Dodge Charger Super Bee Returns With 600 HP Six-Cylinder Engine

The legendary Dodge Charger Super Bee is set to return for the 2027 model year, bringing its storied legacy back to the performance car scene. However, this iteration marks a significant departure from tradition, featuring Dodge's potent twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter Sixpack inline-six engine instead of the V8s that have long defined the muscle car. This new Super Bee is tuned to deliver a formidable 600 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful gasoline Sixpack Charger announced to date and capable of a rapid 0-to-60 mph sprint in the mid-three-second range.

Dodge is not simply relying on engine power for the new Super Bee; the vehicle undergoes extensive enhancements to its cooling systems, brakes, suspension, and tires. These upgrades are aimed at preparing the car for serious track duty, complementing its potent powertrain. The Super Bee badge, which first appeared on the Dodge Coronet in 1968 and has since graced several modern Dodge performance models, carries substantial historical weight. This latest version, while potentially controversial for its shift away from V8 power, appears poised to compensate with sheer velocity and a chassis engineered for more than just drag strip launches.

Performance Upgrades Boost Sixpack Power

To achieve the 600 horsepower output, Dodge has equipped the Super Bee with larger 56-mm Garrett turbochargers capable of exceeding 30 psi of boost. These are complemented by revised intake hardware, enhanced cooling provisions, and a unique engine calibration. While torque remains at 531 lb-ft, its peak delivery is now achieved at 3,000 rpm, down from 3,500 rpm in lesser Sixpack models. Power is managed through an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system, enabling claimed 0-to-60 mph times as low as 3.4 seconds and quarter-mile runs in 11.8 seconds. Features like Torque Reserve are retained to build boost before launches, and the driveline has been strengthened to withstand repeated hard starts.

The performance enhancements extend to the Charger's handling and braking capabilities. The front fascia has been redesigned to improve airflow for the cooling system and generate increased aerodynamic downforce at high speeds, with an additional 100 pounds of downforce claimed at 150 mph compared to standard Sixpack Chargers. The suspension features dual-valve adaptive dampers, stiffer springs, revised bushings, and a more robust rear anti-roll bar, all contributing to sharper responses without sacrificing everyday drivability. Stopping power is provided by substantial 16-inch Brembo rotors paired with six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers, featuring brake pads with increased surface area for superior heat management and fade resistance.

Although the Super Bee typically operates with all-wheel drive, a dedicated rear-wheel-drive mode allows drivers to disconnect the front axle for a more traditional muscle car experience, including drifting and tire-smoking antics. This mode is part of a suite of performance settings that include Track, Drag, and Race Prep, along with traditional features like Line Lock and Launch Control. The car is fitted with forged 20-by-11-inch wheels wrapped in aggressive 305-section Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 summer tires, underscoring the emphasis on lateral grip and handling prowess. For enthusiasts keen on analyzing their performance, an optional onboard drive recorder can capture forward-facing video alongside vehicle telemetry.

Visually, the Dodge Charger Super Bee Launch Edition will feature distinctive graphics, new turbo-inspired bee emblems, gloss-black exterior accents, and eye-catching Hyper Lime brake calipers. Color options include the vibrant Sucker Punch, the more subdued Diamond Black, and a gray-themed configuration. The interior sports cloth performance seats with Citrus Peel inserts, embroidered bee logos, and contrasting Sour Lemon stitching, while larger paddle shifters and a specific button for rear-drive mode enhance the driver's connection to the car.

Dodge has confirmed that the Super Bee Launch Edition will be a limited-production model, though specific production numbers and pricing are yet to be announced. The ongoing debate among enthusiasts will likely focus on the absence of a V8 engine. For purists, a inline-six Super Bee might feel unconventional. However, based on its 600 horsepower output, advanced cooling, formidable Brembo brakes, 305-section tires, and dedicated rear-drive mode, this new Dodge offers substantial performance credentials that aim to solidify its place in the Charger's performance lineage.