DODGE

2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack 4 door: 550hp no V8!

The arrival of the new 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack marks a turning point for one of America’s most recognizable muscle cars. This time, Dodge is bringing something different to the table. Instead of the familiar V8 rumble that defined earlier Scat Pack models, the new generation introduces the SIXPACK High Output engine, a twin turbocharged 3.0 liter inline six that delivers serious power while pushing the Charger into a new era of performance.

For enthusiasts who love muscle cars but also need practicality, the four door Charger Scat Pack brings something unique to the market. Dodge has managed to combine the aggressive look and attitude of a modern muscle car with the convenience of a spacious performance sedan. From the outside, the design stays true to the Charger’s bold character, with wide fenders, sharp lighting signatures, and a stance that clearly communicates performance.

Yes, a new variant of the 2026 Dodge Charger is now available to order. No, it isn't the one that you were hoping for. We're all waiting for Mopar to do the righteous thing by sticking a large-displacement V-8, preferably supercharged, under the hood of its latest muscle car. Despite the countless rumors and confirmation that it can physically be done, that day is not yet upon us. Instead, the newest installment in the Charger saga is another inline-six-powered effort.

With the standard-output version of Dodge's Hurricane twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter engine under its hood, the new Charger Sixpack R/T trades a stable of ponies for a more affordable starting price compared to the high-output Sixpack Scat Pack model. The power discrepancy between the two models is significant, but the price difference isn't. So, naturally, the question becomes how much is 130 horsepower worth?

The engine is the story here. At launch, the Charger Sixpack could be ordered only in Scat Pack guise, fitted with the high-output variant of the Hurricane inline-six. In that form, the engine makes 550 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque. Dodge is now working backward, offering the standard-output version of the powertrain—also found in the Ram 1500 and the Jeep Wagoneer—in the R/T. With the S.O. making 420 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque, there's a DeLorean's worth of horsepower separating the two variants, and both mechanical and tuning differences play a part.

Under the hood sits the Hurricane based SIXPACK High Output powertrain producing 550 horsepower and 531 pound feet of torque. The engine is paired with an 8 speed automatic transmission that channels power through a standard all wheel drive system. What makes the system interesting is that it can send most of the power to the rear wheels, allowing the car to maintain the traditional muscle car driving feel when pushed hard.

The R/T is a bit twiggy compared to its bodybuilder big brother, but weighing it up against its previous-generation counterpart puts things in perspective. The last R/T's 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 only made 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, so healthy gains have been made across the generational leap. Dodge says that the new model should snap off a 60-mph run in 4.6 seconds and cross the quarter-mile mark in 12.9 seconds, both figures about a half-second faster than the previous R/T. But we'll confirm that once we get one in for testing.

Dodge said that it picked Stowe, Vermont, for our Charger drive to demonstrate the capabilities of its variable all-wheel-drive system, and with fresh powder dusting the rural roads, four-wheel traction helped instill the confidence required to let 'er rip. Without the luxury of driving the R/T back to back with the Scat Pack, no one is likely to complain about its relative lack of power. It's still a quick car, and the standard-output inline-six feels more responsive to sharp stabs of the throttle.

The R/T's 420 horsepower is more than enough to enjoy when indulging in some quick rips on the highway, and chucking this car into an off-ramp cloverleaf at speed highlights its solid dynamic chops as well. Switching to Sport mode shifts more of the torque to the rear axle, which helps reduce some of the all-wheel-drive system's inherent understeer. Push it a little harder, and faults begin to show. The steering isn't particularly sharp or responsive, and there is a significant amount of body roll in the twistier stuff.

Performance numbers are impressive for a four door sedan. Dodge estimates the Charger Scat Pack can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in about 3.9 seconds while running the quarter mile in roughly 12.2 seconds. That level of speed puts the car firmly in high performance territory and keeps it competitive with other modern performance sedans.

In many ways, the new Charger Scat Pack represents Dodge adapting to changing times without abandoning its performance identity. It still looks aggressive, still delivers serious power, and still offers the type of driving excitement that muscle car fans expect. The difference is that it now does it with advanced turbocharged technology and a more practical four door layout.

