The Hunt for the New Gas Charger
I decided to go a little old school for this update. For months, I have not visited dealerships to expose the pricing games that often happen there. However, today I felt the need to investigate. My goal was simple. Specifically, I wanted to see if the new Dodge Charger SixPack Scat Pack had actually arrived on dealer lots. In addition, I needed to know the real-world pricing. I wanted to see if dealers are still adding massive markups. Consequently, I headed over to Tuttle Click Dodge in Irvine, California.
I hoped to simply get information without any drama. Initially, I pulled up next to the high-end exotic dealers and parked my Lamborghini. Immediately, I ran into a fellow “Swinger” owner in the lot. As it turns out, he watches the channel. After a brief chat, I found Zeke, a salesperson I have known for years. Then, I asked him the big question. Do they have a SixPack? Is it for sale yet? To my surprise, the answer was yes.
First Look at the SixPack H.O.
They actually had one on the ground. Finally, we have gas cars again. This specific model is a Dodge Charger SixPack H.O. (High Output). It sports a pitch-black finish. It looks aggressive. As we walked up to it, Zeke handed me the key. For example, the car features black badges and black exhaust tips. These details look fantastic. Furthermore, the body lines are undeniable. It really mimics the classic 1969 Charger profile.
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This car is a “big girl,” undeniably. It weighs roughly 400 pounds more than previous generations. However, it now comes standard with All-Wheel Drive. That is a major performance upgrade for putting power to the ground. This specific unit is a “Black Top Edition.” Crucially, it does not have the glass roof. Instead, it has a steel roof. In my opinion, this is the better spec. It keeps the weight down and looks cleaner.
Breaking Down the Sticker Price
Next, we looked directly at the Monroney sticker to get the facts. The pricing was the biggest surprise of the day. The total MSRP for this high-output model is exactly $58,285. Here is how that breaks down:
- Base Price: Approximately $54,995.
- Destination Charge: Roughly $1,995.
- Options: About $1,695 for the wheels and badge package.
The most important number, however, was the dealer markup. There was zero. Currently, Tuttle Click is selling this car at sticker price. This is massive news. I did not expect to see one on the lot yet, let alone at MSRP. For under $60,000, you are getting a brand-new performance car. Indeed, this represents real progress in the market. Dealers are finally stopping the price gouging. As a result, enthusiasts can actually afford these cars again.
Performance: The Inline-6 Reality
I know what you are thinking. It is not a V8. I want the Hemi just as much as you do. However, I am done crying in the comments about it. Instead, we must look at the math. This car produces 550 horsepower. Also, it has All-Wheel Drive. It is significantly faster than the old 5.7L or 6.4L Hemis in many situations due to traction.
Consider this comparison. Back in 1986, the Porsche 959 was a supercar. It had 450 horsepower and All-Wheel Drive. For instance, it was a million-dollar car in today’s money. This new Dodge Charger SixPack blows that performance away. Even my old Mercedes CL55 AMG cost $126,000 in 2004 for similar horsepower. Today, you get that power for $58,000. It is a value proposition. In short, it is a screamer. The AWD system grabs the asphalt and the car takes off instantly. It is a fast machine, regardless of the cylinder count.
Wheels and Tires
There is one downside to this specific build. Unfortunately, it sits on 275-width tires on 20-inch wheels. For a car this big and powerful, we really want the 305s. The wider tires would definitely kick the price up a bit. However, the 275s are standard on this package. You could easily swap them for aftermarket wheels later. But right now, if you just want to jump into the car, the package works. It looks mean with the dark exterior badging and dual rear exhaust.
Smart Buying Advice: Lease It
I have specific advice for anyone interested in these new Chargers. Do not buy it outright yet. Instead, I believe in leasing these first-year models. This is a brand-new platform. Also, it is a new engine for the Charger. We simply do not know if they will be reliability nightmares. Therefore, it is safer to lease.
If you lease for two or three years, you protect yourself. You can get in and get out easily. In addition, you manage the depreciation risk. If the values tank, it is the bank’s problem, not yours. Conversely, if the car turns out to be a reliable legend, you can always buy it out later. But for now, leasing is the smart play.
The Used Hellcat Alternative
Before leaving, I had to look at the other metal on the lot. Surprisingly, they had a clean 2018 Dodge Challenger Hellcat nearby. It had about 18,000 miles on the odometer. It was a one-owner car, and this dealership originally sold it. The price tag on that Hellcat was $66,877. That is roughly $8,000 more than the brand-new SixPack charger. It is an interesting choice. Ultimately, you can have the classic V8 rumble for more money, or the new tech and AWD for less.
The Dealer Perspective
I spoke with Zeke about the market. He mentioned they received the SixPack on a Thursday during a rainstorm. It was their first gas one. He told the team to just “let it cook” at MSRP. Specifically, he wanted to see if anyone would come look at it without the hype or markups. Because of the weather, it had been sitting for a few days. This proves that the inventory is starting to accumulate. The days of instant sell-outs and $20,000 adjustments are fading. This is good for us.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the gas Charger is back. It is not an EV. Also, it is not a toaster. We can rejoice in that fact. The car is real, it is arriving at dealers, and the pricing is reasonable. For $58,285, you get a 550-horsepower, AWD muscle car with no added dealer fees. That is a win. Therefore, if you are in the market, check your local dealers now. They are starting to show up.
