While Maserati has its MCXtrema and its 3.0-liter V6 engine, tuned to 740 HP, which Ferrari has just unveiled its 296 GT3 Modificata with a 3.0-liter V6 producing 730 HP, Stellantis continues to demonstrate the potential of its new six-cylinder engine. But, once again, this is happening on the other side of the Atlantic.
We've already talked at length about the new Dodge Charger. And for good reason: from a technical standpoint, this American car is one of the most interesting models in the Stellantis group. It's based on the STLA Large platform and introduces the new GME T6 inline-six engine, marketed by Dodge as the SIXPACK. In the production Dodge Charger, this engine is available with 550 HP in its High Output. But two prototypes now demonstrate just how far this mechanical platform can go: 750 HP, rear-wheel drive, and… a manual transmission!
Two 750 HP Dodge Chargers with manual transmissions
These are the Dodge Charger BOOST and Dodge Charger RPM, two cars developed by Dodge for drifting, Hemmings and Suppy’s Garage. The base models are new Dodge Chargers equipped with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder engine producing 550 HP. But virtually everything else has been redesigned to turn them into drift machines.
Power thus reaches 750 HP, with two different options: the BOOST replaces the two original turbos with a single large turbo, while the RPM retains a significantly modified twin-turbo setup. Even more interesting: the all-wheel drive and automatic transmission found in production Chargers are gone. The engineers created custom clutch housings, modified the drivetrain, and converted the cars to rear-wheel drive with… a manual transmission. Three pedals and a shift lever: a combination that has become almost exotic on a modern car with this much power.
These two Chargers, which were first unveiled at Roadkill Nights, are back in the news because they’re participating in the GRIDLIFE Laguna Seca Festival September 18–20, 2026.
A Stellantis six-cylinder engine that flexes its muscles
Obviously, this isn't a future production Dodge Charger with 750 HP and a manual transmission. Both of these cars are heavily modified prototypes. But their existence illustrates something interesting.
Stellantis now has in its engine lineup an STLA Large platform designed to handle high power outputs, as well as a new 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six capable of producing 750 HP in this configuration—without any hybrid technology. And this engine is not entirely unfamiliar to the Italian automotive world. The GME four-cylinder belongs to the same broad engine family and has been powering the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio for years, without this seeming to pose a problem for Alfa Romeo enthusiasts.
The comparison is inevitably tempting. Ferrari gets 730 ch from its 3.0-liter V6 in the 296 GT3 Modificata, while the Maserati MCXtrema’s 3.0-liter Nettuno V6 produces 740 HP. With 750 HP, the Stellantis inline-six is therefore, at least in terms of raw power, in a comparable range. It even comes close to the 800 HP delivered by the Lamborghini Temerario’s twin-turbo V8 before its electric motor kicks in.
Of course, simply comparing power figures isn’t enough to compare engines or cars with radically different design philosophies. But the figure does allow us to gauge the potential achieved by this powertrain, developed by Stellantis in North America. And that naturally leads us to look at what’s happening on our side of the Atlantic.
And why not Alfa Romeo?
For now, Stellantis’s most spectacular technological demonstrations seem to be coming primarily from its U.S. division. With the STLA Large platform, a six-cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive, and now a manual transmission, Dodge is demonstrating exactly what can be achieved with the group’s new technologies.
In Europe, the picture is quite different. The upcoming Alfa Romeo Giulia (2026) and Stelvio (2025), which were once expected to benefit from STLA Large LP3, available only in the 100 % electric version, have since were canceled. Yet, on paper, in our view, Alfa Romeo would likely be the Stellantis European brand for which such a combination would seem the most natural: a six-cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive, high power, and a manual transmission.
So here’s the paradox: Stellantis now has, somewhere in its massive parts library, a modern six-cylinder engine capable of producing 750 HP, a recent platform suited for rear-wheel drive, and concrete proof that a manual transmission can be paired with the whole package.
And while Stellantis’s U.S. division continues to develop—and, above all, showcase—its own technical solutions, it’s hard to find an equivalent in Europe. Among the anticipated innovations is the upcoming STLA One platform, while an increasing portion of the group’s European technology announcements involve partnerships or collaborations with Chinese companies such as Dongfeng, Leapmotor, CATL, and even Huawei for Maserati.
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And we're letting Alfa Romeo and Maserati die...
These drift cars aren't street-legal at all, and the 750ch version of the Hurricane probably wouldn't pass any emissions tests. You're just daydreaming here!
It clearly states, «Obviously, this isn’t a future production Dodge Charger with 750 ch and a manual transmission. Both of these cars are heavily modified prototypes.»
