Dodge Charger 2026 Drag Pak: Hemi V-8 for the drag race
The track-only Hustle Stuff Drag Pak features a turbocharged 354-cylinder Hemi V-8 engine, with only 50 units produced. It's over 100 pounds lighter than the previous Challenger Drag Pak, priced from $234,995, and is not road legal.
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, equipped with a supercharged 354-cubic-inch Hemi V-8 instead of the Hurricane six-cylinder engine. Production is limited to 50 units, and it's not road legal. The starting price is $234,995. Dodge is offering a $26,000 prize to the first driver to win an NHRA Factory Stock Showdown (FSS) race in the Hustle Stuff Drag Pak in 2026.
Hemi Turbocharger, made for NHRA Factory Stock Showdown
Drag Paks are clearly purpose-built racing cars, developed for participation in NHRA amateur categories, specifically the Factory Stock Showdown – where racing 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 Street and Racing Technology (SRT) performance division after restructuring, with Riley Technologies preparing the race car in Mooresville, North Carolina. The term “Hustle Stuff” is reminiscent of the Mopar performance catalogs of the 1970s – which sold parts, shared tuning tips, and provided detailed technical diagrams.
Intentional weight loss: 100 pounds lighter, optimized load distribution.
Dodge significantly reduced the weight of the Charger Drag Pak with a carbon fiber hood, doors, front bumper, and tailgate; added carbon fiber to the dashboard; a K-member front strut and lightweight bumper; billet tensioners; an aluminum driveshaft; and lighter components in the engine and transmission. As a result, the Charger Drag Pak is over 100 pounds lighter than its predecessor, the Challenger Drag Pak (approximately 45 kg). The manufacturer did not disclose the curb weight; references to the NHRA's minimum weight of approximately 3,600 pounds in the 2025 regulations suggest the Charger could be at or below 3,500 pounds (approximately 1,588–1,633 kg; original values in pounds).
The Gen III Hemi 354 ci engine with a 3.0L supercharger.
The Hustle Stuff Drag Pak uses a Gen III Hemi 354-cubic-inch wet crankcase engine with H-beam connecting rods, Diamond aluminum pistons, forged crankshaft, six-bolt crankcase cover, 0.675-lift Mopar camshaft, Jesel stiffeners, aluminum throttle body, and a 3.0-liter Whipple twin-screw supercharger. This is an evolution of the current Drag Pak engine – which holds the ET FSS record of 7,583 hp (set by Mark Pawk). While Dodge hasn't released specific figures, the FSS class applies a power factor of 630 hp to this configuration.
To ensure stability and data management capabilities during competition, the bike uses a Holley EFI Dominator ECU combined with a Racepak Smartwire data logger and a 6.9-inch screen. The exhaust system is a long-tube stainless steel manifold, optimizing flow for the turbocharged configuration.
Optimal power transfer for the start.
The traction is transmitted through a Coan Racing XLT 3-speed automatic transmission and a 9.65-inch torque converter. A 15x11-inch WELD Racing forged aluminum double beadlock rear wheel, paired with Mickey Thompson radial drag tires, maximizes grip.
The chassis is focused on launch control and stability at the end of straight sections.
The suspension features a two-way adjustable coilover system, with an upgraded four-link configuration at the rear surrounding a 9-inch rear axle assembly with a Mark Williams Enterprises aluminum center differential, and a 4.30:1 gear ratio. A 40-spline drilled axle shaft reduces weight. The four-piston quick-change aluminum brakes clamp onto perforated discs, prioritizing braking performance at high speeds after crossing the finish line.
The cockpit meets NHRA standards, focusing on safety and ease of operation.
Inside, the SFI-certified Sabelt seats feature cushioning, seat belts, and window netting. The chromoly steel frame is NHRA-certified for the 7.50 ET mark. Assisted driving features include integrated footrests, a line-lock system, and a brake pressure switch to adjust braking force to hold the vehicle at launch.
Colors, graphics, and weight loss options
In addition to the standard white paint configuration, the Charger Drag Pak also offers 18 additional exterior colors and 3 graphic packages, including the red-and-blue striped version shown in the image. Notable options include: the sensor package; carbon fiber seats that cut an additional 20 pounds; and carbon fiber driveshafts and aluminum rear axle U-shaped supports that add another 7 pounds to the price.
Price, quantity, and competition conditions.
The 2026 Dodge Charger Hustle Stuff Drag Pak, offered by Direct Connection, is a track-only car. Only 50 units will be sold, and orders are now open. The starting price is $234,995; Dodge is offering a $26,000 prize 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 connecting rod, Diamond aluminum piston, forged crankshaft, 6-bolt bearing cap. |
| Supercharger | Whipple 3.0L twin-screw |
| Camshaft | Mopar, lift 0.675 |
| 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 assembly, 4.30:1 ratio. |
| Wheels/Tires | WELD Racing 15x11 inch double beadlock; Mickey Thompson drag radials |
| Brake | 4-piston quick-change aluminum brakes, perforated discs. |
| Safety frame | Chromoly meets NHRA standards up to 7.50 ET. |
| Body materials | Carbon fiber: hood, doors, front bumper, rear door; carbon fiber on the dashboard. |
| Mass | Weighing over 100 pounds lighter than the previous Challenger Drag Pak; the vehicle's weight is not disclosed. |
| Quantity | 50 pieces |
| Price | $234,995 |
| Note | Track only; $26,000 prize offered for the first FSS victory in 2026. |
Conclude
The Hustle Stuff Drag Pak demonstrates how Dodge "packs" drag racing technology into the next-generation Charger platform: a turbocharged 354-ci Hemi V-8, a deliberately lightweight chassis, optimized power delivery for the launch, and an NHRA-compliant cabin. With its limited production run, investment level, and "track-only" nature, this package is aimed directly at FSS drivers who want to enter the season with a factory-assembled setup.
