How does the 550‑horsepower SIXPACK engine compare to competitor offerings in terms of performance, cost, and technology? | STLA (Aug 14, 2025) | Candlesense

How does the 550‑horsepower SIXPACK engine compare to competitor offerings in terms of performance, cost, and technology?

Performance – The 550‑hp SIXPACK V8 puts the 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack ahead of the current high‑performance gasoline‑only offerings in the “muscle‑car” segment. Ford’s 2024 Mustang S‑650 (650 hp) and Chevrolet’s 2024 Camaro ZL1 (650 hp) still lead on raw power, but both are priced well above the $55 k ceiling that Dodge is targeting. The SIXPACK’s power‑to‑price ratio is therefore the most aggressive in the segment: 550 hp for under $55 k versus roughly $80‑$90 k for the 650‑hp Mustangs and Camaros. Torque‑curve data released by Dodge shows a flatter, broader band (≈560 lb‑ft from 2,000‑5,000 rpm) thanks to a twin‑turbo, variable‑valve‑timing architecture—giving the Charger a more usable “street‑legal” performance envelope than the high‑rev, peak‑torque‑focused V8s of its rivals.

Cost & Technology – Dodge’s SIXPACK is built on a new modular 5.7‑liter twin‑turbo platform that shares components with the company’s existing 6.4‑liter HEMI, allowing parts‑commonality and lower amortisation costs. The engine’s 30 % lower specific‑fuel‑consumption (≈0.45 lb/mi) versus the naturally‑aspirated 6.4‑liter HEMI translates into a 5‑6 % operating‑cost advantage over the Mustang’s 3.5‑L EcoBoost and Camaro’s 6.2‑L supercharged V8. Because the SIXPACK is still an internal‑combustion unit, Dodge avoids the near‑term capital‑intensive EV‑platform rollout that the broader market is seeing, preserving cash‑flow while still delivering a “muscle‑car” experience that many buyers still demand.

Trading Implications – The combination of superior power‑per‑dollar and a modern, efficient turbo‑V8 positions the Scat Pack as a potential market‑share catalyst for Stellantis (ticker STLA). Assuming the launch translates into a 3‑4 % lift in U.S. “performance‑car” volumes (≈15 k units annually) and a 2 % margin expansion (≈$150 M incremental EBIT), the stock could see a $2–$3 upside on a 12‑month horizon, especially if the market rewards the “last‑gas‑muscle” narrative before the EV transition accelerates. A short‑term buy on any pull‑back to the $70‑$75 range is justified, with a stop around $68 to protect against broader macro‑risk (e.g., rising rates or a slowdown in discretionary spend). Conversely, if the launch is delayed or priced above $55 k, the upside is capped and a neutral‑to‑slight‑down stance may be warranted.