2027 Dodge Charger Pursuit
The black-and-white silhouette, the imposing presence filling rearview mirrors – the Dodge Charger Pursuit has been an undeniable icon of American law enforcement vehicles for years.
Its blend of muscle car attitude, rear-wheel-drive dynamics (and later, available AWD), and HEMI V8 power made it a favorite for departments needing a capable pursuit-rated sedan.
But times change, platforms evolve, and the automotive world is charging headlong into a new era. As Dodge reinvents its legendary Charger for the civilian market, the question burning in the minds of fleet managers and officers across the country is: What’s next for the Pursuit?
While official specifications for a 2027 Dodge Charger Pursuit are still under wraps as of mid-2025, the groundwork laid by the all-new next-generation Dodge Charger platform gives us a tantalizing preview.
Based on early reports, concept showings, and the capabilities of the underlying STLA Large platform, we can start building an anticipated review of this future patrol powerhouse.
Dodge has confirmed they are actively developing police packages, working with agencies like the California Highway Patrol and Michigan State Police. This suggests a successor is indeed on the way, potentially arriving closer to the 2026 or 2027 model year.
A New Foundation: STLA Large and Purpose-Built Design
The outgoing Charger, while venerable, rode on architecture with roots stretching back decades. The next-generation Dodge Charger starts fresh with the advanced STLA Large platform, a global architecture designed for flexibility in powertrain and body style. Key benefits for a potential Pursuit variant include:
- Increased Rigidity: Dodge claims the new chassis is significantly stiffer (reportedly up to 50%) than its predecessor. This translates directly to improved handling precision, better crashworthiness, and a more stable platform for mounting police equipment – crucial for a vehicle enduring the rigors of duty.
- Optimized Packaging: Whether housing a large battery pack or an internal combustion engine, the platform is designed for optimal weight distribution. The electric Charger Daytona models boast near 50/50 balance, which promises excellent handling characteristics, a vital trait for a pursuit vehicle.
- Four-Door Focus: While the new Charger launched with a striking two-door coupe, a four-door liftback version is following closely behind. This four-door configuration is the obvious choice for the Charger Pursuit, offering necessary accessibility for officers and transport.
Powertrain Prospects: Electrons or Hurricane Winds?
This is the most significant shift. The legendary HEMI V8 is gone, replaced by two distinct, potent options for the civilian Charger, both likely candidates for law enforcement duty:
- The Charger Daytona EV Pursuit (Anticipated): Imagine the scenario: near-silent operation for stealthy approaches, coupled with the instantaneous, neck-snapping torque electric motors are famous for. The civilian Charger Daytona comes in R/T (around 496 hp) and Scat Pack (a potent 670 hp) flavors, both with standard all-wheel drive.
- Performance Potential: The Scat Pack’s targeted 0-60 mph time of 3.3 seconds would make it one of the quickest police cars ever fielded. AWD provides all-weather confidence.
- Operational Considerations: Range (up to 317 miles for the R/T, likely less with police equipment and demanding use) and charging infrastructure remain key questions for widespread adoption. Will departments invest in station chargers? How will extended pursuits or stakeouts impact battery life? The unique “Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust” attempts to provide audible feedback, but the overall EV experience will be a major adjustment. This would be a true electric police vehicle review landmark.
- The Charger Sixpack Pursuit (Anticipated): For departments not yet ready or able to commit to full electrification, the gasoline-powered Charger Sixpack offers a compelling alternative. Powered by the new 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six engine, it promises V8-like power with potentially better efficiency.
- Performance Potential: Offered in standard output (420 hp) and high output (a stout 550 hp) versions, both exceeding the horsepower of the previous 5.7L HEMI V8 Pursuit. Standard AWD is also expected. This hurricane-engine police car should offer formidable acceleration and high-speed stability.
- Operational Considerations: This provides a more familiar internal combustion experience—refueling is quick, and the technology is proven. It bridges the gap between the old guard and the electric future, potentially offering a lower initial cost barrier than the EV. However, maintenance on a twin-turbo I6 will differ from the simpler pushrod V8s.
Anticipated Duty-Ready Upgrades: More Than Just Paint and Lights
An actual Pursuit vehicle is far more than a civilian car with a light bar. Based on previous models and Stellantis fleet offerings for law enforcement, we anticipate the 2027 Dodge Charger Pursuit will feature:
- Heavy-Duty Everything: Expect upgraded pursuit-rated brakes (likely Brembos on higher-performance variants), load-leveling and heavy-duty suspension components tuned for high speeds and added equipment weight, enhanced engine and transmission cooling systems, and robust steel wheels.
- Officer-Centric Interior: The cabin will be redesigned for officer safety features and functionality. This includes seats designed to accommodate duty belts, reinforced seatbacks (potentially with available ballistic door panels), dedicated mounting points and wiring pre-installation for computers, radios, and controllers, and durable, easy-to-clean surfaces. Specialized police car interior layouts are a must.
- Integrated Technology: The new Charger boasts large digital displays (instrument cluster and central touchscreen). Expect the Charger Pursuit to leverage this with specialized Uconnect software integrating police systems, vehicle diagnostics, and potentially tactical mapping or communication interfaces. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) like automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control will likely be standard, possibly with LE-specific tuning. This represents a leap in law enforcement technology.
The Anticipated Review: Performance Expectations
Without official testing data from agencies like the Michigan State Police or the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, a definitive performance review is impossible. However, based on the ingredients, here’s what we expect:
- Acceleration: Both the Daytona EV and Hurricane Sixpack variants promise acceleration significantly quicker than the outgoing V6 Pursuit and likely equal to or better than the 5.7L V8 model. The Daytona Scat Pack Pursuit, if offered, could set new benchmarks.
- Handling: The stiffer platform, sophisticated suspension design (likely multi-link front and rear), and standard AWD should deliver confidence-inspiring handling, improving on the previous generation’s already respectable capabilities. Weight will be a factor, especially for the EV, but the low center of gravity should help mitigate this.
- Braking: Given the increased performance potential, robust braking systems will be critical. Expect strong, fade-resistant brakes designed for repeated high-speed deceleration.
- Overall Impression: The next-generation Dodge Charger Pursuit is poised to be a technologically advanced, high-performance machine. The choice between potent EV torque and powerful twin-turbo I6 muscle will offer departments unprecedented options. Early positive reactions to concepts shown at law enforcement events suggest strong interest. Once testing commences, a direct police vehicle comparison against rivals like the Ford Police Interceptor Utility will be fascinating.
The Fleet Perspective: Adapting to the Future
Fleet managers will face new decisions. Integrating EVs requires planning for charging infrastructure and understanding different maintenance schedules.
While powerful, the Hurricane engine introduces twin-turbo complexity compared to the outgoing V8. Total cost of ownership calculations will need to factor in fuel/electricity costs, maintenance, and potential resale value.
Many departments may initially opt for the Hurricane engine police car or run mixed fleets during the transition.
The Watch Continues
The 2027 Dodge Charger Pursuit represents more than just a model year update; it signifies a fundamental shift in pursuit-rated performance and technology.
Whether propelled by electrons or the force of a Hurricane, it aims to carry the Charger’s legacy forward, offering law enforcement a potent blend of speed, technology, and presence.
While we await official specifications, road tests, and, crucially, feedback from the officers who will depend on it daily, the anticipation is palpable.
The next-generation police car wars are heating up, and Dodge appears ready to make a powerful statement. Keep your scanners tuned; the complete review is coming, but the preview suggests it will be worth the wait.
