You have days, not months, to order a Challenger or Charger
Dodge is issuing the last call for its “Last Call” Chargers and Challengers.
The Stellantis-owned automaker is directing dealers to submit orders for 2023 Challengers and Chargers by the end of July. Both are going out of production by the end of the 2023 model year—specifically, no later than December 31.
All 2023 Dodge Charger and Challenger models will carry commemorative “Last Call” underhood plaques, and seven Dodge “Last Call” special-edition models were introduced to help celebrate “the end of an era,” Dodge says. Potential customers can locate a Dodge “Last Call” model — ranging from the entry-level SXT to a special-edition model — through the “Horsepower Locator” tool at DodgeGarage.com, then contact a dealer to place an order.
“For enthusiasts looking to order a Dodge Challenger or Charger, especially a high-horsepower model, such as the Scat Pack, SRT Hellcat or a special-edition model, it’s truly the last call for the ‘Last Call,’” said Tim Kuniskis, Dodge brand CEO. “As we transition to an exciting, electrified muscle car future, we’re marking the end of an unforgettable era for Dodge, and time is running out for those who want to own a piece of it.”
It will be interesting to see how many Charger and Challenger customers will migrate to that “exciting, electrified” future. The company is pushing the new hybrid Hornet SUV, with the Hornet R/T hitting dealerships this month. The R/T is “ is the most powerful in the segment with 288 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The Dodge Hornet R/T offers 32 miles of all-electric range via a 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery, and 360 miles of total range, as well as a class-exclusive, on-demand PowerShot feature that supplies a burst of 30 horsepower, resulting in a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.6 seconds.”
The current Charger joined the lineup in 2006 using some Mercedes-Benz components (this was the Daimler-Chrysler era), and while the 2011 model was billed as a new generation, changes were modest, and there was also a styling update in 2015. Since the model was introduced, a Hemi V-8 was part of the lineup, and the Charger soon morphed into a genuine performance car.
The Challenger debuted at the Detroit auto show in 2006, and entered production in 2008, using many of the same parts and pieces as the Charger. Battling the fifth generations of the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, the retro-looking Challenger’s performance versions—particularly the 707-horsepower Hellcat that arrived in 2015—have centered more around drag racing than those of the Mustang and Camaro, which are oriented to road-course performance.
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To the best that I can tell, the only thing people use these cars for is doing donuts in middle of public roads and running from cops
An unfortunate, and largely inaccurate, stereotype.
Been to Louisville, Ky, lately?
‘Running from cops’ (who are driving Chargers themselves). The standard issue vehicle for the NH State Police are (nice, very fast) Chargers (as is the case for so many local police departments here).
Don’t forget “getting repossessed after they default on 19% interest”
All of a sudden local dealers (Twin Cities) have Hellcat pickups sitting on the lot. Those were order out and wait a year vehicles not too long ago. I got on the Dodge website and save a couple of Widebody models these cars are not sold out by any means. Joe did that. I predict the ICE show goes on at Mopar after 1/1/24. Especially seeing the faux Mustang EV’s piling up at the local Ford dealers…my 2008 GT is laughing!
Interestingly the Ford dealership I drive by on the way to work seems to have as many Mach-Es on the lot as F-150s.
And this is in Texas. So there were lots of F-150s.
I have not heard of the Hellcat pickup. Does it have another model name, by chance?
It’s the TRX: https://www.hagerty.com/media/new-car-reviews/review-2021-ram-1500-trx/
Thanks for this. I was feeling down about the end of the era….but realizing how many cement heads cling to it, I’m ready to move on. I appreciate your making it clear to me.
I just recently had a Charger RT (white, with 5.7, black package, and fancy exhaust) as a rental for a week. Definitely the most fun rental car I’ve ever had. The car offered a really nice blend of power, decent handling, comfortable ride, strong infotainment, understated looks, and 4-door convenience. Much better than the wholly disappointing Accord Sport I rented a week later.
Never been a Dodge guy, but the Charger RT really is a nice car. Perhaps not deserving of the disdain it gets due to the stereotypical owners. I’m going to call this one a future classic.
I’m not ready to spend $45k on a Dodge, but I’ll definitely be watching these in the used market over the next couple of years.
Somewhat sad to see the V8’s go as they are the only thing that interests me in this brand. When they go my interest in this brand goes with it.
Is it too soon to make jokes about the 392 credit score badge on the side of some models?
I had a new Charger V6 with AWD as a rental last month for 10 days. Yes, I know, it was only the V6, but it was the best rental car I’ve ever had. I really hated to give it back.
I’m still at a loss as to what will replace the Charger/Challenger. So far all we have seen is a couple prototypes. Wouldn’t it make more sense to phase in the EV models first, then phase out the legacy ICE models? Stellantis management still seems totally out of sorts with the U.S. product line.
^This.