Inside the cabin, the Charger blends modern technology with performance focused design. Drivers get a digital cockpit, large infotainment displays, and performance readouts that track data such as acceleration and vehicle dynamics. The liftback style rear hatch also adds practicality by providing a large cargo area, making the four door Charger surprisingly versatile for daily use.

For drivers who want muscle car performance but also need space for passengers and everyday usability, the four door 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack with the SIXPACK engine may be one of the most interesting performance cars to arrive in years.

From a hardware perspective, the standard Hurricane features smaller turbochargers providing 22 psi of peak boost. The high-output engine features larger snails, in addition to beefier internals, a more capable cooling circuit, and a higher-flow fuel system. That puts the R/T at a disadvantage in terms of overall power production, but its smaller turbines spool more quickly, lowering peak torque delivery to 2500 rpm from 3500 rpm in the Scat Pack. It also does without the Scat Pack's active exhaust system. Power is sent through a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission and on to all four wheels, with the ability to disconnect the front axle for proper rear-drive shenanigans.

To support the added performance, Dodge equipped the Scat Pack with serious hardware. Large Brembo brakes with six piston front calipers help deliver strong stopping power, while a performance tuned suspension improves handling and stability. Features such as launch control and line lock also remain part of the package, allowing drivers to fully experience the car’s muscle car roots.

by Autonews

VW

Volkswagen ID.3 Neo is coming

The Volkswagen ID.3 will soon undergo a facelift, and at the same time it will get a new name. More precisely, Volkswagen will present the ID.3 Neo next month, which was announced with a set of these official drawings.

With this modernization, the ID.3 is undergoing extensive digital product development. The new software introduces additional functions to the ID. range. These include, among others, an advanced version of Travel Assist with traffic light recognition and the One Pedal Driving function. The “Innovision” infotainment system is also new.

Another new feature is the optional digital key. It allows access to the vehicle via a mobile device such as a smartphone or smartwatch, in addition to the traditional key.

Volkswagen, the automotive industry giant, is preparing to launch the ID.3 Neo, a revamped version of its popular ID.3 electric car, promising significant innovations and an enhanced user experience. The highly anticipated global debut is scheduled for mid-April, marking an important step in the Wolfsburg-based automaker's strategy to consolidate its line of electric vehicles based on the MEB platform. This update is not limited to just a new name, but encompasses a series of technological and functional advancements.

Among the most anticipated new features are the introduction of functionalities such as the One Pedal Driving system, which allows the vehicle to recover energy and brake completely using only the accelerator pedal, and an enhanced Travel Assistant with traffic light recognition, raising the level of comfort and safety. These improvements reflect Volkswagen's commitment to offering increasingly intelligent and intuitive electric vehicles, aligned with the demands of the modern market.

Future ID. models will otherwise have more physical buttons, in order to simplify the use of the main functions. The restyling of the ID.3, now named ID.3 Neo, is a strategic move by Volkswagen to revitalize its electric vehicle lineup. This name change underscores an evolution of the model, distancing it from previous speculation about a possible "ID. Golf". In addition, other models in the ID. family will also undergo transformations, such as the ID.4, which, according to various sources, will be renamed ID. Tiguan, and the ID.5, which is expected to be discontinued to optimize the brand's portfolio. These changes reflect a clear redefinition of the identity of each vehicle within Volkswagen's growing range of electric vehicles.

With the new software generation, the “Vehicle-to-Load” function is also being introduced in the ID. models and thus enables the powering of electrical devices directly from the vehicle battery. External devices such as an electric grill, coffee maker or even an electric bicycle can be powered or charged directly from a high-voltage battery with a power of up to 3.6 kW.

The year 2026 is shaping up to be a crucial period for Volkswagen, which plans to launch a complete family of compact electric cars and promote comprehensive restyling of its existing models. The strategy aims not only to update the aesthetics and software, but also to optimize the powertrains, reinforcing the brand's competitiveness in the growing electric vehicle segment.

