 Show DETROIT — Dodge will discontinue its gas-powered Challenger and Charger muscle cars at the end of next year, marking the end of an era for the brand as it starts to transition to electric vehicles. Since being resurrected in the mid- to late 2000s, the Charger and Challenger — names made popular in the 1960s and 1970s — have been stalwarts for Dodge and popular vehicles for a new generation of gearheads. The two-door Challenger particularly struck a chord of nostalgia with buyers thanks to its retro-inspired styling, while the four-door Charger has managed to achieve notable sales milestones despite consumers flocking from sedans to SUVs in recent years. Dodge has also been able to juice profits from the vehicles, which have starting prices ranging from the low-$30,000s to nearly $90,000 for its infamous Hellcat models that produce more than 700 horsepower. 2022 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat (left) and 2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock Dodge "Dodge, with the Challenger and Charger, they really found a way to really get to that muscle car root. These cars definitely expressed it ... and were able to hold onto that essence," said Stephanie Brinley, principal analyst at S&P Global. "Having that clear DNA and clear expression of what they're supposed to be is helping make the transition to electric." Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis has alluded to the possibility that the Charger and Challenger names could be used for future electrified vehicles, including a forthcoming electric muscle car in 2024. He's previously said he believes electrification — whether hybrid vehicles with less powerful engines or all-electric models — will save what he has called the new "Golden Age of muscle cars." For several years, Kuniskis has warned that the end was coming for the gas-powered muscle cars due to emissions regulations. Dodge parent company Stellantis, formerly Fiat Chrysler, ranks the worst among major manufacturers for U.S. corporate average fuel economy and carbon emissions. As many brands switched to smaller and more fuel-efficient engines, Dodge rolled out Hellcat models and other high-performance vehicles. Such models helped generate attention for the brand but didn't help the automaker's carbon footprint, forcing it to buy carbon credits from automakers such as Tesla. "The days of an iron block supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 are numbered," Kuniskis previously told CNBC, referring to engines like those in the Hellcat. "But the performance that those vehicles generate is not numbered." Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis speaks Aug. 13, 2021 during a media event. In the back, the Fratzog logo was used alongside Dodge's current logo. Michael Wayland / CNBC Dodge is launching a litany of special vehicles and products to "celebrate" the end of the cars as they are today. Dodge's plans include seven special-edition, or "buzz," models; a commemorative "Last Call" under-hood plaque for all 2023 model-year vehicles; and a new dealer allocation process, among other measures. The new dealer process will see Dodge allocate 2023 Charger and Challenger models to lots all at once, instead of making orders available throughout the year. Dodge will provide customers a guide to locate specific models at each dealership. Kuniskis said the process is meant to assist customers in getting the specific vehicle they want. "We wanted to make sure we were celebrating these cars properly," Kuniskis said during a media briefing for an event this week in Pontiac, Michigan. The Charger and Challenger are produced at Stellantis' Brampton Assembly plant in Ontario, Canada. The company says it has produced more than 3 million Dodge vehicles at the plant, including 1.5 million Chargers and more than 726,000 Challengers sold in the U.S. Stellantis earlier this year announced plans to invest $2.8 billion in the plant and another Canadian facility, but it has not disclosed what vehicles will be produced at the facilities. "When we shut down Brampton it will be a 20-year run of Dodge muscle cars," Kuniskis said. "We needed to do this right." The Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger, in current form, are coming to an end, and the Dodge brand is seizing the opportunity to celebrate in true, over-the-top Dodge style. The Dodge 2023 lineup will pay homage to the muscle car pair with seven special models, the return of a rainbow of heritage colors, an expansion of SRT® Jailbreak models, a commemorative “Last Call” underhood plaque for all 2023 Charger and Challenger vehicles and a new, customer-focused vehicle allocation process. Demon, Hellcat, Redeye, Scat Pack, Shaker, Jailbreak. Iconic Dodge Charger and Challenger models have ushered in a second golden age of the muscle car, continuously elevating the magic number for performance from the 707 horsepower of the original Hellcat to the 840-horsepower Challenger SRT Demon. Since the modern-day Charger was launched in 2005, the Brampton (Ontario, Canada) Assembly Plant has built 