There was a lot of legitimate fear that the next generation of Charger would lose its edge. People worried that in the rush to modernize, the raw attitude that defines Dodge would get polished away. Those fears were put to rest this morning at the Detroit Auto Show. The all-new lineup, anchored by the 550-horsepower Sixpack-powered Charger, just claimed the title of 2026 North American Car of the Year (NACTOY). It is a massive statement to the industry: The muscle car isn’t dead, it’s just different. And with the HEMI coming back next year, the car should offer something for everything.
Will anyone other than Buick Grand National/GNX enthusiasts accept the Sixpack as a legitimate muscle car?
This award matters because of who gives it. The NACTOY jury consists of 50 independent automotive journalists from the U.S. and Canada who judge vehicles on innovation, design, and real-world value. They aren’t swayed by marketing fluff. They looked at the new platform and saw a car that successfully bridges two eras. NACTOY President Jeff Gilbert pointed out that the Charger manages to look forward while still harkening back to a great heritage. It offers the “power of choice,” as Dodge CEO Matt McAlear put it. You aren’t forced into an EV. The Sixpack-powered Charger Scat Pack delivers industry-leading horsepower for under $55,000, hitting 60 mph in 3.9 seconds with a twin-turbo setup that fights way above its weight class.
Of course, if you do want electrons, the Daytona Scat Pack brings 670 horsepower and a 3.3-second 0-to-60 time to the party. But beyond the dyno sheets, the jurors appreciated the usability. Standard all-wheel drive across the board changes the game for people in four-season climates. The new “hidden hatch” design finally gives the Charger class-leading cargo volume, and the interior is fully modernized with a 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 system. It’s a performance car you can actually live with every day, complete with active safety tech that doesn’t ruin the fun.
This victory joins recent accolades from the Detroit Free Press and TopGear.com, solidifying Dodge’s new direction. They took a huge risk reinventing an icon, but it paid off. By keeping the soul of the car intact while updating the tech, they secured the top spot in the industry. Whether you choose the electric shock of the Daytona or the mechanical grunt of the Sixpack-powered Charger, it is clear that Dodge is still calling the shots.
The question is will Dodge loyalists forgive Stellantis for the lack of a HEMI/internal combustion engine at the car’s introduction? Will they ante up for the Sixpack or sit around waiting for a V8, even if it does not arrive for another year or so?
Only time will tell.
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