charger Hellcat HEMI remains a possibility that enthusiasts may hope for, but there is no official confirmation that Dodge will bring the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 back to the new-generation Charger.
The confirmed direction for the current Charger is a multi-energy strategy. Dodge is offering gasoline-powered SIXPACK models alongside the all-electric Charger Daytona, allowing the brand to continue the Charger name with different forms of propulsion.
Any claims about a specific future Hellcat horsepower figure, engine specification, price or launch date should therefore be treated as unconfirmed unless Dodge officially announces them.
2026 Dodge Charger Hellcat HEMI: Confirmed vs Unconfirmed
Confirmed
- The 2026 Dodge Charger is officially available as a new-generation model.
- Gasoline versions use the 3.0-liter twin-turbo SIXPACK inline-six.
- Charger R/T produces 420 horsepower.
- Charger Scat Pack produces 550 horsepower.
- The Scat Pack targets 3.9 seconds from 0-60 mph.
- All 2026 Charger models have AWD.
- A 670-horsepower all-electric Charger Daytona Scat Pack is also part of the lineup.
Unconfirmed
- A 2026 Charger Hellcat
- A new supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 for the Charger
- 707 horsepower or 797 horsepower for a new Charger
- A Hellcat-specific 2026 price
- A confirmed Hellcat launch date
Price and Availability
Dodge has officially announced the current gasoline Charger R/T and Scat Pack, but there is no official MSRP for a 2026 Charger Hellcat HEMI because such a model has not been announced.
The current Charger Scat Pack is positioned as the high-output gasoline performance model, with 550 horsepower from its SIXPACK H.O. engine. Dodge announced that orders for the 2026 Charger Scat Pack would open on August 13, with vehicles scheduled to begin arriving at dealerships before the end of 2026.
Final Verdict
The 2026 Dodge Charger Hellcat HEMI title captures the enthusiasm surrounding the return of Dodge’s legendary muscle-car name, but the Hellcat V8 itself has not returned to the new-generation Charger.
What Dodge has officially delivered is a very different interpretation of modern American muscle. The 2026 Charger Scat Pack uses a 550-horsepower twin-turbo SIXPACK inline-six, while the Daytona Scat Pack offers 670 horsepower through an all-electric powertrain. The car retains the widebody stance, aggressive styling, performance technology and unmistakable Charger identity that made the name famous.
The supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI remains an important part of the Charger’s history, with the previous Hellcat Redeye reaching 797 horsepower. But until Dodge announces a new Hellcat-powered Charger, those V8 figures should remain identified with the previous generation rather than the 2026 model.
FAQs
Is the 2026 Dodge Charger Hellcat officially launched?
No. Dodge has not officially announced a 2026 Charger Hellcat with the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8.
What engine does the 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack use?
The 2026 Charger Scat Pack uses a 3.0-liter twin-turbo SIXPACK High-Output inline-six producing 550 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque.
Did the previous Dodge Charger Hellcat use a V8?
Yes. The previous-generation Charger SRT Hellcat used a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8, with the Hellcat Redeye producing up to 797 horsepower.