Govind TekaleDodge brought an early version of its next-generation Dodge Charger Police Pursuit Vehicle to the Police Fleet Expo 2026 on August 12-13, 2026, at Daytona International Speedway, giving law enforcement agencies their first look at what replaces the previous-generation Charger Pursuit.
Where the outgoing model offered a 3.6-liter V6 with 292 horsepower or a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with 360 horsepower, the new Charger PPV uses a twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 that produces 420 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive comes standard — a first for the modern Charger police lineup, which previously was rear-wheel drive only or had AWD as an option.
Dodge CEO commitment
The timing of the Charger PPV’s appearance was notable: it came less than 48 hours after Dodge CEO Matt McAlear spoke at Roadkill Nights on August 11, where he was asked directly about the future of the Charger in law enforcement. McAlear confirmed that Dodge has no intention of walking away from the police market.
The previous Charger Pursuit production ended in 2023 when Dodge shifted focus to electric muscle cars with the Charger Daytona EV. The return to internal combustion for police duty signals a strategic pivot back to gas-powered variants, aligning with ongoing resistance in some police departments to electric vehicle adoption over concerns about charging infrastructure, cold-weather range, and pursuit durability.
When cops can buy one
Stellantis Fleet confirmed on its official Facebook channel that the Charger PPV will be “orderable in the summer of 2027.” Production takes place at the Brampton Assembly plant in Ontario, Canada — the only facility currently building the Charger sedan.
The vehicle shown at Daytona was a prototype, not the final production model. Final specifications, pricing, and capabilities will be announced closer to the ordering date.
Police fleet market context
Ford and Chevrolet continue to dominate U.S. police vehicle sales. Dodge held significant market share before exiting the police market in 2023. The Police Fleet Expo 2026 drew law enforcement procurement officers, fleet managers, and agency decision-makers from across North America.
Industry analysts note that while many departments are evaluating electric and hybrid options, the majority of patrol vehicle purchases still favor proven internal combustion platforms. The 420-horsepower upgrade positions the Charger PPV above its predecessor and closer to Ford’s Police Interceptor Utility offerings.
Stellantis has not yet released pricing or detailed performance specifications beyond the engine output and all-wheel-drive drivetrain. The company did confirm that the AWD system will be standard across all trim levels of the police variant.
The Charger PPV appears as police departments nationwide are re-evaluating their vehicle procurement strategies following supply chain disruptions during the pandemic and the ongoing shift toward electrification. Whether departments will opt for the gas-powered Charger over hybrid or electric alternatives remains to be seen when ordering opens next summer.
