How Dodge Discontinued Its Muscle Cars in the Coolest Way Possible

We knew that Dodge would not be the same after 2023. How could it be, following the discontinuation of the Dodge Charger and Challenger? How are we supposed to continue in a world without two of the most iconic muscle cars in the world? Furthermore, with other brands also pulling their muscle cars out of production, it feels like the roads just got a little quieter and a little less exciting.

But it’s not really the end! After all, Dodge created possibly one of the best final production years ever for both cars, and you can still find these amazing models here at our Dodge dealership. Surely, the 2023 Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger will go down in history as one of the most impressive farewell campaigns of all time. As a result, it’s very clear that the Charger and Challenger will continue to live on.

First, there was the “Last Call” series, followed by a Mopar super-reunion special edition, not to mention Dodge taking the opportunity to exorcise its last Demon. We’d say 2023 was a depressing year, but we’re still reeling from the amazing way Charger and Challenger said goodbye.

The Last Call Models

Dodge made it clear in 2022 that the 2023 Charger and 2023 Challenger would signal the end of production for these two giants. However, instead of releasing a single special commemorative edition or adding a plaque to the interior of the last production year, Dodge created an entire series of special Charger and Challenger models that ranged across all trim and luxury levels. Best of all, prospective drivers can find these vehicles through the Dodge Horsepower Locator tool. They are limited, they are elusive, and they are amazing.

The first six Last Call models included:

• Challenger Shakedown
• Charger Super Bee
• Challenger Swinger
• Charger Swinger
• Charger King Daytona
• Challenger Black Ghost

Each of these models includes its own array of specialized features. The Dodge Challenger Shakedown was the first to arrive, featuring a black and red interior and exterior color palette that pays homage to the Dodge Shakedown Challenger concept that was first displayed at the 2016 SEMA Show. Only 1000 examples were produced, split evenly between R/T Scat Pack cars in Destroyer Grey and R/T Scat Pack Widebody cars in Pitch Black.

Limited to just 500 R/T Scat Pack models in B5 Blue and 500 R/T Scat Pack Widebody versions in Plum Crazy, the Charger Super Bee includes drag chops, including an adaptive damping suspension with Drag drive mode and standard drag radial racing tires. Special Super Bee badging adorns the grille, fenders, seat backs, and instrument cluster to leave no confusion as to what you are driving.

The two Swinger models honor the iconic muscle cars of the 1960s and 1970s with a retro-based design sporting Gold School accents combined with an F8 Green, Sublime Green, or White Knuckle body color. Special retro graphics really make the look pop. There are 1,000 examples each for the Charger and Challenger, all based on the R/T Scat Pack Widebody.

Equally bright, the Charger King Daytona edition combines Go Mango and orange themes, but the real standout on this model is the 807 hp that comes from specially tuning the SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody to accommodate a little something extra. Normally, this trim “only” offers 797 hp, making the King Daytona a truly special car.

The Black Ghost special edition does a similar favor to the Challenger and is also based on the SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody variant of the car, but with colors that match the original Black Ghost that prowled along 1970s Woodward Avenue looking to drag race unsuspecting victims. The exterior appearance is throwback to the original from chrome to white script. It even includes a black gator skin vinyl roof, just like the original.

Each “Last Call” model is limited in number. Now that they have been released into the market, it may be easier or harder to track down these rare Dodges, depending on collector demand.

The SRT Demon 170

The final “Last Call” vehicle is special enough to deserve its own section. Known officially as the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170, the last of the “Last Calls” is something of an engineering phenomenon.

In the standard Challenger lineup, drivers have several engine options, depending on the trim they select. This is nothing new. The base engine for the 2023 Dodge Challenger is a 303 hp 3.6L Pentastar V6. That’s definitely more horsepower than your average sedan or SUV. At the other end of the spectrum, Dodge has offered a supercharged 6.2L high-output Hellcat V8 on the SRT Hellcat Redeye, SRT Jailbreak, and Challenger SRT Super Stock models. This engine tops out at 807 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque.

The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 “Last Call” model bravely provides 1,025 hp and 945 lb-ft of torque, making the trip from zero to 60 mph in a mere 1.66 seconds and dishing out a cool 2.004 Gs––that’s G-force measurement for drivers who have not had the pleasure to experience it. To emphasize this fact, consider that the Challenger SRT Demon 170 received a violation letter from the National Hot Rod Association due to running an 8.91-second quarter mile without a safety cage or parachute.

Of course, that’s with E85 fuel. If you use standard pump gas, you “only” get 900 hp and 810 lb-ft of torque. The balance of responsibility and pure thrills often requires compromise.

The Mopar Special Edition

Mopar Special Editions have become a fixture for Dodge vehicles since 2010, including special collaboration models of the Challenger, Charger, Dart, and Durango. As a way to memorialize this collaboration, the Mopar Custom Shop put its touches on a 2023 Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack Widebody. Limited to just 200 units of each model, the 2023 Mopar Special Edition Challenger and Charger models are very special indeed.

There are obvious touches, like the super-sleek Pitch Black Clear Coat exterior and Mopar Blue tracer stripes. Other special features are a bit more subtle, like the Bilstein three-mode adaptive damping system or Pirelli P Zero summer performance tires, both of which improve cornering and overall performance at high speeds.

The 2023 Mopar Special Edition versions of the Challenger and Charger make a smooth 485 hp thanks to the naturally aspirated 392 HEMI V8 engine. If the mere idea of over 1,000 hp is too much for you, the Mopar Special Edition should provide plenty of thrills… if you can find one!

Consider the Dodge Challenger and Charger

It still seems too soon to consider the Challenger and Charger “collector” models. For six decades, these muscle cars have ruled the streets with their distinctive looks, personality, and sound. Knowing they have been officially retired still burns a bit.

However, it is some consolation to know that these two legends have left in the most iconic way possible: seven special editions, each paying tribute to a classic ancestor in its muscle car lineage, combined with a Mopar collaboration that exemplifies what you could do to you Charger or Challenger, given full access to the Mopar Custom Shop inventory.

It practically goes without saying that the 2023 Dodge Challenger and Charger models are going to be just as legendary as the preceding models. Adding one to your collection now might just set you ahead of other muscle car collectors. But first, you should probably drive a little bit. Just to make sure everything works, of course. It would be a shame to miss out on this sort of performance.

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