Despite that the old Challenger still makes some pretty impressive sales numbers, it’s time to say goodbye, at least to the current form of the legendary muscle car. According to the latest reports, the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat will be the last model year. After that, the Challenger we’ve known so far will become history. Future versions will be mostly about electrification, though we won’t exclude the possibility to see the new inline-six on offer as well.
The main reason for such a decision isn’t weak sales results. Moreover, this is still the second best-selling sports car on the market, behind the Mustang. The reason behind this decision is the fact that the legendary engine won’t be able to meet the latest emission regulations.
2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat – Your Last Chance to Get Legendary Muscle Car
The Challenger SRT Hellcat will be killed after the 2023 model year and we have no doubt that other versions will be discontinued in the near future as well. In the case of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, we will see the super-capable sports car for the last time. So, it won’t be a surprise if we see a full bunch of special editions to celebrate the end of an era.
Currently, the legendary Hellcat engine is available in three variants. The base SRT Hellcat puts out around 717 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. Of course, we are talking about 6.2 liters in displacement, plus a forced induction that comes from a supercharger.
The middle-range version is called the Redeye and it comes with a massive power boost, which provides a max output of 797 horsepower and 707 pound-feet of torque. Furthermore, there is the Super Stock version, with 807 horsepower and 707 pound-feet of torque.
All models come coupled with 8-speed automatic transmission.
The starting price goes around 68.000 dollars. The Redeye is available at around $77.000, while the most capable Super Stock model starts at around $86.000
Beyond 2023
We believe that the company will keep the famous nameplate in use. However, we expect to see a completely new generation in the near future, which could completely change the character of this muscle car. Of course, electrification is the first thing that comes to mind and it’s no secret that the company is preparing a concept of an all-electric muscle car for the next year.
However, we are pretty sure that Dodge will make a kind of a transition period and that pure gasoline models will remain on the offer for some more time. In that case, we are pretty sure that the current HEMI engines would be replaced with the new-generation Hurricane inline-six unit. This 3.0-liter will debut soon in Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. So far, the engine came in two variants, where the standard version puts out 410 horsepower, while the more capable variant puts out 510 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque.