The restyling of the ID.3, now named ID.3 Neo, is a strategic move by Volkswagen to revitalize its electric vehicle lineup. This name change underscores an evolution of the model, distancing it from previous speculation about a possible "ID. Golf". In addition, other models in the ID. family will also undergo transformations, such as the ID.4, which, according to various sources, will be renamed ID. Tiguan, and the ID.5, which is expected to be discontinued to optimize the brand's portfolio. These changes reflect a clear redefinition of the identity of each vehicle within Volkswagen's growing range of electric vehicles.

The main driving force behind these updates is a new generation of software, which will be implemented across the entire ID. line, including the ID.4, ID.5, and ID.7 models, already available for order. This innovative software brings with it a series of features aimed at revolutionizing the driver's interaction with the vehicle. Among them, the "Innovision" infotainment system promises a more fluid and intuitive interface, while the enhanced Travel Assistant, with traffic light recognition capability, adds an extra layer of intelligence and convenience to daily driving. The One Pedal Driving function, in turn, simplifies the driving experience, allowing for smoother and more efficient speed control and energy regeneration.

Autonews

KIA MOTORS

Kia EV2 sets standards for noise and vibration reduction in B-segment electric vehicles

Kia has placed noise and vibration at the heart of the EV2’s development to provide European customers with a quiet and well-controlled cabin. Designed, developed and manufactured in Europe, the model brings a high level of acoustic silence to the compact electric vehicle segment.

In electric vehicles, the absence of combustion engine noise eliminates the “masking” effect typical of petrol and diesel vehicles. As a result, road, wind and high-frequency sounds are more noticeable and more important to the overall perceived quality.

“Electric vehicles change what customers notice first; without a petrol or diesel engine to mask background noise, small high-frequency sounds and vibrations immediately stand out,” said Pablo Martinez Masip, Vice President, Product, Brand and Customer Experience, Kia Europe. “The EV2 is quiet at higher speeds, controlled on rough roads and consistent every day, making the car feel refined from the first kilometre.”

Engineering for silence...Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre (HMETC) used advanced numerical simulations from the earliest stages of development, emphasizing noise immunity at high speeds. Testing noise and vibration reduction on a dynamometer provided accurate and repeatable measurements in a controlled environment. This allowed engineers to isolate specific frequencies and effectively apply targeted countermeasures. This method eliminates external variables such as changing weather conditions or changing road surfaces.

“We approached the development of noise and vibration for the EV2 as a system,” said Oliver Jung, Chief Engineer at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre. “Early simulations helped us identify where road and wind noise could be disruptive to passengers in the cabin. In addition, dynamometer tests gave us repeatable data to validate each measure. Acoustic tyres, acoustic glass and an optimised acoustic package work together to ensure a calm and quiet cabin, even on motorways.”

To reduce road noise, the EV2 is equipped with acoustic tires designed to reduce tonal disturbances. The tires are complemented by specially developed pads and absorbers in the wheel arches, which reduce the perceived noise level. To reduce wind noise, acoustic door glass* and an acoustic windshield significantly reduce air turbulence noise at highway speeds. This contributes to a stable and calming environment in the cabin.

Although electric motors are quieter than internal combustion engines, components specific to electric vehicles, such as inverters and DC/DC converters, can generate high-frequency tones. The EV2 addresses this problem with a special acoustic package that includes an interior dashboard insulation concept, an absorber in the front of the trunk and an optimized underbody cover. Together, these elements reduce the transmission of high-frequency sounds and support a coherent acoustic profile.

Electric vehicle sound management...The EV2’s warning sound also contributes to safety and usability. Pedestrian warning sounds warn other road users without disturbing passengers. The Intelligent Speed ​​Limiter (ISLA) warning sound is carefully tuned to provide clear instructions without becoming annoying over time.

The best of Kia...The Kia EV2 brings electric power to the B-SUV segment, making electric vehicles more affordable. Available with two battery capacities, 42.2 kWh and 61.0 kWh**, it offers a range of 317 and 453 km (WLTP in preparation)***. With 400-volt DC fast charging, 11 kW and 22 kW AC charging, and features such as EV route planning and two-way charging, the EV2 supports both urban and long-distance journeys, with easy handling.