3 million Dodge vehicles, representing a billion horsepower. Charger and Challenger are departing on top — Challenger closed 2021 as the No. 1 muscle car in the U.S. — with enthusiast demand that will only gain momentum as the brand teases the rollout of the 2023 vehicle lineup. “We are celebrating the end of an era — and the start of a bright new electrified future — by staying true to our brand,” said Tim Kuniskis, Dodge brand chief executive officer – Stellantis. “At Dodge, we never lift, and the brand will mark the last of our iconic Charger and Challenger nameplates in their current form in the same way that got us here, with a passion both for our products and our enthusiasts that drives us to create as much uniqueness in the muscle car community and marketplace as possible.” New Models Embrace Dodge HeritageDodge will pay tribute to the long and legendary history of the Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger by introducing seven heritage-influenced models for the 2023 model year. The models were teased and displayed under full vehicle covers at M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan, during the first day of the three-day Dodge Speed Week event, which featured announcements and reveals of current Dodge products. Each model will share a connection to an iconic Dodge model from the past, reaching back to the dawn of the muscle-car era in the 1960s and 1970s. Graphics featured on each vehicle cover offer hints to the secret identities of the models displayed at M1 Concourse. Details and specific information on six of the vehicles will be released later this year. The new models will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis at top-selling Dodge dealerships, with a list of dealerships to be shared on DodgeGarage.com. The seventh and final 2023 Dodge model will be the very last of its kind and will be revealed at the 2022 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, scheduled for Nov. 1-4, 2022. Heritage Colors, Commemorative Plaques and JailbreaksDodge brand will also celebrate its 2023 model lineup by bringing back three beloved heritage exterior colors: B5 Blue, Plum Crazy purple and Sublime green. One popular modern color, Destroyer Grey, also returns to the fold. Charger and Challenger will each offer 14 total 2023 exterior color options. 2023 Charger and Challenger R/T models will also feature new “345” fender badging, a callout to the 345-cubic-inch HEMI® engine under the hood. All 2023 Dodge Charger and Challenger models will also carry a special commemorative “Last Call” underhood plaque, making every 2023 Charger and Challenger a true collector’s vehicle. The brushed aluminum underhood “Last Call” plaque features the vehicle name and a vehicle silhouette, as well as “Designed in Auburn Hills” and “Assembled in Brampton” to proclaim each vehicle’s origin. The brand is also expanding the reach of its popular SRT Jailbreak models, which were introduced earlier this year for the Dodge Charger and Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody, unlocking color combination ordering restrictions and exclusive content. For 2023 model year, Jailbreak models will also be available for the 717-horsepower Challenger and Charger SRT Hellcat, providing even more owners the option of building their own one-of-a-kind muscle car. Making the “Last Call”Dodge is taking a new approach to getting the Charger and Challenger in the hands of its enthusiasts. The entire 2023 Charger and Challenger model-year run will be allocated to dealerships all at once, helping customers identify and secure their dream cars more easily. Dodge will provide customers a guide for locating their desired Charger or Challenger at DodgeGarage.com, which will include information on all 2023 Charger and Challenger inventory at each Dodge dealership. Ordering and pricing information for the 2023 Dodge Charger and Challenger will be announced closer to the on-sale date. Is Dodge discontinuing the Hellcat in 2023?Originally the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat was to be a limited production run that ended its run in June 2021. But the automaker recently made a shocking revelation of bringing back this mad SUV for another run as a 2023 MY.
Is there going to be a 2023 Dodge Charger?2023 is the final model year for the current generation of the Dodge Charger. It continues as a 4-door muscle car with multiple V8 options and a roomy interior. Pricing starts at $32,645. The 2023 Dodge Charger is in its swan song as the Dodge brand prepares for a future of electrified muscle cars.
How much will the 2023 Hellcat cost?Starting at $69,340. Highs Reality-altering horsepower, useable rear seat, comfy ride.
When can I order a 2023 Hellcat?The Durango SRT Hellcat also expands the Durango lineup to six models, joining the Durango SXT, GT, R/T, Citadel and SRT 392. Orders for the 2023 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat will open in September 2022, with the Hellcat scheduled to arrive in dealerships in early 2023.
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