Dodge to discontinue Charger and Challenger muscle cars in 2023

MANILA: Dodge has announced that it will be ending the production of the V8-powered Charger and Challenger in December 2023. A commemorative “Last Call” underhood plaque will be included in all 2023 Charger and Challenger units, making them a true collector’s vehicle.

Dodge also teased its 2023 special-edition models during the Dodge Speed Week held at M1 Concourse in Michigan, USA.

The Charger and the Challenger have been raved for their exhilarating performance, from the 707 horsepower of the original Hellcat to the 840 horsepower of the Challenger SRT Demon.  Since 2005, the Dodge Brampton Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada has produced three-million Dodge units, representing a billion horsepower.

In 2021, the Dodge Challenger became the top muscle car in the US. Now that Dodge has teased the rollout of the 2023 lineup, enthusiast demand is gaining momentum.

“We are celebrating the end of an era and the start of a bright new electrified future by staying true to our brand. 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,” Dodge Brand Chief Executive Officer Tim Kuniskis stated.

The seven special models in the 2023 lineup drew inspiration from the legendary history of the Charger and Challenger. The vehicles were displayed under full vehicle covers at M1 Concourse, with each cover featuring hints to the identities of the models.

More details on the six models will be released later this year. The seventh 2023 model will be the last of its kind and will be unveiled at the 2022 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 1 to 4.

Three heritage exterior colors will also make their comeback in the 2023 lineup. These include B5 Blue, Plum Crazy purple, and Sublime green. The 2023 Charger and Challenger will be available in 14 total exterior color options. Both models will also have new “345” fender badging that represents the 345-cubic-inch HEMI engine.

The brushed aluminum “Last Call” plaque will indicate the vehicle name and a vehicle silhouette, along with “Designed in Auburn Hills” and “Assembled in Brampton.”

Dodge has also revealed the color combination ordering restrictions and exclusive content for the SRT Jailbreak models, which were launched earlier this year for the Charger and Challenger Hellcat Redeye Widebody. For the 2023 model year, Jailbreak models will also be available for the 717-horsepower Challenger and Charger SRT Hellcat.

Ordering and pricing information for the 2023 Dodge Charger and Challenger will be released closer to the launch date.

Photos from Dodge

Also read: Dodge Drive heads north of Manila for adventure, educational trip