2026 Dodge Charger R/T

The 2026 Dodge Charger is notable because it’s a modern Charger that’s offered with both electric power and traditional internal combustion power. In this segment, they focus on an all-wheel-drive four-door variant with a twin-turbo straight-six setup, tying the “classic Charger” vibe to newer drivetrain tech.

The Dodge Spirit is a compact-to-midsize Dodge from the past, and the podcast’s “blast from the past” framing highlights its classic-era Mopar identity. It’s mentioned as a car that people still talk about and that can still be found running today, which speaks to its lasting presence among enthusiasts. In a podcast, it often comes up when discussing older Mopar models and what made them memorable.

A twin-turbo setup uses two turbochargers to force more air into the engine, which helps it make more power than a similar engine without turbocharging. It can also improve throttle response depending on how the turbos are arranged and controlled.

A straight six (inline-six) engine is a six-cylinder layout where all cylinders are in one line. This configuration is often praised for smoothness and balance because the engine’s internal forces can cancel out more effectively than in many other layouts.

An eight-speed automatic transmission is an automatic gearbox with eight forward gear ratios. More gears can help keep the engine in its efficient or power-friendly range more often, improving both acceleration feel and fuel economy potential.

A “blacktop package” is a dealer/manufacturer option group that typically adds darker styling elements—often black exterior trim, wheels, or appearance-focused features. It’s usually about visual theme more than changing the core mechanical performance.

“Ludicrous paint” appears to be a specific named exterior color option for the Charger. Named paint colors are common in enthusiast brands because they’re part of the car’s identity and can be tied to particular trim/option packages.

The Toyota Camry is a mainstream midsize sedan that’s often recommended for its practical day-to-day usability and broad appeal. It comes up in conversations because it’s seen as a “do-it-all” choice—comfortable, efficient for its class, and generally easy to live with. When a podcast says “everyone should just buy a Camry,” it’s usually referring to that reputation for sensible ownership rather than excitement.

“Aspect ratio” is the tire’s sidewall height compared to its width. A “very low aspect ratio” means a shorter sidewall, which generally makes the ride firmer and less able to absorb impacts compared with taller-sidewall tires.

Wheel size matters because larger wheels usually come with shorter tire sidewalls. When the speaker says “22 inch wheels,” they’re pointing to a setup that tends to ride firmer and feel less forgiving over bumps.

“19s” is shorthand for 19-inch wheels. In this context, the host is comparing how different wheel sizes (18s/19s/20s) change ride harshness and how much you notice the suspension working over bumps.

“20s” refers to 20-inch wheels, which typically pair with lower-profile tires. The speaker mentions “20s” and then gives a tire size example (“two 5545 tires”), using it to explain why wheel/tire choices can make a car feel stiffer.

In this segment, “suspension” refers to the system that controls how the car absorbs bumps and keeps the tires in contact with the road. The host connects suspension feel to wheel/tire size, saying you start noticing what the suspension is doing when you hit rough patches.

A “cruiser” is a driving style/vehicle character associated with relaxed, comfortable long-distance driving rather than sharp, track-focused handling. Here, the host is concluding that the Charger R/T’s ride and demeanor suit highway trips.

The hosts discuss a specific road-trip route as a use-case for the car’s ride quality. This functions as a practical “where it fits” segment rather than a technical explanation.

“The Dragon” is a nickname for a famous twisty mountain road known for tight turns and frequent driver challenges. The host is contrasting it with the earlier highway route, implying the Charger’s strengths are better suited to cruising than technical mountain driving.

This is a characterization of the Charger’s driving feel and styling vibe as reminiscent of 1960s–1970s American cars. The host describes it as big and slightly ungainly when things get technical, but still smooth and quiet while cruising.

“Engine exhaust” is the sound and flow coming from the exhaust system. The host is using it to describe the car’s noise character—quiet overall except for the exhaust note.