The EV2 is Kia’s compact car for European households, offering plenty of legroom, flexible rear seating and up to 403 litres of luggage space. Equipped with three screens, live updates and advanced driver assistance systems, the EV2 demonstrates how engineering, development and validation can raise the acoustic standard in the compact electric vehicle class.

The 2026 Kia EV2 is designed to set a new benchmark for Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) refinement in the B-segment electric vehicle market, offering a cabin experience that is quiet, calm, and controlled. Positioned as a key player in the European compact EV segment, the EV2 incorporates advanced sound-deadening technologies and structural engineering to minimize cabin noise and vibration, often associated with higher-priced vehicles. 

Key NVH reduction features...Kia has focused extensively on silencing the cabin, addressing the lack of engine masking noise by implementing the following solutions(below): 

Acoustic materials: The EV2 uses acoustic laminated glass for both the windscreen and doors to significantly reduce wind noise.

Insulation & absorbers: A dedicated, comprehensive insulation system includes a dash inner insulation concept, a frunk sound absorber, and an optimized underbody cover to limit high-frequency sounds from the electric powertrain.

Vibration control: Specialized carpets and wheel-arch absorbers are used to damp vibration.

Suspension & tires: The rear coupled torsion beam axle (CTBA) features hydro bushings to reduce vibrations over bumps. The vehicle is also equipped with acoustic tires designed specifically to limit road noise. 

Engineering for comfort...The EV2’s NVH strategy was handled as a system, utilizing digital simulations and dynamometer testing during development to identify and eliminate noise sources. This ensures that the cabin remains quiet and comfortable for passengers, even during high-speed highway driving. 

Production and specifications...The EV2, built on a 400-volt architecture, is produced in Žilina, Slovakia, and features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 5.3-inch climate control screen. The vehicle aims to make advanced EV comfort accessible in the compact SUV class.

Notes:

* Available for GT-Line only.

** The standard version with a 42.2 kWh battery is currently in production. The extended-range version (61.0 kWh) and the EV2 GT-line will be available in June 2026.

*** The official electric range of the EV2 is subject to final homologation.

Autonews

AUTONEWS

Facing the music: Detecting dangerous driving through AI facial analysis

Researchers from Edith Cowan University (ECU) are developing new technology that could change how drunk and dangerous drivers are identified. Using a single 3D deep learning model, researchers are able to detect three major causes of road accidents simultaneously: blood alcohol concentration, fatigue and expression, such as anger.

Blood alcohol concentration was identified with almost 90% accuracy while drowsiness was recognized with 95% accuracy. The technology can also determine the level of intoxication, classifying impairment into three categories: sober, moderate or severe.

Led by ECU Ph.D. candidate Abdullah Tariq, the findings of Jack of Many Faces: A Step Towards Facial Expression and Physiological State Analysis with a Single Network...was presented at the British Machine Vision Conference (BMVC25).

"Drink driving is a major public safety challenge across the globe and the number one contributing factor of crashes in Australia," Tariq said. "Approximately 30% of accidents are due to drink driving."

While the public safety challenge was the major motivation for the researchers, Tariq said he wanted to explore alternatives to traditional detection methods.

"Traditional blood alcohol detection through breathalyzers and blood tests are highly accurate. However, they do have their own challenges—they can be intrusive, require active subject cooperation and don't allow continuous, real-time monitoring," Tariq said.

"Human faces encode a wealth of information, such as emotion, cognitive behavior or physiological state, but most AI models are task-specific—this motivated me to explore if we could develop a single model capable of handling multiple facial tasks."

Pipeline of our unified 3D spatio-temporal network for facial analysis, integrating custom attention modules for expression, drowsiness, and intoxication recognition. Credit: Abdullah et al

Jack of many faces...Dr. Syed Zulqarnain Gilani from ECU's Centre of AI and Machine Learning said this was thought to be the first study to identify fatigue, expression and blood alcohol simultaneously.

"Using a single algorithm from a video, we can detect whether the person is tired, intoxicated, and their mood," Dr. Gilani explained. "The interesting thing is, in psychology literature, we know these three are related. So, if you're very highly fatigued, it is almost as if you are drunk. Likewise, if your expression or mood is angry, this can lead to road rage and extremely dangerous driving."

