Dodge Sends the Challenger Out in Style

If you haven’t heard, we’re reaching the end of an era. Dodge is bringing the legendary Challenger to its final finish line, at least as we know it. There are already reports that we’ll see the Challenger return with an electric powertrain, which has us more than a little excited about what the future means for muscle cars. For now, however, as your Dodge Challenger dealer, we’re saying goodbye to one of our favorite vehicles ever made and celebrating the incredible power and performance it has brought to the road, and Dodge is celebrating right along with us.

Rather than let the Challenger go out with a whimper, Dodge is sending it out in style with one of the most impressive final model years we’ve ever seen. Not only will you find incredible engines on this run for the Challenger, but there are numerous trims and special editions available to celebrate everything this car has meant to so many of us. Honestly, there’s too much to even get into it all here––feel free to stop by, and we’ll happily tell you more––but we’ll do our best to go over some of the highlights and details that remind us why Dodge remains the leader when it comes to making the most-powerful muscle cars in the world.

Incredible Array of Engines

Too often in the auto industry, a legendary model will be retired with little fanfare or attention. You might see a few headlines about it, but ultimately the manufacturer doesn’t want to put too much energy into something they see as being unimportant or no longer relevant. We’re happy to say that’s definitely not the case with Dodge and the Challenger. For starters, Dodge is packing its final model year with some of the most powerful engines we’ve ever seen in this beast.

You have an embarrassing number of incredible engines to choose from, depending on which model you’re looking at. There are nine models and five engines (more on models below). To start off with, there’s the award-winning 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine that puts out 303 hp to satisfy most drivers. This is followed up by a remarkable 345 HEMI V8, which will feature a “345” badge on the front fender to pay tribute to this legendary engine that delivers a solid 375 hp to really get your heart pounding.

Of course, if you’re looking to take things to the next level, then Dodge has you covered with several options starting with a naturally aspirated 392 HEMI V8 engine that delivers a best-in-class 485 hp. We’re not done, though; there’s also an available 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 that delivers 717 hp, which is where most companies would stop but not Dodge. If you need a muscle car that roars like an absolute monster, then there’s a Supercharged 6.2L HEMI High-Output V8 engine available tuned to deliver either 797 hp or 807 hp if, somehow, 797 hp doesn’t meet your standards.

Nine Distinct Models

For this final model year for the Challenger, Dodge has seen fit to deliver nine different models for you to choose from, letting you get exactly what you want from your muscle car. It all starts with the SXT, a starting trim that’s anything but “standard” and includes the 3.6L V6 engine with a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. You can also choose an SXT AWD trim if you want the features of this model with power to all four wheels. From there, you can go with a GT model that includes some additional features inside, plus the same engine and transmission as the starting trim––there’s also a GT AWD model available.

Moving up, you can choose the R/T trim for the 2023 Challenger, which upgrades you to the remarkable 345 HEMI V8 engine paired with a Tremec six-speed manual transmission. You can also choose an R/T Scat Pack if you’re interested in the naturally aspirated 392 HEMI V8 engine along with the manual transmission––this is available with a Widebody. From there, you can move up to the first of three SRT models: the SRT Hellcat comes with the 717-hp 6.2L HEMI V8 engine and the manual transmission. It’s worth noting that the eight-speed automatic is available for these three models if you prefer that over the demands of a manual.

The penultimate trim for the 2023 Challenger is the SRT Hellcat Redeye, which gives you the Supercharged 6.2L HEMI High-Output V8 engine tuned to deliver 797 hp, paired with a heavy-duty TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic. Both this model and the SRT Hellcat are available with a Widebody and as a Jailbreak model that gives you more customization options. Finally, the available SRT Super Stock gives you the same HEMI V8 engine tuned to deliver a blistering 807 hp. This is the quickest, most powerful muscle car, with the ability to go from 0 to 60 in just 3.25 seconds and run the quarter-mile in 10.5 seconds, with a top speed of 168 mph.

Exclusive Packages and Special Editions

As if these nine amazing models didn’t give you enough options and freedom for the final Challenger model, Dodge has also revealed a number of packages and special editions to really send this beast out in style. There’s the HEMI Orange appearance package, which includes an orange tracer stripe, orange badging accents and brake calipers, and more. You can also choose an SRT Black package for the SRT Hellcat and Hellcat Redeye models to add a sleek, blacked-out look with Midnight Grey Metallic badging throughout.

One thing that has a lot of people excited, however, has been the revelation of the seven exclusive “Last Call” special editions for the 2023 Challenger. These models are designed to celebrate this final model year and the legacy of the Challenger, starting with the Shakedown, which recreates the Dodge Shakedown Challenger concept from the 2016 SEMA Show. This includes red “392” fender graphics, a “Shakedown” spoiler graphic and stripe with a red accent, red six-piston Brembo brakes, and a black-and-red interior with Alcantara seats featuring red stitching.

The second special edition revealed was the Dodge Challenger Scat Pack Swinger model, which is designed to deliver a retro exterior and interior appearance. This includes available F8 Green, Sublime Green, and White Knuckle exterior colors, along with green interior accents to create a classic overall look. The Swinger also includes unique Gold School badging, wheels, and painted Shaker intake to add to its retro appearance and create something truly unique.

If you’re looking for something deeply intimidating, Dodge has revealed a Challenger Black Ghost edition designed to offer a modern interpretation of the original from the 1970s. This Black Ghost includes black “gator skin” roof vinyl graphics, script badges, and white tail graphics, along with an exclusive Black Ghost instrument panel, Alcantara steering wheel with a red SRT logo, and leather seats and door bolsters to create a gorgeous interior. Only 1,000 each of the Shakedown and Swinger special editions are being produced, while only 300 Black Ghost models will exist. All of the “Last Call” special editions include a commemorative “Last Call” plaque under the hood to mark them as part of this final run.

Every End Is a New Beginning

You can see just how much care is being put into sending the Challenger out in a way that honors everything it has meant to so many drivers over the decades. While we’re sad to see the end of this era, we’re also anticipating what the future will hold and what all-electric muscle cars will look, sound, and feel like. The potential for incredible power and instant torque in a beast like this is more than enough to have us looking forward to the future of the Dodge Challenger in the next few years. Come join us at Zimmer Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to celebrate the end of gas-powered muscle cars and to be the first to learn more about the Challenger if Dodge decides to bring the name back as an EV muscle car in the near future.