TopGear Hails the SIXPACK Dodge Charger as a ‘Revelation’ — Muscle Car Finds New Voice

TopGear crowns the SIXPACK Charger and explains why it matters

TopGear has named the Dodge Charger fitted with the new H.O. SIXPACK gasoline engine its US Car of the Year, calling the combination “a revelation” and spotlighting how an old‑school muscle‑car idea still resonates today. The award is less about headline numbers and more about character: judges said the Charger’s gutsy engine, distinct sound and confident handling make it feel purposeful in a market that’s increasingly focused on electrification and efficiency.

For regular drivers and car fans alike, the choice matters because it shows a mainstream publication rewarding a product built around driving enjoyment rather than convenience alone. The outcome keeps the spotlight on Dodge and its parent, Stellantis (STLA), as they juggle appetite for performance models with changing emissions rules and shifting buyer tastes.

What the SIXPACK package actually brings to the Charger

The SIXPACK badge refers to Dodge’s H.O. SIXPACK gasoline engine package — a high‑output V8 tune and related hardware that lifts the Charger above standard trims. TopGear described the package as giving the car a more aggressive voice, quicker throttle feel and a broader band of usable power. Beyond the engine, the SIXPACK model uses firmer suspension settings, a retuned exhaust and trim details aimed at drivers who want a true muscle‑car vibe rather than a comfort‑focused cruiser.

According to the press material and TopGear’s writeup, the package is marketed as a focused, driver‑first option. That means buyers who choose it are getting a Charger that behaves differently on twisty roads and at higher speeds: it’s designed to feel quicker to react, to sound more urgent under throttle, and to reward drivers who push it. TopGear’s language framed the package as a successful effort to keep the Charger’s legacy relevant without reverting to cartoonish excess.

Everyday use versus full‑throttle thrills — TopGear’s driving notes

TopGear’s review balanced high‑speed impressions with everyday usability. The judges praised the SIXPACK Charger for preserving a smooth ride over ordinary roads while still delivering the brute force and soundtrack enthusiasts expect. They said steering felt more direct than in some big sedans, and the chassis held up when the pace picked up, giving the car a planted, confident feel.

Limits were also noted. The SIXPACK setup is not about economy or subtlety: fuel use and insurance costs will be higher than for milder trims, and the package’s firmer suspension means it’s not the softest car for long highway stretches. TopGear’s overall tone suggested the Charger remains a daily driver if you accept those trade‑offs, but its true appeal is to buyers who put fun and character first.

What the award could mean for Dodge and the muscle‑car scene

An accolade like this can do more than warm a brand’s PR pages. It can nudge interest among buyers who admire performance heritage and keep dealer traffic steady for halo models. For Dodge and Stellantis (STLA), the win highlights a clear pathway: sell authenticity alongside modern features. That’s useful at a time when many rivals are pushing electrification, because it gives Dodge a distinct voice in a crowded field.

At the segment level, the award reminds manufacturers that there remains a market for visceral, driver‑centric machines. Dealers may see renewed interest from collectors and enthusiasts, and the coverage helps the muscle‑car category stay culturally relevant. Still, the longer arc for the segment depends on rules, fuel costs and how broadly buyers accept the trade‑offs that come with high‑performance packages.

How to think about buying one, and what to watch next

Consumers should expect the SIXPACK Charger to sit above base and mid trims in price and to be offered in limited configurations aimed at buyers who value performance. It will compete for attention with models like the Ford Mustang (F) and performance offerings from General Motors (GM), but its strongest pitch is the sensory experience — the engine note, throttle response and feel — rather than headline efficiency or daily commuting comfort.

Caveats matter. The TopGear award reflects a short, high‑intensity test and some messaging comes from manufacturer material, so longer‑term ownership questions such as reliability, running costs and resale value will take time to settle. For now, the SIXPACK Charger’s recognition is a clear win for fans of classic American muscle: it reminds the market that, even as powertrains evolve, there’s still room for cars built to excite.

Photo: Derwin Edwards / Pexels

Sources

• prnewswire.com