Dodge Charger 2026 Drag Pak: Hemi V-8 for the drag strip

Dodge is bringing the Hemi V-8 back to the Charger, but only for drag racing. The 2026 Dodge Charger Hustle Stuff Drag Pak is a competition-ready version offered by Direct Connection, featuring a supercharged 354 cubic-inch Hemi V-8 in place of the Hurricane six-cylinder engine. Production is limited to 50 units, non-street legal, and starts at $234,995. Dodge is offering a $26,000 bonus to the first driver to win an NHRA Factory Stock Showdown (FSS) in the Hustle Stuff Drag Pak in 2026.

Supercharged Hemi, born for NHRA Factory Stock Showdown

Drag Paks are purpose-built race cars developed to compete in NHRA’s amateur classes, specifically the Factory Stock Showdown, where race variants of production cars like the COPO Camaro, Cobra Jet Mustang, and Drag Pak Challenger compete head-to-head. The Charger Hustle Stuff Drag Pak is the first project under the restructured Street and Racing Technology (SRT) performance division, which is prepared for racing by Riley Technologies in Mooresville, North Carolina. The term “Hustle Stuff” is a nod to the Mopar performance catalogs of the 1970s, where parts were sold, tuning tips were shared, and detailed technical diagrams were shared.

Intentional Weight Loss: 100 pounds lighter, optimized load distribution

Dodge shaved significant weight off the Charger Drag Pak with a carbon fiber hood, doors, front bumper, and tailgate; additional carbon fiber on the dash; a front K-member and lightweight bumper; a billet-style belt tensioner; an aluminum driveshaft; and lightweight components in the engine and transmission. As a result, the Charger Drag Pak is 100 pounds lighter than the previous Challenger Drag Pak (about 45 kg). The manufacturer did not release a curb weight; sources refer to the NHRA's 2025 minimum of about 3,600 pounds and suggest the Charger could be at or below 3,500 pounds (approximately 1,588–1,633 kg; original values in pounds).

Gen III Hemi 354 ci with 3.0L supercharger

The Hustle Stuff Drag Pak uses a Gen III 354 cubic-inch Hemi engine with a wet crankcase, H-beam crankshaft, Diamond aluminum pistons, forged crankshaft, six-bolt crankshaft covers, 0.675-lift Mopar camshaft, Jesel hard-top lifters, aluminum throttle bodies, and a Whipple 3.0-liter twin-screw supercharger. It’s an evolution of the current Drag Pak engine, which holds the ET FSS record of 7.583 (set by Mark Pawk). While Dodge won’t release specific numbers, the FSS class applies a 630-hp power factor to this configuration.

To ensure stability and data management in competition, the car uses a Holley EFI Dominator ECU combined with a Racepak Smartwire data logger with a 6.9-inch screen. The exhaust system is a long-tube stainless steel manifold, optimized for flow for the turbo configuration.

Optimal power transmission for the starting stroke

Power is sent through a Coan Racing XLT 3-speed automatic transmission and a 9.65-inch torque converter. WELD Racing 15x11-inch forged aluminum double beadlock rear wheels and Mickey Thompson radial drag tires maximize grip.

Chassis focused on launch and straight-end stability

The suspension uses a 2-way adjustable coilover, the rear is an upgraded 4-link configuration surrounding a 9-inch rear axle with a Mark Williams Enterprises aluminum center differential, with a gear ratio of 4.30:1. Drilled 40-spline axle shafts reduce mass. Aluminum 4-piston quick-change brakes clamp on perforated discs, prioritizing high-speed stopping power after crossing the finish line.

NHRA-standard cockpit with a focus on safety and handling

Inside, the SFI-approved Sabelt seat features bolsters, seat belts, and window nets. The chromoly steel cage is NHRA-certified to 7.50 ET. Performance details include integrated footrests, line-locks, and a brake pressure switch to adjust braking force to hold the bike when starting off.

Colors, graphics and weight loss options

In addition to the standard white paint, the Charger Drag Pak is available in 18 additional exterior colors and three graphics packages, including the red-and-blue stripe pictured. Notable options: a sensor package; carbon fiber seats that shave another 20 pounds; carbon fiber driveshafts and aluminum rear axle U-bolts that shave another 7 pounds.

Price, quantity and competition conditions

The 2026 Dodge Charger Hustle Stuff Drag Pak by Direct Connection is a track-only vehicle. Only 50 will be sold, and pre-orders are open now. Pricing starts at $234,995; Dodge is offering a $26,000 bonus to the first Charger owner to win an FSS race in 2026.

Key technical summary table

Category	Information
Engine	Gen III Hemi 354 cubic inch, wet crankcase, H-beam crankshaft, Diamond aluminum pistons, forged crankshaft, 6-bolt bearing covers
Supercharger	Whipple 3.0L twin-screw
Camshaft	Mopar, 0.675 lift
Ignition & Fuel	Holley EFI Dominator ECU, Racepak Smartwire 6.9 inch screen
Gear	Coan Racing XLT, 3-speed automatic; 9.65-inch torque converter
Rear axle	9-inch, Mark Williams Enterprises aluminum hub assemblies, 4.30:1 ratio
Rims/Tires	WELD Racing 15x11 inch double beadlock; Mickey Thompson drag radials
Brake	4-piston quick-change aluminum brakes, perforated discs
Safety frame	Chromoly NHRA approved to 7.50 ET
Body materials	Carbon fiber: hood, doors, front bumper, rear door; carbon fiber on dashboard
Mass	100 pounds lighter than the previous Challenger Drag Pak; curb weight undisclosed
Quantity	50 pieces
Price	234,995 USD
Note	Track only; $26,000 bonus for first FSS win in 2026

Conclude

The Hustle Stuff Drag Pak shows how Dodge packs drag racing tech into the next-generation Charger platform: a supercharged 354-ci Hemi V-8, a purpose-built lightweight chassis, power delivery optimized for the start, and an NHRA-certified cabin. With its limited availability, investment, and track-only nature, this package is aimed squarely at FSS racers who want to enter the season with a complete factory setup.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/dodge-charger-2026-drag-pak-hemi-v-8-cho-duong-drag-10309890.html