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What Is a Muscle Car, Anyway?
The definition of what truly constitutes a muscle car has been a hot-button issue for decades, but to me, the criteria are quite simple: it needs to be a front-engine, rear-drive, intermediate-body vehicle packing a substantial V-8 engine under the hood. Ideally, it should also possess an unapologetically extroverted character, display slightly unhinged dynamic behavior, and be available with a manual transmission. The Dodge Charger Sixpack checks none of these boxes. However, it does seem to draw inspiration from other historical aspects of the Charger lineage, which we’ll explore shortly.
Dodge’s full-sized LX platform cars didn’t perfectly align with the traditional muscle car mold either. Yet, they received a pass because today’s automotive market simply doesn’t support the production volumes required for most manufacturers to develop multiple models across various segments. Furthermore, Dodge genuinely understood the assignment at the time. Times have changed, however, and following the automaker’s recent identity crisis, I feel the muscle car concept has been stretched beyond its reasonable limits.
Dodge positions the Charger as the most powerful muscle car currently on the market. While it’s true that certain versions of the latest Charger surpass the Ford Mustang Dark Horse in terms of horsepower, I find myself questioning the criteria Dodge is using to classify the Charger Sixpack as a muscle car.
Now offered alongside the Charger Daytona EV, all variants of the Sixpack are powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged Hurricane inline-six engine. This boosted powerplant produces 420 horsepower in the R/T models, while the Scat Pack variants feature a high-output version delivering 550 hp. All-wheel drive comes standard on all current Charger models, as does an automatic transmission (or, in the case of the Charger Daytona, a single-speed direct-drive unit). Considering that the Charger Sixpack is also nearly a foot and a half longer and approximately 1,000 pounds heavier than the Mustang, it’s increasingly difficult to view them as direct competitors.
Six Cylinders, All-Wheel Drive, and an Extra 1,000 Pounds
To be clear, the “Bludicrous” Charger Sixpack Scat Pack I recently spent time with possesses considerable charisma, and its exterior styling pays commendable tribute to the second-generation Charger in numerous ways. The interior design is also a significant improvement over the LX cars, thanks not only to its modernized technology but also to its enhanced ergonomics. However, one notable observation was that this well-equipped, ostensibly performance-oriented model was delivered to me here in Los Angeles equipped with all-season tires and a suspension featuring conventional, non-adaptive dampers.
After a few minutes of navigating the online configurator, I discovered that there is currently no option to equip adaptive dampers, summer tires, and a more earnestly sport-tuned Competition suspension setup on a Charger Sixpack—all of which are available for the Charger Daytona EV. Consequently, the Sixpack was simply outgunned on almost every metric when we recently compared its instrumented test results against a similarly priced Mustang Dark Horse.
Comfort First, Performance Second
To its credit, the Charger Sixpack is a much more manageable vehicle for daily driving. Its generous dimensions translate to a spacious cabin and abundant cargo capacity, and there remains a sufficient number of physical controls to keep common functions easily accessible without diverting attention from the road. The suspension tuning is similarly sensible, striking a solid balance between ride quality and body control in everyday driving situations. And although its nasal growl sounds like it should emanate from the tailpipes of a BMW rather than a Dodge, the high-output Hurricane engine delivers a healthy surge of power with minimal turbo lag.
The situation changes, however, when you begin to drive this vehicle with more vigor. Without the benefit of adjustable dampers, that sensible suspension tuning results in substantial dive, squat, and roll. When combined with a soft brake pedal and tires that protest vociferously at the mere suggestion of spirited cornering, you’re left with a car that seems largely uninterested in being pushed hard.
Those unavailable upgrades I mentioned earlier would likely make a significant difference in this regard. But frankly, the sheer size and weight of this vehicle will always be a considerable disadvantage when compared to most other similarly priced performance coupes. For this reason, I believe Dodge is doing the Charger Sixpack a disservice by labeling it a muscle car instead of fully embracing what it is: a personal luxury vehicle.
Perhaps It Was Never Meant to Be a Muscle Car
Although the concept dates back to the 1920s, personal luxury vehicles truly gained prominence in the 1970s with models like the Buick Riviera, Ford Thunderbird, and Chrysler Cordoba. Setting aside the obligatory Corinthian leather jokes, these massive coupes offered buyers significant style and the suggestion of performance, but they ultimately prioritized comfort and upscale amenities over outright capability.