Dr. Gilani explained that the 3D network looked at certain facial features to capture expression recognition and assessment of physiological state.

"This algorithm is smart, because it can tell the difference between whether a driver is sleepy, just making a facial expression, or affected by alcohol. By separating these factors, it can better understand the driver's real physical state," Dr. Gilani said.

Bifusenet...In another study, the researchers also investigated how combining infrared (IR) with normal color video (RGB) data can further improve analysis. Their findings showed that integrating IR with RGB helps in analyzing blood alcohol concentration more effectively in challenging environments, particularly under poor or low-lighting conditions.

BiFuseNet: A Multimodal Network for Estimating Blood Alcohol Concentration via Bidirectional Hierarchical Fusion...was presented at the International Conference on Multimodal Interaction (ICMI25).

Tariq said the system automatically captures diverse facial dynamics, including eye blinking, subtle facial movements, and progressive facial feature changes that are critical for distinguishing between different states.

"Our rationale was to develop a fully automated framework for estimating blood alcohol concentration by using RGB and IR video stream," Tariq said. "Previously, this was done manually by looking at pupil dilation and eye closing ratios, but these methods may not perform well with certain factors, such as varying lighting conditions.

"BiFuseNet will automatically extract all facial features and facial geometry to estimate whether a person is intoxicated or not. Because it combines different kinds of information in a smart way, it performs better than older methods that only used one type of video."

Facing the future...Dr. Gilani said the research could lead to an innovative, non-invasive way to help combat drink driving. "Extensive experiments have shown this technology achieves a classification accuracy of 88.41%, offering the potential for establishing a new, state-of-the-art estimation for blood alcohol concentration."

Advancements in computer vision means technology can even determine the level of intoxication. "The system can classify alcohol impairment levels into three categories—sober, moderate and severe," Tariq said.

Provided by Edith Cowan University 

VW

VW Golf 2028: electric, Porsche platform

Since 2013, when it launched its first battery-powered model, VW has already put around 4 million electric vehicles on the market. Now, the teaser for the future Golf, which will be exclusively EV, has been revealed.

A new A-segment electric SUV – in other words, a city car – will also be built at the Wolfsburg plant from 2026, while the so-called Project Trinity sedan, which was originally planned for the same plant, has been relocated to the Zwickau plant, where the ID.3, ID.5 and Cupra Born, destined for Europe, are assembled.

The decisions were made after a meeting between the Board of Directors of the German brand's Group and the Supervisory Board of the controlling group, which resulted in the plan to allocate vehicles to the Volkswagen brand until 2028 (for German plants only).

As part of the assembly reorganization, VW models will be grouped on a platform basis for each plant, in the hope that this will reduce complexity and costs. That said, the German manufacturer did not provide details about the aforementioned A-segment SUV, which will likely be a version of the ID.1.

Despite being, most likely, the most important electric model among those that Volkswagen is preparing to launch, the first image of the next Golf, which will be 100% electric, was not revealed by the German manufacturer, but by the IG Metal union. The revelation occurred at a meeting between union officials and Volkswagen workers, at a time when it was already known that the combustion-engine Golf would cease production in Wolfsburg, Germany, and would be manufactured in Mexico, freeing up considerable production capacity. IG Metal informed at the aforementioned meeting that it would be the Golf, but the electric one — which should replace the ID.3 — that would occupy the lion's share of the brand's largest factory.

Volkswagen had already confessed that it was not satisfied with two of the options it took when it started marketing electric models, the first being related to the different shapes of its bodies, to be more aerodynamic and to stand out from combustion engine models — nothing in line with what was tradition at the brand. The second option had to do with the names, since, according to the German manufacturer, the ID names were not as well received by customers as intended.

Volkswagen's foray into electric mobility began in 2013 with the e-up!, followed by the e-Golf, and in 2020 it abandoned electric vehicles based on combustion engine models and focused on battery-powered models based on specific platforms to maximize the potential of this technology. This was the phase of the ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, ID.7 and ID.Buzz, models that, all together, have already captivated around 4 million customers, establishing itself as the brand that sells the most EV cars in the European market.