The Ford Mustang GT is a performance version of the Mustang, and the speaker is referring to a feature that allows a quieter engine start. The idea is that during development, loud startup noise from the car drew complaints, so Ford added a quieter startup mode for certain conditions.

A pedestrian warning sound is an artificial noise system used on EVs at low speeds to alert people nearby. Because electric cars are very quiet, the sound helps pedestrians and cyclists notice the vehicle, especially during slow driving or startup.

“Parking lot mode” here refers to a low-speed/low-activity operating behavior where the car’s startup and initial response are noticeable to people nearby. The host says they started it from inside in that mode and startled people, implying the car’s sound and/or movement cues are more prominent at low speed.

“Kicks in like it’s getting on full song” is a descriptive way to say the car’s performance/engine note ramps up quickly to its strongest operating behavior. In this context, it matches the earlier comments about the startup being sudden and the car sounding like it’s hitting its peak response.

Power delivery describes how an engine or drivetrain sends torque to the wheels—how quickly it responds and how smoothly it ramps up. The host is asking about the Charger’s response when merging onto the highway, linking it to both feel (“response”) and sound (“noise”).

“Eco” and “Sport” are drive modes that change how the car behaves—typically throttle mapping, shift strategy, and sometimes steering feel. Switching modes can make the car feel more relaxed (Eco) or more eager to respond (Sport).

A downshift is when an automatic transmission changes to a lower gear to increase engine speed and deliver more immediate acceleration. In this segment, the host describes a small delay before the car reacts, followed by a quick downshift to bring power on.

Full throttle means the driver requests maximum power by pressing the accelerator fully. The host is using it to describe how the transmission behaves under maximum demand—smooth, quick shifts when the car is working hardest.

Stability control is an electronic safety system that helps keep the car pointed where the driver intends. It uses sensors to detect loss of traction or yaw (skidding) and can apply brakes and reduce engine power to regain control.

In this context, “delay” refers to a lag between your input (like accelerating from a stop) and the car’s response. That can happen with traction management, drivetrain control, or how quickly power is delivered to the wheels.

Climate controls are the dashboard systems that manage cabin temperature and comfort, typically including temperature setting, airflow direction/mode, and fan speed. Here, the host is specifically discussing how those functions are laid out and how easy they are to operate without using a screen.

A touch-sensitive bar is a climate-control interface where you interact with a continuous strip (often capacitive) instead of separate physical buttons. The speaker is evaluating it based on accessibility, tactile feedback, and whether the controls feel solid or “cheap.”

The speaker is referencing the climate-control design direction associated with Chrysler under the Stellantis umbrella. Stellantis is the parent group that owns Chrysler, and it has been standardizing interior user-interface ideas across multiple brands.

Tactile sensation refers to the physical “feel” you get when using a control—like resistance, clicks, or vibration that confirms an input. In this segment, the host likes the tactile feedback because it helps confirm the climate system responded to your command.

Bolstering refers to the raised side sections of a seat that press into your body. More bolstering usually means better lateral support, helping keep you positioned during cornering.

Lumbar support is the seat’s built-in support for the lower back (the lumbar region). Too much lumbar support can feel intrusive, while the right amount can reduce fatigue and improve posture.

In seat-talk, a “pocket” describes the shaped area of the seat that you sink into and that helps position your body. A good pocket can improve grip and stability so you don’t feel like you’re sliding or sitting “on top” of the seat.

A climate system is the car’s heating and air-conditioning setup, including controls that manage cabin temperature and airflow. The host is transitioning from seat comfort to other cabin controls.

Paddle shifters are steering-wheel-mounted controls that let you change gears without using a traditional gear lever. They’re commonly paired with automatic transmissions (like dual-clutch or torque-converter automatics) to give a more driver-focused, manual-like feel.

A hatchback design uses a rear door that swings upward and includes the rear window, which can make the cargo area easier to access. The hosts are contrasting this with the more traditional trunk layout they associate with the “last charger,” and they connect it to usability and cargo practicality.

