2026 Dodge Charger Hustle Stuff Drag Pak: The Hemi Is Back—With a Catch
After months of speculation, the Hemi V-8 is officially returning to the Dodge Charger lineup — but not quite how fans expected. The new 2026 Dodge Charger Hustle Stuff Drag Pak brings back that unmistakable supercharged Hemi roar, but there’s one big catch: it’s built exclusively for the drag strip, not the street.
A Track-Only Monster
Developed by Direct Connection and race-prepped by Riley Technologies in Mooresville, North Carolina, the Drag Pak Charger marks the first major project from Dodge’s newly revived SRT (Street and Racing Technology) division. It’s purpose-built for NHRA Factory Stock Showdown competition, going head-to-head with legendary rivals like the COPO Camaro and Cobra Jet Mustang.
The Heart of the Beast
Under the hood lies a supercharged 354-cubic-inch Gen III Hemi, featuring forged internals, H-beam rods, Diamond aluminum pistons, a forged crankshaft, and a Whipple 3.0L twin-screw supercharger. Dodge hasn’t released official power numbers, but the Factory Stock Showdown’s class regulations place the output around 630 horsepower. Power is delivered through a Coan Racing XLT three-speed automatic and a 9.65-inch torque converter, ensuring lightning-quick runs down the 1320.
Lightweight and Purpose-Built
To keep things competitive, Dodge has cut serious weight from the Charger. A carbon-fiber hood, doors, fascia, and rear hatch make the Drag Pak roughly 100 pounds lighter than the previous Challenger Drag Pak. Additional weight savings come from an aluminum driveshaft, carbon-fiber instrument panel, lightweight front K-member, and billet belt tensioner.
Even though official curb weight figures are under wraps, it’s estimated to be at or below 3,500 pounds, meeting NHRA’s minimum race requirements.
Ready to Run
The Hustle Stuff Drag Pak features a double-adjustable coilover suspension, a four-link rear setup, and a 9-inch rear axle with aluminum center section and 4.30:1 gears. The setup rides on WELD Racing forged aluminum wheels with Mickey Thompson drag radials, ensuring maximum grip. Braking is handled by a lightweight four-piston aluminum system with cross-drilled rotors.
Inside, everything screams race-ready. Sabelt SFI-certified seats, a full chromoly roll cage, and NHRA safety compliance down to a 7.50-second ET mean this Charger is as safe as it is fast. Drivers also get integrated line-lock, pedal rests, and a Holley EFI Dominator ECU paired with a Racepak Smartwire data system for total control on race day.
Limited Edition Racing Royalty
Dodge plans to build just 50 units of the 2026 Charger Hustle Stuff Drag Pak, priced from $234,995. Each one will be a collectible piece of Mopar performance history. Buyers can choose from 18 color options and three graphic packages, including the bold red-and-blue stripes shown in official press images. Optional extras like carbon seats and a carbon driveshaft can shave off even more weight.
To make things more exciting, Dodge is offering a $26,000 cash bounty to the first driver who wins an NHRA Factory Stock Showdown event behind the wheel of a Drag Pak Charger.
A Hint of What’s to Come?
While the Hustle Stuff Drag Pak can’t legally hit public roads, it proves one thing: the Hemi fits beautifully in the new 2026 Charger platform. Dodge might be keeping quiet for now, but this track-only beast strongly hints that a street-legal Hemi option could return in the future.
For now, the Hustle Stuff Drag Pak stands as a loud, powerful reminder that Dodge hasn’t forgotten its muscle roots — even in an era shifting toward electrification. It’s a tribute to pure performance, crafted for racers who live a quarter-mile at a time.