The purpose of this article is to show that, across the Atlantic, there is still a desire at Stellantis to make driving a little more «fun,» thanks to new technologies (platforms and engines).
The article does leave things a bit vague, though, and if we go down that path, Peugeot managed to squeeze 875 ch out of an old 3.2L V6 in the 208 Pikes Peak.
Sorry, I'm doing the best I can with the information I have xD
Well, for Europe, a simple 3-cylinder engine with 100 cv will do just fine!
One really has to wonder if Stellantis actually wants to turn Alfa Romeo around!!!
That’s just how European legislation works. In Europe, we’ll have small, low-emission hybrid engines and 100% electric cars. That’s just the way it is. Now, is this compatible with the DNA of certain car brands? Not sure… Just look at Alpine and the A390, whose sales just aren’t taking off…
An Alfa Romeo with a 3-cylinder PureTech engine—or any other Peugeot engine—what’s the point? The design isn’t too bad, but with an interior that borrows elements from Peugeot, it’s just not acceptable. The Junior is selling reasonably well—and that’s great—but the Alfa Romeo DNA is gone with the Junior Ibrida.
With hybrid technology, it’s possible to have V6 engines that emit low levels of CO2—as evidenced by the Ferrari 296 GTB. As for the Dodge Charger’s 6-cylinder engine, it’s unlikely we’ll see it in Europe.
They should pair this 6-cylinder engine with a good HEV… Stellantis doesn’t seem to be pursuing the PHEV option, either in Europe or in the U.S.
Developing a PHEV with this six-cylinder engine would be possible thanks to economies of scale with American models—such as the RAM and Jeep lineups—and European brands. This type of «cloning,» so highly valued by Stellantis, would make sense in this context.
Yes, but it seems that PHEV technology is falling out of favor at Stellantis; models equipped with this powertrain are gradually being phased out. We should keep an eye on the HEV, particularly the 1.6L EP6 in the United States, which is being introduced with this hybrid system.
«Not too bad»—the Junior's design? Lol…
Yeah, that's debatable. Let's just say it's not that much of a step down in the Veloce version.
Electric cars? Sure, I have no doubt about that.
Seriously? The problem with the Alpine 390! is that it’s a Renault first and foremost. Spending 75,000 euros on a Renault—well, that’s not very appealing. Like the DS8 or even an Alfa, when you think about it.
The Alpine A390 GTS should cost 70,000 euros or less. The current price of 80,000 euros is well above that of competitors like Polestar, BMW, or Audi. And Alpine is not Porsche. Therefore, Alpine needs to increase power, range, and, above all, customization options.
It's surprising to see that the U.S. still has a passion for cars, whereas everything that comes out in Europe reeks of boredom from miles away…
It's fun to drive and spend millions on totally useless stuff (but so American). I think Stell needs, first and foremost, mass-market products that sell well! Where are the investments?
If that's possible, then so is 500 hp from a 2-liter 6-cylinder. Or 425 hp from a 1,750 cc four-cylinder. Sounds good enough to me. In an Alfa Romeo Giulia and Giulietta. Weighing between 1,200 and 1,400 kg. Superb handling. What is Stellantis waiting for?
Basically just a copy-and-paste of the BMW M3 with bigger turbos. Nothing new, no innovation.
And people want innovation and something new?
MAMPARA... just go ahead and buy a toilet...
Because of Stelantis and the U.S., the fine automobile is dying.
And I don't want a box from China.
and my post is being reviewed...
equal
Production cars are one thing, and prototypes are another. The Ferraris and Alfas mentioned are production models sold in Europe; the others are prototypes. Stellantis should offer PHEVs with electric features suited for everyday and city driving, as well as engine performance designed for driving pleasure and long trips.
In my opinion, this technology and engine development—which appears to be limited to the U.S.—shows that Stellantis likely views the U.S. as a «market of the future» for itself. Certainly—also—because of the prevailing public preference there for «appropriate» engine sizes. The relevant legal framework there is likely also guided by the current U.S. administration’s environmental policy, which could be described as «relentless» … “drill, baby, drill” …
For Alfa and Maserati, things are looking increasingly «bleak»……no «sales figures,» no significant market share……no investments (anymore)………Is there still hope for an «exclusive» niche existence in the sense of a «bottega fuori»?
Am I the only one who sees this new Stellantis engine as a potential successor to the 2JZ?
3 liters, 550 chevaux in a Giulia shooting brake with a manual transmission—I’ll buy it… as soon as the current government is out of office and the 90,000-euro penalty is eliminated.
The hardest part is convincing the Stellantis board. These men dismiss all the buying signals from potential customers.