The rear package shelf is the panel behind the rear seat that can partially block or shape the cargo area view and access. In the segment, it’s mentioned as a packaging element that can make it harder to load or reach items compared with a hatchback layout.

A sedan is a passenger car body style with a separate trunk and a fixed roof, typically with three distinct sections (front engine bay, passenger cabin, and rear trunk). The host highlights that they’re glad the Charger is a sedan rather than an SUV-like vehicle, because it changes packaging and visibility.

The Toyota Crown is a long-running Toyota model name that has been used for a range of passenger cars, including more upscale versions. In the context you provided, it’s discussed as a replacement for the Avalon, with attention on the Crown’s styling and how Toyota positioned it. Podcasts often bring it up because it represents Toyota’s approach to evolving a familiar nameplate into a new role and design direction.

Marketing hyperbole is exaggerated or absolute-sounding promotional language that’s meant to grab attention rather than be strictly factual. The host uses it to criticize Dodge’s “world’s most powerful” style claim and compares it to an obviously unrealistic example.

All wheel drive (AWD) means the car can send power to all four wheels, not just the front or rear axle. That can improve traction in rain, snow, and low-grip conditions, and it’s a key part of why Dodge is marketing this Charger as a muscle car with AWD.

A muscle car is a performance-focused American car category known for strong engine output and a heavy emphasis on acceleration and straight-line driving. The host is specifically reacting to Dodge’s attempt to label the Charger as a muscle car while also having AWD, which they argue is unusual for the category.

Headroom is the vertical space between a person’s head and the roof when seated. The hosts say there’s “no headroom,” which is a key indicator of why the rear seat feels cramped and uncomfortable.

The hatch floor is the floor level in the cargo area behind the rear seat, shaped by the vehicle’s underbody packaging. A “really high” hatch floor can reduce how much you can stack or fit, and it often correlates with other packaging constraints that affect rear-seat comfort.

An EV platform is a vehicle “base” designed around electric components (battery placement, electric drive units, and wiring) rather than adapting an existing gas-car layout. The point here is that choosing an EV-first architecture can still force packaging compromises that show up as awkward rear-seat geometry or footwell space.

In EV development, “compromises” refers to the trade-offs engineers make when packaging batteries and electric driveline components. This segment argues that whether you convert a gas platform to EV or design an EV platform from scratch, you can still end up with cabin discomfort due to floor height, seat shape, and footwell constraints.

Fit and finish describes how well interior and exterior parts line up and how cleanly they’re assembled—panel gaps, trim alignment, and surface quality. The hosts mention it being “hit and miss,” pointing to a plastic piece where two trim sections meet that doesn’t line up perfectly.

A manual transmission is a gearbox you shift yourself using a clutch pedal and a gear lever. In the context of muscle cars like the 1970s Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Barracuda, it’s often discussed because it changes how the car feels day-to-day and how reliably it’s maintained.

The Plymouth Cuda is a 1970s muscle car known for its aggressive styling and performance-focused reputation. When the host compares it to modern reliability, they’re referencing the era’s cars and how their drivetrains and overall build quality were often discussed.

Auto stop-start is a system that automatically shuts the engine off when the car is stopped (like at a red light) and restarts it when you release the brake or press the accelerator. The host is discussing a physical button to disable it, which matters because some drivers dislike the feel or potential wear concerns of frequent restarts.

A wireless charger is a charging pad that transfers power to a phone without plugging in a cable, usually using electromagnetic induction. In cars, it’s typically built into the center console or dash area so you can drop your phone in place while driving.

The center console is the main storage and control area between the driver and passenger, often housing cupholders, shifters, infotainment controls, and charging ports. In this segment, the host describes phone slots located on the center console.

A key fob is the remote control used to lock/unlock the car and operate certain functions without inserting a key. The host notes the hatchback-related button isn’t available on the driver’s dash area and isn’t even on the key fob.

Squeaks and rattles are small noises that often come from loose trim pieces, joints, or vibrations in the body structure. They can become more noticeable in cold weather because materials contract and clearances change.