The new Golf EV, which should be called ID. Golf, is far from being Volkswagen's first electric vehicle with a combustion engine model designation, and is scheduled for 2028. Long before that, the brand will market electric vehicles with traditional names such as the ID. Polo or ID. Passat. The Golf EV will utilize the group's new electric vehicle platform, the SSP Platform, which is substantially more modern than the MEB platform used in current ID models.

The strategy will be the same as that followed by the Polo, which in the new generation will be called ID. Polo, also alluding to the electric powertrain. It's worth remembering that the ID prefix is ​​used by Volkswagen in all its electric cars and will now be combined with the traditional names, in order to take advantage of the strength and image of the combustion engine models in their battery variants.

Another piece of news revealed was a teaser, in which the silhouette of the unprecedented electric Golf appears in a sketch. In the image, it is possible to notice the familiar shape of the body, including references to previous generations of the model. The front, for example, looks more square than that of the current car, reminiscent of the Golf III and even the Corrado coupe from the 1990s.

Porsche platform...In addition to the electric motor, the unprecedented ID. Golf will have its platform as one of the great highlights of the new generation. This is the sophisticated Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) architecture, which is being designed by Volkswagen in partnership with the American company Rivian. The platform will debut in upcoming Porsche and Audi releases, starting in 2027, and will be used within the group in various applications. In the case of VW, the architecture will be inaugurated precisely by the new Golf.

The brand says that the base will be "truly scalable" and will have specific sizes according to each vehicle. In addition, it will maintain the same modules and main components, in order to maximize the scale effect. Gradually, it will replace the current MEB and EPP platforms, being used by all the group's electric cars, from Skoda and Volkswagen to Lamborghini and Bentley.

Another advantage of the platform will be the fact that it supports both electric vehicles (BEV) and series hybrids (REEV). In the first case, the SSP will allow ultra-fast charging (10% to 80% in 12 minutes) and the use of 800-volt systems. In the second, it will support small combustion engines that will only function as range extenders.

The launch of the ID. The Golf will happen by the end of the decade, but the exact date has been changing. Initially, all rumors pointed to 2029, but delays in the project would have forced Volkswagen to postpone the debut to 2030. Now, new rumors indicate that the model may arrive sooner, around 2028.

In any case, it is certain that production will be concentrated at the Wolfsburg factory in Germany. To accommodate the electric Golf, the unit will be thoroughly updated and will cease producing the current model, which will have its assembly lines transferred to Puebla, Mexico.

Volkswagen Golf 2028 (Mk9 Generation)...The ninth generation of Volkswagen's iconic hatchback is scheduled to debut in 2028. Key changes include:

Electric transition: The model will be exclusively electric (EV), possibly under the name ID. Golf.

New platform: It will utilize the SSP (Scalable Systems Platform) architecture, which replaces the current MEB and offers 800-volt charging for ultra-fast charging.

Rivian software: The vehicle's operating system and software will be developed in partnership with the American startup Rivian, allowing for advanced remote updates.

Design: Teasers indicate a silhouette that maintains the classic Golf identity (such as the wide C-pillar), but with a more robust and modern look.

by Autonews

AUDI

Audi RS3 Competition Limited

Audi is celebrating 50 years of its five-cylinder engine with a special edition of the RS3 called the Competition Limited.

Available in Sportback and Sedan versions, the model brings several visual and chassis upgrades and will be produced in a limited series of 750 units globally.

The Competition Limited stands out, among other things, with a split front splitter, along with a subtly revised spoiler for the Sportback. The aero parts are finished in matte carbon fiber, while the 19-inch wheels have a Neodymium matte finish contrasting with the red brake calipers.

The color palette includes three shades: the exclusive Malachite Green, the new Glacier White matte and the familiar Daytona Gray.

In addition, the RS3 Competition Limited gets a new cool trick. When approaching the vehicle or unlocking with the key, the darkened Matrix LED headlights perform a start-up sequence that reflects the engine starting order "1-2-4-5-3".

