Dodge Unveils HEMI-Powered Hustle Stuff Drag Pak 2026 Charger

Dodge just dropped a bomb on the drag racing world with the debut of its first-ever Dodge Charger Drag Pak, the all-new 2026 Charger Hustle Stuff Drag Pak by Direct Connection. Limited to just 50 serialized cars, this latest factory-built weapon brings the Charger nameplate into NHRA Factory Stock Showdown competition for the first time and marks a major milestone in Dodge’s racing history.

The Hustle Stuff Drag Pak is powered by an updated version of the NHRA-approved 354 cubic-inch HEMI V8, the same combination that’s dominated the Factory Stock Showdown ranks and holds the current sub-7.60-second world record. That makes this not just a tribute to Dodge’s muscle car legacy, it’s a fully modern race car ready to chase national records right off the trailer.

Weighing 100 pounds less than the previous Challenger Drag Pak, the Charger version blends the production car’s new look with a serious race-ready attitude. Dodge went all-in on weight reduction, using carbon-fiber panels for the hood, doors, hatch, and front fascia, along with a lightweight K-member and bumpers. Out back, you’ll find a 10-foot cross-form parachute mount and wheelie bar setup with Fratzog-inspired wheels, a nod to Dodge’s retro-futuristic performance badge.

Inside, the car’s stripped-down cabin still carries the Charger’s design DNA, highlighted by a unique Hustle Stuff badge, carbon-fiber dash panels, and a full NHRA 25.5 SFI-certified chromoly roll cage. Sabelt racing seats and harnesses complete the ready-to-race vibe.

To celebrate the launch, Dodge is offering a $26,000 bounty, the largest contingency payout in NHRA history to the first driver who scores a Factory Stock Showdown win in the new Drag Pak.

With the return of Dodge’s Street and Racing Technology (SRT) division overseeing performance and motorsports efforts, the Hustle Stuff Drag Pak represents more than a car, it’s a statement that Dodge is doubling down on drag racing. For grassroots racers and die-hard Mopar fans, this might just be the ultimate blend of old-school Hustle Stuff attitude and next-generation factory horsepower.

2026 Charger Hustle Stuff Drag Pak Tech Info:

Engine

• Whipple 3.0L twin-screw supercharger
• Newly designed cast aluminum GEN III HEMI engine block includes select six-bolt main metal caps for added strength
• All-new race forged-steel eight-counterweight crankshaft
• All-new high-performance forged H-beam connecting rods
• New high-performance, lightweight billet belt tensioner
• Diamond aluminum pistons
• Mopar spec camshaft with 0.675-inch lift
• Jesel solid roller lifters and rocker arms
• Billet aluminum, 109mm throttle body
• Stainless-steel long-tube headers
• Holley EFI lightweight Dominator ECU
• Racepak Smartwire power module, 6.86-inch display, V300SD data logger
• Wet sump oil pump, fabricated aluminum pan, C&R lightweight radiator and cooling fan, electric water pump

Transmission

• Coan Racing XLT three-speed automatic transmission with internal accumulator and lightweight 300M internals
• Coan Racing 9.65-inch (245mm), high-performance, bolt-together torque converter
• CNC machined billet aluminum stator and billet aluminum cover
• Cast deep aluminum pan, Reid SFI case and GEN III HEMI bellhousing
• M&M aluminum three-speed safe neutral shifter

Suspension

• All-new rear suspension geometry for improved performance
• Four-link adjustable rear suspension with diagonal link
• Custom Drag Pak double-adjustable coilover shocks
• Adjustable anti-roll bar with spherical ends and adjustable ride height rear spring perches 
• Front suspension features lightweight race designed front knuckles
• Adjustable camber shims and toe links
• Lightweight wheel bearing assemblies
• Aluminum upper and lower control arms with steel spherical bearings
• Lightweight front suspension K-member with integrated engine mounts

Wheels/Tires

• WELD Racing lightweight forged-aluminum 17-by-4.5-inch front wheels, WELD Racing Double Beadlock, lightweight forged-aluminum 15-by-11-inch rear wheels
• Mickey Thompson ET Front 27.5 X 4.0-17 front tires, Mickey Thompson ET Drag Pro Drag Radial 30.0 x 9.0 R15 rear tires

Gears/Axles/Driveshaft

• Mark Williams Enterprises modular 9-inch custom Drag Pak axle
• 9-inch aluminum center section
• 40-spline superlight gun-drilled and pocketed axles 
• Micro polished and lightened ring and pinion for reduced rotating weight, delivering a 4.30:1 final drive ratio
• Lightweight 4-inch diameter 7075 aluminum driveshaft, 0.125-inch wall thickness

Brakes/Pedals

• Mark Williams Enterprises quick change four-piston, aluminum brake calipers with machined lightweight billet pistons
• Mark Williams Enterprises lightweight cross-drilled rotors and CNC machined aircraft alloy aluminum brake hats with slot-drive rotor attachment system 
• Lightweight racing overhung throttle pedal and mounting system
• Tilton aluminum brake pedal, balance bar and master cylinders
• Line lock and brake pressure switch

Fuel System/Steering

• ATL SFI-certified drag race fuel cell
• Aeromotive brushless racing pump with dual inline filter
• Flaming River 15:1 ratio manual steering rack

Options/Packages

• 18 exterior color options and three wrap/graphic options
• Lightweight Engine Component Package includes Blackbird performance front cover and external oil pump kit
• Rear anti-roll bar provides a softer rate bar, droplinks and arm kit
• Available Data Package includes Holley V300SD logger, suspension travel sensors, O2 sensors, transmission temp, transmission pressure  
• Racetech Lightweight Carbon Seat Kit achieves an estimated 20 lbs. in weight savings
• Driveline Lightweight Package includes a carbon driveshaft, transmission sump pan, aluminum rear axle yoke to achieve an estimated 7 lbs. weight savings