The cargo area is the space in the rear of the vehicle used for carrying luggage and other items. In hatchbacks, the cargo area’s shape and access can affect how easily you can reach items and how they behave when the car is driven or loaded.

Visibility refers to how well the driver can see around and through the vehicle’s glass and body openings. Hatchback designs can reduce rearward or overall sightlines depending on the rear opening and window angles.

A windshield angle affects how much the glass slopes and how the driver’s sightlines and reflections look. A more steeply angled windshield can change perceived visibility and glare, especially in certain lighting or weather.

A hood scoop is an opening on the hood that channels air toward the engine bay. On many performance cars it can help with cooling or intake airflow, but on some designs it’s also used mainly for styling.

Blind spots are areas around the vehicle that the driver can’t see directly from the mirrors or through the windows. The speaker links blind spots to thick pillars and the rear window’s shape, which can make turning around and checking traffic harder.

A backup camera is a rear-view camera that displays what’s behind the car on a screen when reversing. The speaker points out that many drivers have come to rely on it, even though it can fail or require recalls.

“Rough shifts” means the transmission changes gears in a way that feels harsh or jerky rather than smooth. In this segment, the roughness is tied to upshifts at very low throttle and low vehicle speeds, which can make the car feel crude when you’re just trying to roll forward.

An “upshift” is when the transmission moves to a higher gear ratio (typically to reduce engine speed as you accelerate). The hosts specifically mention upshifting in parking-lot situations—when you’re barely on the throttle—which can lead to a noticeable jolt if the shift timing or torque delivery isn’t seamless.

To “modulate” the throttle means to apply the gas pedal smoothly and in small increments to control how much torque the engine sends to the drivetrain. The hosts say it’s hard to modulate at low speeds, implying the car’s response can be abrupt unless you’re extremely gentle.

“Throttle delivery” describes how quickly and how strongly the car responds when you press the accelerator—essentially the shape of the torque request. The segment suggests an “abrupt throttle delivery,” meaning the torque comes in suddenly, which can contribute to a lurch during low-speed takeoff.

The Dodge Charger R/T is a modern Charger variant that’s judged heavily on how well its powertrain behaves in everyday driving, not just straight-line speed. In this segment, the host focuses on low-speed drivability—especially how the car behaves during slow maneuvers and downshifts—plus the character of its engine and exhaust sound.

Powertrain is the set of components that make the car move—typically the engine (or motor), transmission, driveshafts, and final drive. When the host says the car needs to be “dinged” for its powertrain, they’re pointing to how the engine and transmission work together, especially in everyday driving.

The Volkswagen Taos is a compact crossover that the host uses as a comparison point for drivability feel. Here, the key idea is that the Taos and the Charger can feel similar at low speeds, suggesting the issue is more about transmission/shift behavior than about the vehicle type.

Drivability is how easy and smooth a car feels in normal driving—starting, stopping, turning, and low-speed control. The host links “drivability issues” to the Charger’s low-speed behavior, implying the problem shows up in everyday maneuvers rather than highway cruising.

An inline six is an engine with six cylinders arranged in a single straight line. The host notes it’s “known as one of the smoothest engines,” meaning the cylinder layout tends to produce smoother power delivery and less vibration than many other layouts.

A dead pedal is an extra footrest area for your left foot, usually on the driver’s side floor. It gives you a place to rest your foot while you’re using the accelerator and brake, helping with comfort and control during steady driving.

“Driving position quirks” refers to small, repeatable fit-and-feel issues that affect how you sit and operate the car. In this segment, the host is pointing out how the footrest angle and armrest/center-console layout change where your elbows and knees end up.

A manual gearbox is a transmission where the driver selects gears using a clutch pedal and a gear lever. The host argues that choosing a manual gearbox improves how the car handles and makes the driving experience more engaging.

A warranty is the manufacturer’s promise to cover certain repairs for a set period or mileage. The host says to “stop and kill the warranty,” implying that modifications or ownership choices could affect warranty coverage.

