- The Dodge Challenger is an integral part of muscle car history
- ‘Last Call’ limited-edition model of the Dodge Challenger revealed
- What’s next for the Dodge Challenger?
As Dodge gets ready to say goodbye to the Charger and Challenger, the automaker is releasing seven “Last Call” limited-edition models of each iconic muscle car.
The 2023 Dodge Challenger is the first vehicle to get the special treatment, and with only 1,000 models available, there is no doubt demand for the “Last Call” limited-edition will be high.
The Dodge Challenger is an integral part of muscle car history
Special-edition 2023 Dodge Challenger | Stellantis
The success of the Dodge Challenger relies heavily on its nostalgia factor. One of the first authentic muscle cars, the V8-powered vehicle first came to be in 1970, built in response to Ford’s ever-popular 1964 Mustang.
With eight available engine options, the first Dodge Challenger offered a Hemi V8 that produced a blistering 425 hp and 490 lb-ft of torque. By the early 80s, as consumer demand for vehicles with better fuel economy grew, the Challenger fell from grace, losing its edge in the competitive, fast-driving, power-hungry V8 market.
In 2008, the automaker decided to resurrect the Challenger, putting out a 5.7 liter Hemi V8 paired with a six-speed manual transmission that produced 370 hp and 404 lb-ft of torque, pushing 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. As time progressed, Dodge introduced the SRT8 with a 6.4 liter V-8 that put out a thunderous 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. In 2013, they even brought back the iconic Hemi Orange and Plum Crazy exterior color schemes.
Dodge upped the ante in 2015, pushing 707 hp in the supercharged Challenger SRT Hellcat that boasted a Hemi V8 with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It was able to go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds.
By 2020, the muscle car reached its peak performance with the release of the SRT Super Stock, which, according to MotorTrend, could push 807 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque.
‘Last Call’ limited-edition model of the Dodge Challenger revealed
2023 @Dodge Challenger Shakedown is first of seven 'Last Call' special editions: https://t.co/FnquDGu7Rz pic.twitter.com/jAItIbgQJE
— Car and Driver (@CARandDRIVER) August 24, 2022
Now that Dodge has decided to do away with the Challenger and Charger line, they are going out in style with the highly-anticipated Last Call limited edition vehicles.
The 2023 Dodge Challenger Shakedown is the first model to be revealed. According to Jalopnik, there will only be 500 of the R/T Scat Pack in Destroyer Grey, and 500 R/T Scat Pack Widebody models in Pitch Black released.
As consumers bid a fond farewell to the muscle era, the 2023 models of both the Challenger and Charger will be the final model years.
Stellantis announced in a press release that the limited edition Challenger Shakedown would feature the iconic Mopar Shaker hood and Mopar intake with red six-piston Brembo brakes.
The first Last Call model will carry a “Shakedown” IP badge, showcasing Shakedown spoiler graphics, red accent stripes, and additional red “392” fender graphics. The premium black Nappa/Alcantara seats will include red stitching with interior red stitching on the console and steering wheel. Also included will be an R/T grille badge, a “Shaker” decal, and a “Last Call” plaque under the hood.
What’s next for the Dodge Challenger?
#Dodge brings retro flair to its “Last Call” lineup with a pair of modern-day Swingers. The 2023 @Dodge Challenger and Charger R/T Scat Pack Swinger models pay homage to Dodge brand’s “swinging” muscle car lineup of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Link: https://t.co/VBng7P7Oag pic.twitter.com/cZe311MhNQ
— Stellantis North America (@StellantisNA) September 7, 2022
Stellantis has plans to release six more special-edition Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger Last Call models before September 21, 2022. The seventh and final 2023 Dodge model will be unveiled at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, scheduled for November 1 – 4, 2022.
These limited-edition models will be the last chance fans of the muscle car era will have to get their hands on a piece of history as Dodge says goodbye to the V8 combustion engine and moves toward a more electrified product lineup.
Keyword: Dodge Challenger: First of 7 ‘Last Call’ Limited-Editions Revealed