Christmas appears to have come early for muscle car fans eager to see the production of a new Dodge Charger ramp up.
Official production of the 2026 SIXPACK-powered Dodge Charger Scat Pack began at the Windsor Assembly Plant on Tuesday in a move analysts say is good for car enthusiasts and Windsor’s economy.
Sam Fiorani, the vice president of global vehicle forecasting at AutoForecast Solutions, said the Charger has historically had a loyal fanbase.
“The noise, the rumble, the feel of the engine, the performance that these engines produce. It will bring them back into the showroom and encourage them to lay their foot on that pedal,” Fiorani predicted.
Billed as more than a muscle car, SIXPACK versions feature up to 550 horsepower and are available in two- and four-door options.
Production at the plant has ramped up to include various Dodge models as well as the Chrysler minivan.
As a result, Stellantis previously announced the return of the third shift, which will create about 1,500 new jobs.
The start of a new vehicle requires a “four to five year window” to pay itself off, Fiorani explained, which should secure jobs for a “considerable” period of time.
“So, a high-volume vehicle like the charger will guarantee production for that plant for the next five years,” Fiorani told CTV News.
“The minivan is coming up near the end of its life cycle, and the next generation would start that window all over again.”
With a renewed opportunity for buyers to purchase a gas-powered version of the charger, Fiorani feels the plant has an encouraging outlook.
“Just like the steady volume of the minivan, getting the charger buyers back will bring jobs into the Windsor plant and keep them steady for years to come.”
Stellantis said the first units of the Chargers will be at dealerships later in December.