 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." , /PRNewswire/ --
The Dodge brand's "Last Call" lineup heads into the homestretch with a special-edition Dodge vehicle that owns a royal racing pedigree: the 2023 Dodge Charger King Daytona. The 2023 Dodge Charger King Daytona traces its lineage to a famous monarch of the 1960s and 1970s West Coast drag-racing scene: William "Big Willie" Robinson, who nicknamed his 1969 Dodge Charger "King Daytona" and used it not only in claiming victory at the drag strip, but also in keeping racers on the track and off the streets. The 2023 Dodge Charger King Daytona honors the original by bumping performance to 807 horsepower and pairing a Go Mango exterior with unique orange interior accents. The 2023 Dodge Charger King Daytona represents the fifth of seven special-edition Dodge "Last Call" models that celebrate the Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger, which in their current form are coming to an end. The Dodge Charger King Daytona follows previously announced Dodge Challenger Shakedown, Dodge Charger Super Bee and Dodge Challenger and Charger Scat Pack Swinger models. Only two more Dodge "Last Call" models will be announced: one on September 21, 2022, and the seventh and final special-edition model — the very last of its kind — at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, scheduled for Nov. 1-4, 2022. "The special-edition Dodge Charger King Daytona honors a true icon of muscle car history," said Tim Kuniskis, Dodge brand chief executive officer – Stellantis. "The final Dodge 'Last Call' models will continue to celebrate the legacy of the Dodge Charger and Challenger by paying tribute to two vehicles that hold a special place in our brand's history." 2023 Dodge Charger King Daytona
The 2023 Dodge Charger King Daytona, as with all seven of the "Last Call" special-edition models, will be allocated to specific dealerships, with pricing and dealer information shared on DodgeGarage.com when vehicle ordering opens later this fall. Details on the Dodge "Last Call" models are available at Dodge.com. Information on the Never Lift 24-month road map to the Dodge brand's future is available at DodgeGarage.com. "Last Call" Highlights All 2023 Dodge Charger and Challenger models will also carry a special commemorative "Last Call" underhood plaque, making every 2023 Charger and Challenger especially desirable. 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. Dodge is taking a new approach in 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 to 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 information for the 2023 Dodge Charger and Challenger will be announced fall 2022. Dodge//SRT Dodge drives forward as a pure performance brand, offering SRT Hellcat versions of the Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger and Dodge Durango, as well as an R/T plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version of the all-new 2023 Dodge Hornet, representing the brand's first-ever electrified performance vehicle. Dodge delivers the drag-strip dominating 807-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock; the 797-horsepower Dodge Charger SRT Redeye, the most powerful and fastest mass-produced sedan in the world; and the 710-horsepower Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, the most powerful SUV ever; and best-in-class standard performance in the compact utility vehicle segment with the Dodge Hornet. Combined, these four muscle vehicles make Dodge the industry's most powerful brand, offering more horsepower than any other American brand across its entire lineup. In 2022, the Dodge brand ranked No. 1 in the J.D. Power APEAL Study (mass market), making it the only domestic brand ever to do so three years in a row. In 2020, Dodge was named the "#1 Brand in Initial Quality," making it the first domestic brand ever to rank No. 1 in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS). Dodge is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com. Follow Dodge and company news and video on: SOURCE Stellantis What is Dodge making in 2023?Model Preview. The 2023 model year will mark the end of the line for the Dodge Challenger. Dodge is giving the muscle car a proper send-off with seven special editions and an easier way for shoppers to order a Challenger convertible via third-party company Drop Top Customs.
Is Dodge making a 2024 Charger?But Dodge already announced they are phasing out the Charger and Challenger after the 2023 model year for electrified "eMuscle." Dodge announced an electric model will follow in 2024 to replace them.
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