The cabin is upholstered in black and Ginter White leather, paired with Alcantara inserts and Neodymium gold accents. Equipment includes RS seats with carbon backrests, along with special graphics for the Audi virtual cockpit plus, which has a white background inspired by the RS2 Avant.

To mark the occasion, each car carries a matte serial number on the center console. Owners also receive an “RS 3 Competition Limited” lettering projected from the door lights, as well as lettering on the black floor and luggage mats.

The highlight of the Competition Limited are chassis upgrades aimed at faster and smoother cornering. The model has a new adjustable suspension paired with a stiffer rear stabilizer bar.

Standard ceramic brakes with red calipers and optional Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires further emphasize the Competition Limited’s track-oriented intentions.

The Competition Limited retains the standard 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo engine with 294 kW/400 hp and 500 Nm of torque, sending power to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Performance remains unchanged, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 290 km/h.

Although power remains the same, the five-cylinder engine should sound a little louder thanks to the RS sports exhaust system. Audi has also reduced the insulation, allowing the more characteristic engine sound to be heard more in the cabin.

The Audi RS3 Competition Limited will be produced in 750 units worldwide. Deliveries in Europe are scheduled to begin in mid-2026. In Germany, the Sportback version starts at 108,365 euros, while the Sedan variant costs 110,005 euros.

Autonews

DODGE

2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack: 3.0L Hurricane inline six engine 550hp

The new 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack two door marks a major turning point for Dodge performance cars. For decades, the Charger name was tied closely to large displacement V8 engines, tire smoke, and classic American muscle. Now the brand is stepping into a new era while still trying to keep that same aggressive spirit alive. Instead of the old HEMI V8, the latest Charger Scat Pack uses a powerful twin turbocharged 3.0 liter Hurricane inline six engine that Dodge calls the SIXPACK High Output.

This new engine produces 550 horsepower and 531 pound feet of torque. That is serious performance for a modern muscle coupe and it allows the Charger to remain competitive with high performance rivals from brands like BMW and Mercedes AMG. Power is delivered through an 8 speed automatic transmission, and for the first time in the history of the Charger Scat Pack, the car comes standard with all wheel drive.

The new platform also allows the driver to switch between all wheel drive and a rear wheel drive focused setup. Dodge engineered a front axle disconnect system that lets the Charger behave more like a traditional rear drive muscle car when the driver wants to have fun. That means burnouts, drifting, and aggressive launches are still very much part of the experience.

Performance numbers show that this is not just a modernized Charger but also a very fast one. The two door Scat Pack is expected to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in about 3.9 seconds, which is impressive for a large coupe. Quarter mile performance is estimated at around 12.2 seconds, and top speed is expected to reach about 177 miles per hour.

If you’ve read our previous coverage of the gas-powered Charger Scat Pack, then the new Charger R/T is going to look awfully familiar. Like the Scat Pack, the R/T is powered by a version of the Hurricane 3.0-liter twin-turbo I-6—rebranded by Dodge as the Sixpack—and mated to an eight-speed automatic. The biggest difference is power: The Charger R/T gets the standard-output version churning out 420 hp and 468 lb-ft of torque, versus the Scat Pack’s 550 hp. 

Both models also come with a standard all-wheel-drive system featuring a mechanical limited-slip rear differential that biases power rearward wherever possible for more of a traditional muscle car feel. For those in the snow belt, it’s useful knowing that Normal mode features up to a 40/60 front/rear power split, Snow/Wet a fixed 50/50 split, and Sport an up to 30/70 front/rear split, with the ability to also switch into a full rear-wheel-drive mode. Dodge says the Charger R/T should accelerate to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds (about a half second behind the Scat Pack) and that it’s EPA-rated at 17/26/20 mpg city/highway/combined (1 mpg better in each category than the Scat Pack).

Developing a new engine from the ground up is an extremely intricate and expensive task, but relying on old designs for new engines can only take efficiency so far. Sometimes, going back to the drawing board can produce something that's far better tailored for the needs of today. That's part of the reason why Stellantis went to all the work to create an entirely new inline-6 gas engine.

