With an all-electric performance muscle car on the horizon, Dodge is now discontinuing the Challenger and its Charger sibling after the 2023 model year. As a farewell to the retro-styled muscle vehicle, the company is making the models' final model year something unique.
One noteworthy addition to the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat in 2023 is the return of the 6-speed manual gearbox. Also, Plum Crazy and B5 Blue, two heritage hues that will be back for the 2023 model year, are among the 14 exterior color choices available for the Challenger.
Last but not least, Dodge gives more owners the opportunity to access the whole catalog of Dodge customizing choices, since the 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 SRT Hellcat joins the SRT Jailbreak lineup. With seven special editions, Dodge is giving the Challenger lineup a fitting send-off.
For the 2023 model year, the Dodge Challenger will have competition from the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, and Nissan Z. For the final time, here are our favorite features of the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat's new and final iteration.
What We Love About The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat: The Three-Pedal Transmission Is Back
The most noteworthy aspect is the Hellcat’s transmission. Following the introduction of unique variations and making it easier for fans to buy a convertible, it is now providing the formidable Hellcat with a six-speed stick for the first time.
Recall, the Tremec-sourced six-speed manual gearbox was initially available at launch. But, due to its powertrain calibration issue, Dodge made a decision to axe the transmission completely in November 2021, but still promised to bring it back as soon as they addressed the issue. And now, it seems the brand kept its promise.
While it’s unclear how much the stick-shift SRT Hellcat will cost, we strongly think it will be less expensive than the version equipped with the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic.
The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Carries The Same Iconic Look Of Its Predecessor
For the final model year, the Dodge Challenger's external styling won't change. Like its preceding sibling, the 2023 Challenger will still include large air vents, and a black, stylish grille dominating the front.
It also has a Black rear spoiler, 20-inch alloy wheels, a dual-snorkel hood, bi-functional halogen headlights with quad-halo LED surrounds, and LED daytime running lights. The Challenger's rear end has a blocky shape, large exhaust outlets, and a comparable recessed section for the taillights Fender flares and a Widebody competition suspension are all added as part of the Widebody Package, which adds a little flavor to the ordinary counterparts.
The 116-inch wheelbase and 85.4-inch width are the same for all Challenger SRT models, with a ground clearance of 4.5 inches. However, the normal models and the Widebody variants are different. If you don’t count the mirrors, the basic model measures 197.5 inches in length long and 75.7 inches in width. The Widebody, on the other hand, gains 3.5 inches in width.
The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Offers A Desirable Power Output Range
The Challenger and the Charger SRT Hellcat made a big splash with the 707-horsepower figure during their 2015 debuts. About three years later, Dodge rolled out a Challenger SRT Demon, with a rating of 808 horsepower on regular petrol and 840 horsepower on racing fuel. After that, the Challenger and Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye models and their derivatives came out with ratings ranging from 797 to 807 horsepower.
For 2023, the Dodge Challenger will still come with a variety of engines under the hood. The base engine is a 3.6-liter V6, while other options include a 6.4-liter V8, with an overall output ranging from 372 to 807 horsepower. The Challenger SFRT Hellcat trim has a 6.2-liter V8 with supercharging, which makes 717 horsepower and 656 pound-feet of torque – somewhere near the higher end of the power output range.
We Love The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat's Familiar Interior Design And Tech Features
Like the exterior, the Challenger maintains the interior, with a design that draws inspiration from vintage muscle vehicles. It comes with a broad-rimmed steering wheel, an inclined center console, big instruments, and a heavy shift knob. In a high-performance coupe, the Challenger's 16.2 cubic feet of trunk room is excellent. The Challenger's true capacity to accommodate adults in the back is a feature of the cabin, greatly enhancing its suitability as a daily driver.
Like the rest of the cabin, the technological elements of the 2023 Challenger will also be identical to those of the current 2022 model. Standard features include a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. An 8.4-inch touchscreen, a Harman Kardon audio system, GPS, and satellite radio are among the options you’ll most likely want.
On the tech side, the sole significant feature is a rearview camera. This feature joins other standard features like the adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam assist, rear parking sensors Forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Source: Dodge