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Dodge Charger Set for a Comeback with Naturally Aspirated V6 Pentastar Engine
According to recent industry rumors, the iconic Dodge Charger may soon be offered not only with powerful V8 HEMI engines but also with the popular 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, reviving a more accessible and affordable choice for muscle car enthusiasts. This significant shift follows Dodge’s recent internal changes and a renewed commitment to broaden its lineup.
The Evolution of the Dodge Charger: Adapting to a New Era
The latest generation of the Dodge Charger faced mixed reactions, especially after discontinuing the classic HEMI V8 motors and their sibling, the Challenger. While Dodge attempted to fill the gap with the all-electric Charger Daytona, some purists felt the EV variant—despite its dual-motor setup offering up to 670 horsepower (in Scat Pack form) and simulated V8 exhaust sounds—lacked the soul of a true American muscle car. As a result, the Ford Mustang currently stands as the last remaining V8 muscle car in the United States.
Strategic Shifts and the Potential Return of the V8
With executive changes at Stellantis, including Carlos Tavares’ departure, new strategies are taking shape under the leadership of Antonio Filosa, who has shown no aversion to the V8 legacy. The muscle car market is abuzz with the possibility of V8 HEMI powertrains returning, alongside the introduction of more wallet-friendly V6 variants. This reinvention could also coincide with major announcements from RAM, such as the highly anticipated return of the TRX with a HEMI engine under the hood.
Pentastar V6: A Proven Engine’s Enduring Appeal
First launched by Chrysler in 2009, the Pentastar V6 engine was available in 3.0, 3.2, and, most notably, 3.6-liter forms. Over the years, the 3.6L variant has become the workhorse for a wide range of Stellantis vehicles, including the Dodge Charger, Challenger, Durango, the RAM 1500, Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator, and Chrysler Pacifica minivan. Updated in 2016 with new intake manifolds, valve springs, piston rings, fuel injectors, ignition coils, and increased compression ratios, the Pentastar V6 has continued to offer reliable performance, producing between 275 and 305 horsepower depending on the application.
Even after the FCA-PSA Stellantis merger, the Pentastar V6 remains a staple—unlike many other engines phased out in the drive toward electrification. Stellantis has invested heavily in its production, with major facilities in Michigan and Mexico, and a $24.7 million capital boost in 2022 safeguarding its future.
Accessible Muscle: Market Positioning and Affordability
Currently, the all-electric Charger Daytona starts at $59,595, with upcoming gasoline-powered versions expected to price around $76,000. However, an entry-level, V6-powered Dodge Charger would likely be available for closer to $50,000. Such a price point would appeal to customers seeking traditional rear-wheel-drive performance and the classic American muscle car experience, without the higher cost of V8 or electric powertrains.
Comparing Performance and Legacy
The Pentastar V6, while not matching the raw power of the HEMI V8, delivers strong output and proven durability. It has earned acclaim for its balance of efficiency, performance, and broad compatibility across Stellantis’s portfolio. For buyers uninterested in high-cylinder-count engines or full electrification, the naturally aspirated V6 offers an ideal middle ground—a blend of tradition, value, and everyday usability.
The Road Ahead: Speculation and Industry Hints
Insider reports, including recent images from Stellantis’s Indiana facility depicting transmissions labeled “PX” (a nod to Pentastar’s initial “Phoenix” development codename), suggest production preparations are underway. While there’s no official confirmation yet, industry insiders consider it only logical for Dodge to leverage the Pentastar’s popularity for the next generation Charger.
Conclusion: A Promising Future for Classic Muscle Enthusiasts
Should Dodge officially announce the return of the V6 Pentastar engine for the Charger, the move would inject new life into this American legend—offering loyalists an authentic, budget-friendly muscle car experience. As competition intensifies and the hunger for genuine performance grows, a V6-powered Charger could be the answer many purists have been waiting for.
Source: autoevolution
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