“STI approved mods” refers to performance parts and modifications that are validated by Subaru’s STI (Subaru Tecnica International) division. The host is suggesting that if you’re going to modify a car, using approved parts is a more practical way to avoid going too far and potentially creating problems.

Mopar is the enthusiast nickname for Chrysler’s performance and parts ecosystem (Dodge, Chrysler, and Plymouth), and it’s commonly used to describe the culture around those cars. In this segment, the host says the Charger is “polarizing” because it attracts Mopar fans—people who are especially drawn to that brand identity.

The Dodge Challenger is the other major Mopar muscle-car in the Charger/Challenger family, known for its retro styling and performance trims. Here it’s grouped with the Charger as part of the “Mopar” crowd that draws attention and comments from other people.

The Dodge Avenger is a mid-size sedan that Dodge sold in the U.S. as a more mainstream, everyday alternative to the brand’s muscle-car lineup. In this segment, it’s mentioned as an example of a Mopar owner showing up in something other than a Charger or Challenger.

The Mazda MX-5, commonly called the Miata, is a lightweight two-seat roadster designed to deliver an engaging driving experience. It’s frequently mentioned because its simple, balanced setup makes it feel nimble and fun, especially for drivers who want “driver’s car” character rather than raw power. In a podcast, it often appears in recommendations alongside other performance cars when someone is choosing a fun option.

A V8 is an engine with eight cylinders arranged in a “V” shape. In enthusiast talk, V8s are often associated with strong sound and smooth power delivery, which is why the host says they like V8s in the Charger/Challenger context.

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) means the engine’s power is sent to the rear wheels. The host frames it as part of what made earlier Chargers appealing, implying the new Charger’s setup doesn’t match that traditional driving feel.

EV stands for electric vehicle, meaning the car is powered by an electric motor instead of a gasoline engine. The host argues that when Dodge reintroduced the Charger as an EV, it changed the “presence” and expectations of buyers who wanted the older, more traditional Charger vibe.

“Racing fuel” is a consumer term for higher-performance gasoline blends that often have higher octane than standard pump fuel. The key point is that the engine must be calibrated to take advantage of it; otherwise, it’s mostly a cost increase.

The 2014 Subaru Crosstrek XP is a compact crossover built around Subaru’s typical “regular fuel” strategy. It’s designed to run on 87 octane fuel, so using a higher-octane “racing fuel” usually won’t unlock extra power on its own.

Octane is a measure of a fuel’s resistance to knocking (uncontrolled combustion) inside an engine. Higher-octane fuel can be beneficial when an engine is designed/tuned for it, but it doesn’t automatically create more power just because the number is higher.

Compression ratio is the relationship between the cylinder volume when the piston is at its lowest point versus highest point. A higher compression ratio generally increases efficiency and power potential, but it also raises the risk of knock—so it often pairs with higher-octane fuel and careful tuning.

Turbocharging uses a turbine-driven compressor to force more air into the engine, which can increase power. Because it changes boost pressure and combustion conditions, turbo setups typically require a specialized tune to take advantage of higher-octane fuel and avoid knock.

Ethanol-free fuel is gasoline without alcohol additives (ethanol). The speaker’s point is that ethanol can degrade fuel over time and can cause issues like gumming up carburetors, so ethanol-free fuel is often used for small engines stored for long periods.

Carburetors are fuel-mixing devices that meter gasoline into the engine using jets and passages rather than electronic fuel injection. Ethanol in fuel can leave deposits and “gum up” carburetor components, especially in engines that sit unused.

In this context, “two carburetor” refers to dirt bikes that use carburetors (not fuel injection). The key idea is that carbureted engines are more sensitive to fuel additives like ethanol, which can cause starting and running issues.

A two-stroke engine completes its power cycle in two piston strokes (one crankshaft revolution), unlike a four-stroke. The speaker is using this to explain why they mix and store a small amount of fuel for longer periods, where ethanol-free fuel can help prevent degradation and starting problems.