Embracing the Challenge of the 2023 Dodge Challenger

Muscle cars were once the signature model here in the US. Our roads were dominated by big, powerful coupes and sedans; these were the ubiquitous American cars—that which stirred the imaginations and conjured up images of men and women tearing up the open road—but fuel shortages and changing tastes saw an end to many of these classic vehicles. Fortunately, the folks at Dodge never gave up on the muscle car, knowing that a time would come when drivers would want to return to the days of the fastback coupe. Hence, Dodge brought back its iconic Challenger in 2008, signaling a generational shift by building a coupe that looked just like those models from the late ’60s and early ’70s, but with a few decided differences.

While the new Dodge Challenger has all the cool looks, speed, and acceleration of the original model, it also comes with standard safety and driver assistance features that motorists have come to expect from modern vehicles. It also has the Uconnect infotainment system, so you can stay connected, make hands-free calls and texts, and hear clear music instead of AM radio static. So, if you’ve been googling “Dodge dealer near me,” skip the scrambling and come through Zimmer Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram; we have the full spread of 2023 Dodge Challenger trims to choose from, and our team will be happy to show you all the different features on each one, so you can take up the challenge for yourself and hit the road.

Regular Bodies and Widebodies

We get asked a lot of questions from folks looking at the 2023 Dodge Challenger—which isn’t surprising since Dodge offers this sports coupe with six different engines, two different transmissions, and eleven different trims—but the most commonly asked question is the difference between a regular body and a widebody model.

The 2023 Challenger has six models with regular bodies: the STX, GT, R/T, R/T Scat Pack, SRT Hellcat Jailbreak, and SRT Hellcat Redeye Jailbreak. Each has a body that measures 197.9 inches in length, 75.7 inches in width, and 57.7 inches in height, with a 116.2-inch wheelbase.

There are also five widebody models, each as an SRT or Scat Pack trim; there’s the R/T Scat Pack Widebody, SRT Hellcat Widebody Jailbreak, SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Jailbreak, SRT Super Stock, and SRT Demon 170. These have the same length and wheelbase as the regular body models but increase the width to 78.3 inches with a slightly shorter 57.5-inch roofline, which allows them to sport wider wheels and tires with a more aerodynamic profile.

Beyond the differences in body style, there are also six different engines, thus increasing your options when buying a Challenger. Dodge understands their muscle car enthusiasts—that each wants something unique out of their Challenger, and Dodge gives them this opportunity.

The 3.6L Pentastar V6

The smallest engine of any of the 2023 Challenger models is a 3.6L Pentastar V6; this comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and is the powertrain featured on the Challenger STX and GT trims. Interestingly enough, these are the only ones available with an all-wheel drive option. The Pentastar V6 produces 303 hp at 6,350 RPM and 268 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 RPM.

The Challenger STX and GT trims were designed for daily drivers who want the look, feel, and performance of a sports coupe but also want a vehicle with solid fuel economy. As such, the STX and GT with rear-wheel drive can get up to 23 MPG in combined fuel economy, making them a practical choice for daily commuters. The key difference between the STX and GT is the addition of a performance hood with a functional scoop, carbon aluminum wheels, and front bolster seats on the GT trim.

The 5.7L HEMI “Eagle” V8

When folks think of Dodge engines, they think of the famous gas-powered HEMI V8. The 2023 Challenger R/T features a 5.7L HEMI V8 nicknamed the “Eagle” for its solid performance. This engine comes with a TREMEC six-speed manual transmission or an available TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, and it has rear-wheel drive standard.

The “Eagle” delivers up to 375 hp at 5,150 RPM and 410 lb-ft of torque at 4,300 RPM. It also can get up to 19 MPG in combined fuel economy with the available automatic transmission. This larger engine is the primary advantage of the R/T over the GT trim.

The 6.4L 392 HEMI “Apache” V8

Nicknamed “Apache,” the 6.4L 392 HEMI V8 is available with either the TREMEC six-speed manual transmission or a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission; this powertrain is featured on the Challenger R/T Scat Pack and R/T Scat Pack Widebody trims. This “Apache” outputs 485 hp at 6,100 RPM and 475 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 RPM. While it won’t win any awards for being economical, you can still get up to 18 MPG in combined fuel economy if you opt for the available automatic transmission.

Both the 2023 Challenger R/T Scat Pack and R/T Scat Pack Widebody feature a set of Brembo performance brakes; these will do an excellent job of slowing this Challenger down when you reach that dreaded red light. The R/T Scat Pack Widebody adds a Bilstein adaptive damping suspension with customizable ride stiffness settings, as well as a wider body.

The 6.2L HEMI “Hellcat” V8

Dodge offers three different versions of its powerful 6.2L HEMI “Hellcat” V8 on the 2023 Challenger. These engines are not for the faint of heart, as they can propel your Challenger from zero to sixty in the blink of an eye.

The SRT Hellcat Jailbreak and SRT Hellcat Widebody Jailbreak trims feature a supercharged version of this engine, which comes with a TREMEC six-speed manual transmission or an available TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. This is the only version of the “Hellcat” available with a manual transmission. It delivers an impressive 717 hp at 6,000 RPM and 656 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 RPM. Those with the automatic transmission will provide an acceptable 16 MPG in combined fuel economy, but that’s not usually something people gripe about since speed and acceleration are the priority.

You can also opt for a 6.2L HEMI “Hellcat” V8 with a high-output supercharger; this will boost performance to 797 hp at 6,300 RPM and 707 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 RPM. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and is featured on the SRT Hellcat Redeye Jailbreak and SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Jailbreak. The 2023 Challenger SRT Super Stock has the same engine, but Dodge has given it a nice little boost, increasing the output to 807 hp at 6,400 RPM—and yet, this is not the most powerful engine in the 2023 Challenger lineup…

The devilish 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is hotter than hell and faster than flame. It features a version of the 6.2L HEMI “Hellcat” V8 that claims to be demonically supercharged, providing an insane 1,025 hp at 6,500 RPM and 945 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 RPM, making it the most powerful production muscle car available anywhere. This beast has been clocked going from zero to sixty in just 1.66 seconds, making it the fastest production car alive.

In fact, the SRT Demon 170 can get up to its top speed of 151 mph in just 8.91 seconds, which is how long it takes most vehicles to get up to 60 mph. With its widebody design, the SRT Demon 170 has a set of Mickey Thompson ET Street R Drag Radials, which will help keep this headed in the right direction—but keep in mind that this is not a muscle car for everyone, as it produces 2.004 Gs at its peak acceleration. Still, we’re sure there are quite a few thrill seekers who will sell their souls for a chance to test-drive a Challenger SRT Demon 170.

Challenge the Road in a 2023 Dodge Challenger

If you’re looking for a muscle car that provides all the looks and thrills of those iconic sports coupes from yesteryear—but with the capabilities and convenience features of today—then the 2023 Dodge Challenger is the model for you.

Whichever trim, body, and engine you opt for, you’ll get a sports coupe unlike any other muscle car available today. Drop by Zimmer Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, and let us help you get behind the wheel of a 2023 Challenger today!