This aligns perfectly with the inherent strengths of the two-door Charger Sixpack: its head-turning styling; a spacious, well-appointed interior; refined ride quality; and a smooth, unobtrusive powertrain that is ultimately more content operating in the background than being the center of attention. This wouldn’t be an unprecedented shift for the nameplate, either. The fourth-generation Charger SE, which shared its platform architecture with the Cordoba, adopted a similarly luxury-focused persona in the mid-1970s. Dodge could further enhance the Charger Sixpack’s new positioning by leveraging the parts bins of Ram and Jeep to incorporate luxury features such as massaging seats, high-end audio components from McIntosh, and premium upholstery materials.
The Charger Sixpack may not possess the same crystal-clear sense of purpose as that black R/T did when it roared through the streets of San Francisco over half a century ago. However, with a few judicious adjustments to the options list and a revised marketing strategy, it could become the catalyst for a modern resurgence of a different kind.
Unlocking the Full Potential: Why the Charger Sixpack Needs a Performance Upgrade
The introduction of the Charger Sixpack has certainly stirred the pot in the automotive world, sparking debates about what truly defines a muscle car in the modern era. While the car boasts impressive power figures and a striking design that pays homage to its legendary predecessors, it falls short in several key areas that prevent it from reaching its full potential as a performance machine. For enthusiasts seeking a truly exhilarating driving experience, the current Charger Sixpack leaves much to be desired.
One of the most glaring omissions is the lack of a manual transmission option. In a world where automakers are increasingly offering three-pedal setups even in their most powerful vehicles, the Charger Sixpack’s reliance on automatic transmissions feels like a missed opportunity. A manual gearbox would allow drivers to fully engage with the car, providing a more visceral connection to the machine and offering greater control over the power delivery. This isn’t just about purists; a manual transmission would broaden the car’s appeal to a wider range of driving enthusiasts who crave a more involving driving experience.
Furthermore, the absence of performance-oriented suspension options is a significant drawback. As automotive technology advances, the days of offering a single suspension setup for an entire model line are fading. The Charger Sixpack’s standard suspension, while comfortable for daily driving, is simply not equipped to handle the demands of spirited driving. The lack of adaptive dampers or sport-tuned suspension options means that drivers cannot fine-tune the car’s handling characteristics to their preference. This versatility is crucial in today’s market, where drivers expect their vehicles to perform well in a variety of conditions, from city commuting to weekend canyon carving.
The tire situation is equally perplexing. Equipping a performance-focused vehicle with all-season tires is akin to putting hiking boots on a marathon runner. While all-season tires offer convenience and longevity, they simply cannot match the grip and performance of summer tires. This limitation becomes especially apparent when pushing the car through corners, where the tires quickly reach their limits, compromising the car’s handling and overall driving experience. For a car that aspires to be a performance leader, this oversight is simply unacceptable.
The size and weight of the Charger Sixpack also present a significant challenge. While its spacious interior and cargo capacity are undeniable selling points for some buyers, they detract from the car’s performance credentials. In the realm of performance vehicles, weight is the enemy of agility. The Charger Sixpack’s substantial heft makes it feel cumbersome when pushed through corners, negating much of the potential performance offered by its powerful engine. This is a stark contrast to its competitors, which have managed to strike a better balance between size and performance.
Beyond the hardware, the car’s marketing strategy also needs a serious rethink. Labeling the Charger Sixpack as a muscle car sets expectations that the vehicle simply cannot meet. This mischaracterization is bound to disappoint buyers who are looking for a true muscle car experience. Instead of chasing the muscle car label, Dodge should embrace the car’s true identity: a personal luxury vehicle that offers a compelling blend of style, comfort, and performance. This approach would allow the company to target a different market segment, one that values refinement and everyday usability alongside spirited driving capabilities.
By addressing these critical shortcomings, Dodge could transform the Charger Sixpack from a car with potential into a truly exceptional vehicle. The addition of a manual transmission option, the availability of performance-oriented suspension systems, the inclusion of high-performance tires, and a more realistic marketing approach would all contribute to unlocking the car’s full potential. In doing so, Dodge could create a vehicle that not only pays homage to its heritage but also carves out its own unique identity in the automotive landscape.
Revisiting the definition of a muscle car, it’s clear that the Charger Sixpack, in its current form, doesn’t quite fit the mold.
