Here at American Racing, we never thought we’d see this day come. Feared it? Yes. However, we never fully accepted that the manufacturer responsible for such seemingly irresponsible high horsepower trims would call it quits on their two performance torchbearers. Dodge announced this week that their trail of tread will come to an end in 2023 with the discontinuation of the Charger and Challenger in their current form. Although Dodge provided enthusiasts with over a decade-and-a-half of Hemi-powered gallantry, the horsepower arms race is coming to a close – but not without a proper victory lap.
The 2023 Dodge lineup will honor the muscle car duo with seven special models, heritage color options, SRT Jailbreak models, and a “Last Call” underhood plaque for all 2023 models. While this comes as upsetting news to enthusiasts, Dodge is leaving on top. The Challenger holds the crown as the #1 selling muscle car, and the bespoke colors and one-off customizable trim options will only spark more popularity and demand.
Photo: DodgeGarage.com
“We are celebrating the end of an era — and the start of a bright new electrified future — by staying true to our brand,” Dodge chief executive Tim Kuniskis said in Stellantis’s announcement.
The highly regarded SRT Jailbreak models will allow customers to spec their Challengers and Chargers with a variety of one-off add-ons and customizations. From colors, widebody options, and the factory 717-horsepower Hellcat trim, the Jailbreak series will put the power in customer’s hands one last time.
“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,” said Kuniskis.
Not only is Dodge shaking up their protocols for the final production year, but customers will have a new way of securing their rides. The entire 2023 Charger and Challenger run will be allocated and made available to dealerships all at once. Fear not, there will be some semblance of order and organization to this mad dash. Dodge will provide a locator guide at DodgeGarage.com, and include information on 2023 Charger and Challenger inventory at each Dodge dealership.
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