Dodge’s iconic Challenger and Charger muscle cars, with their powerful gas engines, are coming to an end after 2023. The company has announced that it will cease production of the two models by the end of this year and will undergo a major upgrade at its plant in Brampton, Canada, to prepare for the production of electric vehicles (EVs). The plant upgrade is expected to be completed by 2025.
If you’ve been contemplating ordering a Challenger or Charger but haven’t made a decision yet, time is running out. Dodge has directed its dealers to submit final orders for the 2023 models by the end of July. This means that there is still some time to secure one of these legendary muscle cars, but not much.
It’s important to note that while Dodge is discontinuing the current Challenger and Charger models, successors will be offered. However, these future models will be EVs, marking a significant shift in the brand’s direction. Dodge has already given a glimpse of what’s to come with its Charger Daytona concept, which previews an electric muscle car expected to hit the market in 2024.
To commemorate the end of the current Challenger and Charger models, Dodge has introduced a series of seven special editions known as the Last Call cars. The flagship model in this series is the Challenger SRT Demon 170, a beast of a car that delivers a staggering 1,025 horsepower when fueled with E85. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.66 seconds, making it one of the fastest production cars ever made. The final build slot for the Challenger SRT Demon 170 was sold at an auction in Las Vegas last month for an impressive $700,000.
For those who miss out on one of the Last Call cars, all 2023 Challenger and Charger models come with special features that signify them as the last of their kind. Each car has a commemorative plaque under the hood bearing the scripts “Last Call,” “Designed in Auburn Hills,” and “Assembled in Brampton.”
To assist customers in securing one of the remaining cars, Dodge has launched the Dodge Horsepower Locator on its website DodgeGarage.com. This web function allows users to view the inventory of Challengers and Chargers allocated to dealerships, ranging from the entry-level SXT to special-edition models. Customers can also contact the dealership through the website to place an order.
Tim Kuniskis, Dodge’s CEO, emphasizes the urgency for enthusiasts to order a Challenger or Charger before it’s too late. He recognizes that these iconic muscle cars have played a significant role in Dodge’s history and believes that the transition to an electrified muscle car future marks the end of an unforgettable era.
The decision to discontinue the Challenger and Charger in their current form reflects the industry-wide shift towards electrification. As governments worldwide implement stricter emission regulations and consumers become more conscious of their carbon footprint, automakers are investing heavily in electric and hybrid technologies. Dodge’s bold move to embrace electric muscle cars demonstrates its commitment to staying at the forefront of automotive innovation.
In conclusion, the countdown is on for the Dodge Challenger and Charger muscle cars as their gas engines are phased out after 2023. While there is still some time to order one of these legendary vehicles, it’s a last chance opportunity that shouldn’t be missed. Dodge’s decision to transition to electric vehicles marks a new era for the brand, and enthusiasts who want to own a piece of the gas-powered muscle car legacy need to act swiftly. Whether it’s securing one of the Last Call cars or placing an order through the Dodge Horsepower Locator, now is the time to make your move and be a part of automotive history.