Say hello to the Hurricane. Built in part to help phase out larger engines as Stellantis strives for increasing efficiency, the Hurricane is said to offer V8 performance at a two-cylinder bargain. When it comes to market, this dual-overhead-cam engine will be offered in both efficient standard-output (SO) form, as well as a performance-oriented high-output (HO) variant.

The two engines share 96 common parts, including the block, exhaust camshaft and spark plugs, but each variant has dozens of unique pieces meant to get the most out of what each variant offers. That said, the more efficient version won't exactly be a slouch, as Stellantis claims it'll be capable of putting out more than 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. The high-output Hurricane, on the other hand, will be able to deliver upwards of 500 horsepower and 475 lb-ft. Both should have a nice, flat torque curve that dials up nearly all its available twist by 2,350 rpm.

While Dodge is quick to hammer home the Charger’s muscle car credentials both to us and to you in its marketing campaigns, there’s clearly some sensitivity over the fact that the Charger is not, in the traditional American sense, as muscle car like as it was before thanks to the lack of a V-8 and its standard all-wheel drive.

But that might be the gas-powered 2026 Charger’s greatest strength.

Putting aside the emotional questions around the V-8 (it’s worth noting that the bulk of previous Chargers and Challengers sold were powered by a V-6, and we wouldn’t bet against a V-8 appearing at some point), the Charger R/T is a compelling option for shoppers who can afford its high-for-the-segment starting price.

This Sixpack came packing the high-output version of the 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six pushing 550 hp, and thanks in part to the car’s all-wheel-drive system, the new two-door Charger had no issue laying down the engine’s 531 lb-ft of torque. With launch control helping eliminate any turbo lag, the car was able to charge to 60 mph from a standstill in 4.0 seconds and barrel through the quarter mile in 12.3 seconds at 114.7 mph.

How does that compare to the previous-generation Charger? Or in this case, the two-door Challenger Scat Pack? The most recent edition that went through our battery of instrumented tests was the 2023 Dodge Challenger Shakedown R/T Scat Pack Widebody, which featured a 6.4-liter V-8 developing 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque.

With less output, the RWD coupe still managed the same 0–60-mph time of 4.0 seconds, though it took slightly longer to complete the quarter mile (12.5 seconds at 112.1 mph). Notably, the last-generation Challenger weighed in at 4,340 pounds, while this Charger tipped the scales at a far heftier 4,876 pounds.

Now it’s time to address the Dark Horse in the room, the Ford Mustang Dark Horse, which develops 500 hp and 418 lb-ft of torque from its 5.0-liter V-8 engine. It’s also a lot lighter than the Charger or Challenger coupes, weighing in at 4,028 pounds. A 10-speed-automatic-equipped Dark Horse we tested needed just 3.7 seconds to hit 60 mph and galloped through the quarter mile in 12.0 seconds at 118.4 mph. As a comparably priced drag racer, the Dodge Charger leaves something to be desired relative to its rival from the Blue Oval.

Thanks to its standard all-wheel drive and resultant all-weather capability, ample power, large back seat, available sedan configuration, and massive trunk, it’s a new-era performer with few holes in its game. Bring the kids and bring on the snow, because this might be the first modern muscle car that can do it all, no matter the season.

The design of the new Charger also helps it stand out. The coupe returns with a bold wide body stance, muscular fenders, and a modern interpretation of classic Dodge styling cues. Unlike the previous generation sedan, this new Charger is built as a liftback coupe, which gives it a practical cargo area while still keeping the sporty profile.

Inside the cabin, the car blends muscle car attitude with modern technology. Drivers are greeted by a large digital gauge display and a 12.3 inch central touchscreen running the latest Uconnect system. Premium materials, optional performance seats, and an available 18 speaker Alpine sound system add a level of refinement that older Chargers never had.

The two door Charger Scat Pack with the SIXPACK engine shows how Dodge is trying to balance tradition with innovation. It keeps the aggressive personality that muscle car fans expect while introducing a new generation of turbocharged power and modern performance technology.

For enthusiasts who were worried about the future of American muscle, this new Charger proves that the story is far from over.

by Autonews