Stellantis may scrap the Sixpack and bring back the HEMI and Pentastar engines to save the new Dodge Charger.
The fate of the upcoming Dodge Charger Sixpack is now hanging in the balance as Stellantis reportedly reconsiders its strategy in the wake of internal leadership changes and consumer backlash. Originally slated to begin production in May with deliveries expected this summer, the Charger Sixpack’s launch has been pushed to the second half of 2025—its second delay, and possibly a sign of bigger shifts ahead.
The Charger Sixpack was designed to usher in a new performance era for Dodge, powered by Stellantis' 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six "Hurricane" engine. Two versions were planned: a 420-horsepower Standard Output (SO) and a 550-horsepower High Output (HO), each paired with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. But for many loyalists, that didn’t cut it.
Longtime fans of Dodge’s muscle lineage have been vocal about their disappointment with the retirement of the HEMI V8. And now, with Stellantis leadership under new direction, there’s growing speculation the company could pivot. Industry whispers—and comments from prominent automotive influencers—suggest that Stellantis may cancel the Sixpack altogether and instead reintroduce the HEMI and Pentastar V6 to the Charger lineup.
Fueling this speculation is Stellantis’ recent move to reverse course on the HEMI’s retirement in the Ram lineup. Company brass have shown a willingness to adapt, and CEO Antonio Filosa—who took over after Carlos Tavares' departure in December—has not echoed his predecessor’s anti-V8 stance.
The Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 could also make a comeback, but success would depend heavily on price. With Ford offering its EcoBoost Mustang from just under $32,000, Dodge would need to price a V6 Charger competitively, potentially in the low $30,000s, to gain traction.
With performance heritage baked into the brand's identity, Dodge now finds itself at a crossroads: press forward with the Sixpack and risk alienating its base—or pivot back to the brawny V8s that defined an era. For now, the Charger Sixpack is still officially on the table—but not without a big question mark.
