If you’re a fan of the Dodge Challenger Hellcat, and a fan of three pedals, you’re going to have to be patient. That particular combination of engine and manual transmission is currently on hold for the 2022 models, pending some engineering challenges.
It seems that the company is waiting on revised calibration — the speculation among owners and fans is that the current setup doesn’t meet emissions standards. We’ve been given confirmation by the Canadian division of Stellantis that the stick shift will be coming back, but there’s no firm date on when you can order one. As with all Challengers — and Chargers and Chrysler 300s — the stick-shift cars will come off the assembly line at the company’s factory in Brampton, Ontario.
It’s likely a lot of people will be checking that box when it’s available again, since the Hellcat seems destined to roar off into the sunset after the 2023 models are done. Stellantis intends to add electrified models to all of its brands, and we’re expecting to see an electric Dodge muscle car concept unveiled sometime this year.
The six-speed manual is still available on the Challenger R/T and Scat Pack, but not right now on the Hellcat’s supercharged 6.2L V8 that makes 797 horsepower and 707 lb-ft of torque (and 807 horsepower in the Super Stock). The eight-speed automatic will still get all that grunt to the tires, but if it’s all about the shift, it may be a while before your new wheels are in the driveway.
Keyword: Shifty News: Dodge Challenger Hellcats temporarily lose their manual transmissions