by Start of Ordering for the New Model
The Dodge company has officially begun accepting orders for the base version of the 2026 model year Charger R/T sedan. Production of the vehicle will start at the beginning of next year. The starting price of the model is $49,995 USD.
Engine and Specifications
The new Charger R/T is equipped with a completely new bi-turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder Hurricane engine. This power unit develops 420 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque. This is 45 hp and 58 lb-ft more than the previous model with the naturally aspirated 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine.
This is a significant increase compared to the 2023 Challenger R/T, which started at a price below $40,000.
Dynamics and Speed
Despite the absence of a V8, which may disappoint brand loyalists, the new engine allows the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately five seconds. The model is expected to complete a quarter mile in 13.6 seconds and has a top speed of 168 mph.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard for the Charger R/T; however, a forced rear-wheel drive function is available for greater driving enjoyment. The model also has a limited-slip differential.
Performance Handling Package
The manufacturer has confirmed that a Performance Handling package will be available for the R/T. It includes:
R/T Plus Trim and Options
For those who value technology more, the R/T Plus trim is offered. It includes advanced LED headlights, a larger 16-inch digital instrument cluster, and a heads-up display. A 64-color ambient interior lighting system and a 360-degree camera system are also added.
Customers can order the Blacktop Package, which includes black 20-inch wheels, dark emblems, and exhaust tips. Among the additional options are a panoramic glass roof and a premium 18-speaker Alpine audio system.
The transition to turbocharged inline six-cylinder engines has become a global trend for many manufacturers facing increasingly stringent environmental and fuel economy requirements. Dodge, traditionally associated with powerful V8s, demonstrates that new technologies allow for even greater power and torque from smaller displacement engines without sacrificing dynamics. This change could become defining for the future of muscle cars, preserving their character but in a new, more modern execution. The price, which has increased by almost $10,000, reflects not only inflationary processes but also the implementation of significantly more complex technical solutions.
