Just months after U.S. President Donald Trump declared he didn’t want Canadian-made vehicles, a car built in Windsor, Ont., is drawing major praise south of the border and earning some of the industry’s most prestigious awards.
The gas-powered Dodge Charger Sixpack, which began production earlier this month at Stellantis’ Windsor Assembly Plant, has already been named TopGear’s U.S. Car of the Year and The Detroit News’ Vehicle of the Year. The reborn muscle car is also a finalist for the North American Car of the Year award, set to be announced next month at the Detroit Auto Show.
Dodge CEO Matt McAlear called the moment symbolic for the brand, saying the new Charger represents “the evolution of muscle cars as we know it.” The 550-horsepower vehicle is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six engine, marking a shift away from traditional V8s and a recalibration after Dodge’s all-electric Charger Daytona failed to gain traction with buyers.
The Sixpack’s arrival comes at a turbulent time for the auto industry, as manufacturers retreat from aggressive electric-vehicle strategies amid slowing EV adoption and reduced government incentives. Stellantis suffered a sharp profit decline last year after discontinuing older gas-powered Chargers and Challengers, making the success of the Windsor-built model especially significant.
Auto industry analyst Sam Fiorani said the Sixpack reflects a broader industry correction. While EVs still have a place in the market, he noted that many consumers continue to prefer gasoline engines they know and trust.
The new Charger has also provided a morale boost for Windsor, a city that has struggled with high unemployment and economic uncertainty throughout much of the year. Despite U.S. tariffs on Canadian-assembled vehicles and ongoing trade tensions, Stellantis chose to produce the Sixpack in Canada — a decision union leaders see as a vote of confidence in the local workforce.
Mike Stevenson, first vice-president of Unifor Local 444, called the car a “silver lining” for workers after a difficult year, adding that its production in Windsor speaks to the plant’s quality and reliability.
Challenges remain. Some muscle-car purists question whether enthusiasts will accept a six-cylinder engine in place of a V8, while high prices — starting at nearly $70,000 Canadian and climbing toward $90,000 — could limit accessibility for buyers already squeezed by rising living costs. Tariffs also continue to loom over Canadian-built vehicles entering the U.S. market.
Still, early reception has been strong. Reviewers have praised the Sixpack’s performance, styling and versatility, including its ability to switch between all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive. Dodge says its entire 2026 model-year allocation sold out within 24 hours.
Dealerships near the Windsor plant report significant online interest, far exceeding demand for the electric Charger Daytona, which struggled to sell. Sales staff say customers are eager for details on availability, features and pricing.
While Dodge isn’t ruling out a future return of V8 engines, McAlear said the current inline-six delivers more power and efficiency than its predecessors. He defended the earlier EV launch as part of a broader multi-energy strategy, arguing that flexibility will be key as consumer demand continues to evolve.
Looking ahead, Dodge has begun shipping Sixpacks to dealerships and is exploring additional products, including more affordable entry-level options. While the company has not confirmed future plans for its Brampton facility, McAlear said Stellantis remains committed to Canada — particularly Windsor, which also produces Chrysler Pacifica minivans.
For workers on the line, the accolades carry real meaning. Seeing a Windsor-built muscle car celebrated across North America, Stevenson said, reinforces why the plant continues to play a critical role in the future of the auto industry.
