Electric Cars

The 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack underwent a rigorous 0-150-0 mph speed test, revealing a mixed bag of results that challenged the brand's reputation for straight-line speed. Despite packing a formidable 550-horsepower twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine, the vehicle's significant curb weight of 4907 pounds proved to be a considerable disadvantage, impacting its acceleration metrics. The car completed the quarter-mile in a somewhat disappointing 12.6 seconds and required over half a minute to hit the 150 mph mark. However, it demonstrated commendable stopping power, outperforming a heavier Bentley in braking tests with a 656-foot stopping distance, showcasing a crucial aspect of its dynamic capabilities.

Initial observations from the test indicated that the Scat Pack, unlike its Hellcat predecessors, struggled with immediate traction, exhibiting a tendency to bog down before launching. This characteristic, coupled with the tire specification anomaly where the test unit arrived with Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 tires despite the 2026 order sheet only listing all-seasons, added an interesting footnote to its performance data. Dodge's subsequent announcement of a summer-tire option for the 2027 model year suggests an acknowledgement of this aspect. The Scat Pack's performance, therefore, highlights a blend of raw power offset by its considerable mass, leading to a performance profile that diverged from the anticipated blistering pace traditionally associated with Dodge's high-performance offerings.

Underwhelming Acceleration and Raw Power

The 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack’s performance in the 0-150-0 mph test revealed that while it possesses significant horsepower, its acceleration was hampered by its considerable weight. With a 550-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine, the expectation for a muscle car bearing the Scat Pack name was a more explosive straight-line performance. However, its 4907-pound mass proved to be a critical factor, slowing its sprint to the quarter-mile mark to 12.6 seconds and requiring a substantial 30 seconds to achieve 150 mph. This outcome places the Scat Pack in a category that, while still powerful, doesn't quite live up to the legacy of its lighter, more agile predecessors, particularly when compared to other high-performance vehicles in its segment.

The test highlighted the inherent challenge of balancing immense power with heavy vehicle architecture. Despite having 550 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque, the Scat Pack's power-to-weight ratio of 8.9 lb/hp meant it couldn't fully capitalize on its engine's output in acceleration scenarios. The all-wheel-drive system, intended to improve traction, instead contributed to a "bogging" effect during launch, preventing the immediate, unbridled takeoff that enthusiasts might expect from a Dodge performance model. This nuance in its acceleration profile suggests that while the engine is robust, the overall vehicle dynamics, especially the mass, prevent it from achieving the kind of blistering quickness that defines top-tier drag strip contenders.

Braking Prowess and Tire Considerations

Despite its struggles with acceleration, the 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack demonstrated impressive braking capabilities, proving that it can halt its substantial mass effectively. In the 0-150-0 mph test, the vehicle managed to come to a complete stop from 150 mph in a commendable 656 feet. This performance not only underscores the effectiveness of its 15.0-inch vented, grooved front discs and 14.2-inch rear discs but also notably surpassed the braking distance of the even heavier Bentley. This strong braking performance is a critical safety and performance aspect, indicating that while the car may take time to get up to speed, it can shed that speed with confidence and control.

The discussion surrounding the Scat Pack’s tires adds another layer to its performance evaluation. The test unit was equipped with Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 tires, a high-performance summer tire, even though the standard order sheet for 2026 models only offered all-season options. This discrepancy, later addressed by Dodge with the introduction of an optional $695 summer-tire package for the 2027 model year, implies a recognition that the vehicle benefits significantly from more aggressive rubber. The use of these specialized tires likely contributed to the car's superior braking performance and potentially improved its handling dynamics, suggesting that opting for the summer tires could unlock more of the Scat Pack's performance potential beyond its straight-line speed limitations.

In the latest review from Car and Driver's September/October 2026 issue, the new BMW M5 demonstrates its formidable capabilities, achieving an impressive 0-150-0 mph time of 43.6 seconds. This high-performance luxury sedan, equipped with a sophisticated plug-in hybrid powertrain, offers a blend of raw power and advanced technology, setting new benchmarks for vehicle performance. Its all-wheel-drive system ensures superior traction, allowing it to surpass many competitors in both acceleration and braking efficiency. The article delves into the intricate details of handling such a powerful machine, highlighting the advanced configurations required to unleash its full potential.

The 2026 BMW M5 boasts a formidable powertrain, combining a 577-horsepower twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 engine with a potent 194-horsepower electric motor, culminating in an astonishing 717 total horsepower. This impressive output is managed by a sophisticated four-wheel traction system, ensuring that power is delivered efficiently to the road. Priced at a base of $132,050, with the as-tested model reaching $146,500, the M5 is equipped with high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport S5 tires and robust carbon-ceramic brakes, featuring 16.5-inch vented, cross-drilled discs at the front and 15.7-inch discs at the rear. These specifications underscore the vehicle's design for both extreme speed and precise control.

Preparing the M5 for optimal performance involves navigating its extensive menu system to activate the sportiest settings. Drivers must engage 'Sport Plus' for the drive logic and select either 'ESC Off' or 'M Dynamic Mode' for stability control. The launch sequence requires holding both the brake and accelerator until 'Launch Control' appears on the driver's display. Monitoring the turbo-boost gauge is crucial to initiating the launch at the perfect moment, after which releasing the brakes unleashes the vehicle’s full power, causing the tires to audibly 'bark'—a testament to its immense torque and grip. This meticulous setup process is essential for achieving the M5's record-breaking performance figures.

When tested against the M2, the M5 showcases its superior speed and braking. While it gains approximately one second on the M2 in the sprint to 150 mph, its stopping power is even more pronounced, coming to a complete halt in 609 feet, significantly shorter than the M2's 634 feet. This demonstrates the M5's advanced braking system and its capability to manage high speeds with exceptional control and safety. The M5's ability to combine such raw power with precise handling and rapid deceleration truly sets it apart in the high-performance sedan category.

This comprehensive review from the latest Car and Driver issue meticulously examines the 2026 BMW M5's performance metrics, highlighting its advanced hybrid powertrain, impressive acceleration, and superior braking capabilities. The article details the vehicle's sophisticated engineering and the precise operational steps required to maximize its on-track potential, solidifying its position as a top-tier luxury performance car.