The day that was once far on the horizon has now arrived; Dodge has officially announced the discontinuation of the Charger and Challenger models, but not without giving them some proper wiring.
The news was announced during Dodge’s annual Week of Speed celebration at the M1 Hall in Pontiac, Michigan, where a large presentation flashed the heartwarming tag line: “The 2023 Challengers and Chargers will be the last.” Beneath the display were a series of final offerings to be made during their twilight hours.
Seven heritage-influenced models will be offered for the 2023 model year, each one tied to some of Dodge’s past icons. Not much is known about each model, but exact details on six of them are expected to be released later this year, with the seventh and final model to be unveiled at this year’s SEMA show November 1-4 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
All 2023 Chargers and Challengers will feature a special Last Call nameplate with the car’s name, silhouette and location. R/T-equipped rides will feature a special “345” badge on the fenders, representing the 345-cubic-inch HEMI that powers each. Dodge also intends to revive three traditional colors for both models: B5 Blue, Plum Crazy Purple and Sublime Green; the modern Destroyer Gray will also return. Both the Charger and Challenger will offer 14 paint options.
As far as brands go, it wouldn’t be a stretch to call Dodge a wild card of sorts, always pulling another ace up its sleeve to liven up the muscle/performance world. And we got a taste of what Dodge has in store for the Challenger wires.
When the current version of the Dodge Challenger hit the streets in 2008, a convertible was not an option. Even earlier, the Challenger was offered as a convertible only twice: in 1970-71. Although the convertible cannot be produced directly on the assembly line, 2022 and 2023 customers will be able to professionally drop the tops of their Challengers. Modifications are made Drop Top Customsthe oldest convertible maker in the states to receive future convertibles as part of expedited shipping.
Available on the 2022 and 2023 Challenger R/T, R/T Scat Pack, and SRT models, the end result of this custom convertible is certainly enjoyable, but not for the faint of heart. All said and done, the Challenger Convertible will retail for $25,999 with a final price to be negotiated and confirmed by the customer’s dealer.
Ordering and pricing details for all 2023 Charger and Challenger models will be announced closer to the on-sale date. It is the end of an era that we are sad to see; you can mourn with us as we revisit our recent road tests SRT Hellcat Redeye Charger and track test Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye.
https://www.motorweek.org/auto_news/this_just_in/dodge-challenger-and-charger-are-going-out-with-a-bang
